Unigrà Food Processing Asia brings Italian excellence to Malaysia’s food industry with innovative solutions tailored to local tastes!
In this exclusive interview, Mr. Fabio Tassoni, Chief Operating Officer of Unigrà Food Processing Asia and an esteemed Gold Chamber Member, shares insights on the company’s journey, dedication to quality and sustainability, and its support for professionals in the confectionery and food sectors.
Discover how this Italian powerhouse is shaping the future of food in Asia!
Mr Fabio Tassoni, Chief Operating Officer at Unigrà Food Processing Asia Pacific
1. Can you tell us about Unigrà Food Processing Asia’s journey and mission in the food industry?
Unigra Food Processing Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd is a Malaysian food processing company and part of the Italian agro-food group Unigra. The Unigra Group was founded in 1972 in Conselice, Italy, and has been operating in the food industry for over 50 years. The company has developed expertise in producing and distributing cooking oils and fats, margarines, and semi-finished products for food production, particularly in the confectionery sector.
The Unigra Group has a strong international presence, with 27 foreign subsidiaries and a network of distributors and importers in over 100 countries. The company’s success is attributed to its commitment to using high-quality raw materials, investing in advanced production technology, and responding to customer and market demands.
Unigra Food Processing Asia Pacific has a clear mission to develop effective and sustainable food solutions that support the growth of its customers’ businesses by leveraging Italian expertise. We provide high-quality products and services dedicated to professionals and consumers in the food industry.
2. What are some of the main products that Unigrà Food Processing Asia focuses on in Malaysia? How have you adapted these to meet local consumer preferences?
Unigra Food Processing Asia in Malaysia focuses on three main product categories under the Martini Professional brand: Chocolate and Compounds, UHT Vegetable Creams, and Margarines. In the first category, we offer a variety of chocolate and compound coatings, including dark, extra dark, milk, and ivory chocolate, available in various formats such as blocks, buttons, chips, chunks, and the newly introduced batons shape.
The Martini Cioccolato range is recognized for its quality, snap, glossiness, and superior performance.
In the Master Martini Compound range, we also produce compound creams, including Cocoa, Hazelnut, and the new Pistachio-based variant.
Under the Master Martini brand, our UHT Vegetable Creams are designed for cooking and whipping, offering an outstanding quality-price ratio. These serve as a non-dairy alternative for those looking to eliminate the traditional use of lard from recipes.
Our expertise also includes a variety of margarines and mélanges for bakery and industrial use. Master Martini margarines and mélanges are made from high-quality vegetable oils and fats, designed to meet the specific needs of different applications.
Adaptation to Local Consumer Preferences
Unigra Food Processing Asia Pacific has adapted its products to meet local consumer preferences in several ways:
Halal Certification: Our palm oil and derivative formulations are RSPO® certified and Halal certified, which is essential for the Malaysian market.
Customization: We work closely with our customers to create innovative, tailor-made products and formulations.
Focus on Quality: We emphasize high-quality raw materials and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to ensure superior product standards.
Variety: The Martini Professional range offers a wide selection of products to cater to different tastes and needs.
Health and Well-being: To meet the growing demand for healthier options, we have introduced OraSi plant-based drinks, now produced at our Malaysian facility.
By focusing on quality, customization, and Halal certification, Unigra Food Processing Asia Pacific has successfully adapted its products to meet the specific needs and preferences of the Malaysian market.
3. As an Italian company, what were the main difficulties you encountered during your expansion in Malaysia, and how did you overcome them?
One major challenge we encountered was communication, which affected employees, contractors, suppliers, and customers. Due to Malaysia’s diverse culture, we needed to adjust our communication style to navigate language differences and understand local customs.
To address this, we proactively learned about local practices and behaviors, ensuring we respected cultural sensitivities. We also prioritized clear and direct communication within the team and with our partners to keep everyone aligned on goals and expectations. This combination of cultural understanding and effective communication helped us overcome initial hurdles and build strong, trusting relationships.
4. From a corporate perspective, what cultural differences have you noticed in doing business between Italy and Malaysia?
When we decided to invest in Malaysia, we anticipated some cultural differences. Malaysian business culture places a strong emphasis on respect and indirect communication, whereas in Italy, we tend to be more direct.
To ensure smooth interactions and effective teamwork, we adapted our approach to align with local business etiquette. This flexibility has been key to fostering strong relationships and successful collaborations in the region.
Headquarters and manufacturing site of Unigrà Food Processing Asia Pacific in Pasir Gudang Johor
Master Martini showcase booth at the Festa della Repubblica Italiana (Italiana National Day) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 2024.
5. One of your company’s strengths is the artisanal nature of your products. How does your company meet the needs of professionals in this sector with innovative solutions and high-quality standards?
Unigra understands that artisans need high-quality ingredients and innovative solutions to meet the evolving demands of their craft. Here’s how the Martini Professional range addresses these needs:
High-Quality Ingredients Sourcing and Selection: We meticulously select raw materials to meet stringent quality standards, forming the foundation of our product range.
Traditional Techniques: We combine time-honored methods with modern technology to preserve the authenticity and flavor of our ingredients—an approach that resonates with artisans who value traditional craftsmanship.
Master Martini Shine Extra Dark Buttons
Wide Product Range: Master Martini offers a diverse selection, from oils and fats to chocolate compounds and pastry ingredients, catering to various artisanal needs.
Innovative Solutions Customization: We recognize that artisans often require tailored solutions, so we collaborate closely with professionals to develop customized products.
Master Martini Gran Delice Creamy Spread and Delice Creamy Spread
Research and Development: We invest in R&D to create innovative products that align with emerging trends and challenges in the artisanal sector.
Technical Support: We provide expert guidance to artisans across the Asia-Pacific region, helping them optimize product use and achieve the best possible results.
Meeting the Needs of Artisans Consistency: We work diligently to maintain consistent quality, ensuring artisans can rely on us for high-standard products.
Performance: Our products are designed to perform exceptionally well, enabling artisans to create outstanding results.
Collaboration: We foster close partnerships with artisans, viewing them as key collaborators in the pursuit of excellence.
By combining high-quality ingredients, innovative solutions, and a deep understanding of the artisanal sector, Unigra has established itself as a trusted partner for professionals seeking to elevate their craft.
6. Looking ahead, what is your vision for Unigra in Asia over the next five to ten years?
We have experienced strong business growth in 2023 and 2024, and we are focused on expanding our operations in the Asia-Pacific region in the coming years.
Our investment plans include enhancing production lines and capacity to meet growing market demands. Strategic investment is a key pillar, allowing us to allocate resources effectively to support expansion, R&D, and sustainability initiatives.
Another priority is building strong relationships with local partners, distributors, and suppliers to increase market share, strengthen existing client relationships, and acquire new customers.
We are also focusing on product diversification, expanding our portfolio to include new and value-added products such as healthier alternatives and formulations tailored to specific customer needs.
Finally, sustainability remains a critical focus, ensuring environmental responsibility and ethical sourcing of raw materials.
By pursuing this vision and implementing targeted strategies, Unigra aims to solidify its position as a leading food processing company in the Asia-Pacific region, driving growth and delivering long-term value for stakeholders.
Learn more about Unigrà Food Processing Asia Pacific HERE
Want to get in touch with a representative of Unigrà Food Processing Asia Pacific? Contact us at info@italcham.my or whatsapp aty +60187869456
