Whisky fans in Malaysia can look forward to more celebratory nights as the award-winning Kavalan makes its way into the Malaysian market.
At a special ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Hai-O Enterprise Bhd made an exclusive distribution agreement with Taiwan’s King Car Food Industrial Co Ltd to distribute Kavalan’s single malt whisky in Malaysia.
“We are excited to extend our business relationship and represent King Car’s world-class whisky brand.
“This long-term strategic alignment will enable us to deliver more value with an efficient and effective route to market Kavalan’s products and grow it further in the coming years,” said Grand Brands (M) Sdn Bhd manager George Fong.
The agreement gives Grand Brands, a subsidiary of Hai-O Group, the exclusive right to import the single malt whisky and distribute it in Malaysia’s duty-free market while Hai-O Enterprise Bhd will distribute in the duty-paid market.
Being the pioneer of Taiwanese whisky, Kavalan began its operations in 2005 and three years later, it opened its own distillery and introduced its first whisky.
“The company’s first whisky was released in 2008 and awards for the brand has piled up since,” said Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia representative James Chi-ping.
He added that “kavalan” was the name of a Taiwanese aboriginal group and the region they inhabited which is now known as Yilan county. This is also where Kavalan’s distillery is now situated.
During the event, guests were treated to Kavalan Classic Single Malt Whisky as well as the Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique which was named the World’s Best Single Malt Whisky for 2015 in the World Whiskies Award.
Guests were also given a virtual tour of Kavalan’s distillery by King Car Food Industrial global marketing deputy director Yvonne Chou through a short video presentation.
Also present at the signing ceremony was Hai-O Enterprise Berhad general manager Tan Kee Hock and Hai-O Group managing director Tan Keng Kang.