Lingham’s Chili Sauce is Malaysia’s most successful export that serves over 20 countries. This sweet and spicy chilli sauce is really famous overseas, especially in the UK. However, this brand is not well-known in Malaysia and has never set foot in a single fast-food chain in Malaysia.
A post made by the History Channel Asia has garnered plenty of attention from social media users, Malaysians to be exact. Surprisingly, not many know this homegrown brand and the history behind the successful brand, Lingham.
The post by the History Channel Asia showcased the history of the chilli sauce’s journey from a small shop in Penang to the global supermarkets.
Lingham’s was founded in Penang by a guy named Lingham – an Indian migrant labourer who worked with the East India Company in 1980 during the British colonial era. Lingham used fresh chillies, vinegar, sugar and salt to create a chilli sauce free from preservatives and artificial colouring. The brand was well received by the Chinese of the time. It turned out the British liked it so much that they began exporting it to Britain after the war.
In 1945, after World War II, Chinese clerk Ooi Choo Hong made an offer to Lingham to sold the business to him. In exchange for the recipe, Ooit would provide Lingham with a way home to India. As he was homesick for his country, he agreed.
The name and the recipe were retained through numerous changes throughout the years. In 1971, it was incorporated into Lingham’s & Son Sdn Bhd. Today, it is owned by Biz-Allianz International and it has moved its facilities from its factory in Butterworth to its new facility in Selangor. The brand continued to grow internationally.
Lingham was so heavy into marketing overseas which led to sales of the chilli sauce in the UK exceeded local sales. Today, Lingham’s products are available in over 20 countries around the world. It has a wider consumer base abroad than in the local market. Now you know that Lingham’s Chilli Sauce is originated from Malaysia.
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