Turkey-Fame MADO Ice-Cream Eyes Bigger Market In Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 (Bernama) -- MADO, Turkey's leading ice-cream, which has been in existence for over 150 years, aims to capture at least 30 per cent of the artisan ice-cream market share in Malaysia. MADO Chief Executive Officer Yasar Kanbur said Malaysia would be MADO's entry point to expand in the South East Asia region due to the country's vibrant economy, diverse market, multiracial society and multicultures. "MADO will make its debut in the region in a significant way, which will see MADO embarking on a fully-integrated business in Malaysia," he told a news conference to announce its presence in Malaysia. The business includes establishing full-fledged operations comprising a chain of dessert cafes, cold storage chain logistics, goat farming and production of mutton, milk and ice-cream in the next five years. Kanbur said the company would make Malaysia its base for the production and distribution of the MADO brand of ice-cream together with other products such as Turkish coffees, specialty cakes, Turkish pastries and small pizza in Malaysia and across the region. "We are expecting to contribute some US$100 million in various investments here over the next five years, launching over 50 cafes in the region, together with our join venture partners from Malaysia," he said. As a start, MADO will be opening its flagship South East Asian ice-cream dessert cafe in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur next month. Meanwhile, Kanbur said MADO would be the main sponsor for the World Halal Forum 2012 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on April 2 and 3, which would be hosted by the International Halal Integrity Alliance. As part of its promotion, MADO would distribute its ice-cream from its booth at the two-day forum, he added. -- BERNAMA