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Sarawakians will soon be able to enjoy freshly baked Gardenia bread without having to buy them from Peninsular Malaysia, as the brand is set to open its first manufacturing facility in the state
According to The Borneo Post, Kim Teck Cheong (KTC) Consolidated Berhad and Sanjung Etika Sdn Bhd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday, 13 July, to establish Gardenia Bakeries (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd.
The RM30 million factory, which will be built at the Samarahan Industrial Park, is expected to begin production in 2027 and create up to 500 jobs as operations expand.
After the signing ceremony, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the state welcomed the project
"We are very grateful for this opportunity because with the factory being built here, Sarawakians will finally be able to enjoy fresh Gardenia bread without having to buy it all at KLIA before flying home," he said.
Meanwhile, KTC executive director Datuk Dexter Lau described the project as a major milestone, as it marks the first time Gardenia bread will be produced in Sarawak instead of being shipped from Peninsular Malaysia
The factory is expected to produce around 6,000 loaves of bread a day when it begins operations.
However, Lau said only about half that amount will initially be released for sale as the company ensures the production line runs smoothly. Once operations are fully stabilised, daily production is expected to increase to between 10,000 and 20,000 loaves.
He added that the facility will use the latest baking technology and prioritise locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.
Instead of opening standalone Gardenia stores, he said the bread will be sold through existing supermarkets and retailers across Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri, and other parts of the state
"We do not intend to compete with Sarawakian retailers. Instead, we want to complement them by helping increase their sales, profitability and customer traffic in the bread category," Lau added.
Lau also said Gardenia bread made in Sarawak will be priced similarly to products already sold in Sabah, making it more affordable than imported supplies currently available in the state.
He added that the company is planning a Gardenia Sarawak Edition, featuring packaging inspired by the Sarawak flag, alongside exclusive products made specially for the state.
