In the heart of Malaysia’s bustling frozen yogurt scene stands llaollao, a beloved brand that has captivated the taste buds of many Malaysians.
Behind this success story is Tan Kai Young, the CEO of The Woodpeckers Group, who sat down for an exclusive interview with BusinessToday to share the journey of bringing the internationally renowned llaollao brand to Malaysia.
A Sweet Beginning: Why llaollao?
The story begins in Singapore, where Tan Kai Young worked just opposite the second outlet of llaollao. Despite the queues after work, he and his wife fell in love with the delectable frozen yogurt. Tan Kai Young fondly recalls, “While I was working in Singapore, llaollao opened its second outlet there just opposite my office. My wife and I used to enjoy it so much even though we had to queue up after work. When we came back to Malaysia, we realised that there was no strong froyo brand present. So we decided to bring the brand into Malaysia.”
Adapting llaollao to the Malaysian Palate
Adapting an international brand to a local market is no small feat. Tan Kai Young’s team worked tirelessly to create seasonal, unique local flavours such as Milo Dinosaur, Coconut Flakes, and Durian – flavours that resonate with Malaysian preferences. He explains, “Our team worked hard on perfecting the recipes for our Frozen Yoghurt, achieving a perfect blend and balance for the yogurt and these flavours, without one overpowering the other.” Moreover, they plan to unveil a special flavour designed specifically for the Malaysian palate on Malaysia Day.
Milestones and Achievements
Since its introduction in 2015, llaollao Malaysia has achieved remarkable milestones. With an impressive 100 stores nationwide in just eight years, llaollao is a testament to the brand’s popularity. Reflecting on this achievement, Tan Kai Young shares, “llaollao was first introduced in 2015 in Malaysia. Within eight years, we have successfully opened 100 stores nationwide.”
To celebrate this milestone, a Froyo Fiesta was held at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur in June 2023, attracting over 15,000 enthusiastic participants. Additionally, llaollao Malaysia received the Putra Aria Brand Awards for the F&B category, solidifying their position in the market.
Notably, llaollao Malaysia proudly boasts the first and largest flagship store in Asia, located in Pavilion KL, which Tan Kai Young proudly highlights as a significant achievement.
Maintaining a Strong Partnership with the Parent Company
Building a successful franchise requires a strong partnership with the parent company. Tan Kai Young emphasises their commitment to excellence, stating, “With this strong common interest and priority in mind, both parties are able to work with each other despite the language barrier, since llaollao is from Spain.” He also mentions how they showcase the unique attractions of Malaysia to their parent company during visits, strengthening their close working relationship.
The Rewarding Journey of llaollao Malaysia
For Tan, the most rewarding aspect of leading llaollao Malaysia is the unwavering support of the local community. He expresses his gratitude, saying, “To see that the support from the local community is still so strong despite going through many ups and downs. I feel it shows that all our hard work is paying off and the brand is heading in the right direction.”
In conclusion, with a commitment to excellence, innovative flavours, and a strong partnership with the parent company, llaollao Malaysia has firmly established itself as a leading player in the country’s frozen yogurt scene. As the brand continues to evolve and expand, it remains a sweet success story worth savoring.
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