The Rise of Lia Suri Delicious: A Homegrown Business with a Global Vision
A Passion for Chilli Sauce
53-year-old Norlia Jaafar is the founder of Lia Suri Delicious, a homegrown business in Simpang, Perak. Her entrepreneurial journey began when she was inspired by the popularity of mee goreng and char kuey teow at night markets in Taiping. Recognizing the importance of chilli sauce in these dishes, Norlia decided to produce it on a large scale.
From Small Beginnings to a Global Vision
Norlia initially invested RM20,000 in renting a workshop in Nibong Tebal, Penang, and purchasing equipment to produce sauce on a larger scale. For nine years, she produced 400-500kg of chilli sauce daily, thanks to requests from vendors and online orders. However, when the pandemic struck in 2020, she decided to return to her hometown in Simpang to rebuild the business on her family property.
A Sustainable Business Model
Norlia’s current workshop covers three components: processing, production, and packaging. Today, she produces around 1.5 tonnes of sauce, or the equivalent of 1,500 bottles, daily. Each bottle is priced at RM6. Her products also include soy sauces, oyster sauce, tomato sauce, and soaps, with prices ranging from RM5.50 to RM8.
The Secret to Success
So, what makes Lia Suri Delicious’ products so popular? Apart from the reasonable price, the sauce is made using natural ingredients, namely dried chillies and garlic obtained every two days from a wholesaler. Norlia does not use chilli powder or processed ingredients, which sets her products apart from others in the market.
Expanding Horizons
As for the future, Norlia hopes for help from relevant agencies to help the business expand to Southeast Asian countries. She believes that with the right support, Lia Suri Delicious can become a household name in the region. "I have only received assistance once from the Perak agriculture department, which went towards workshop repairs," she shared. "I hope that with what I have, I can obtain the help of any agency to expand my business in the region."
Conclusion
Lia Suri Delicious is a shining example of a homegrown business that has achieved success through hard work, determination, and a commitment to quality. With a growing range of products and a global vision, Norlia Jaafar is poised to take her business to new heights.
FAQs
Q: What inspired you to start producing chilli sauce?
A: The popularity of mee goreng and char kuey teow at night markets in Taiping inspired me to produce chilli sauce on a large scale.
Q: What sets your products apart from others in the market?
A: We use natural ingredients, namely dried chillies and garlic, and do not use chilli powder or processed ingredients.
Q: How do you plan to expand your business in the future?
A: I hope to receive help from relevant agencies to expand my business to Southeast Asian countries.
Q: What is the price range of your products?
A: Our products range in price from RM5.50 to RM8.