In business, some ideas are carefully planned over years. Others begin in the most unexpected way. For Tan Kai Young, the story of llaollao began with something simple, a daily craving after work.
Back then, he was working in Singapore, building a career in banking. Life was structured, predictable, and far removed from the food and beverage industry.
Yet just across from his office stood a frozen yogurt outlet that would quietly change everything.
Every evening, like many others, he and his wife would join the queue. It was never just about dessert. It was about the experience, the taste, and the consistency that kept customers coming back.
And somewhere in those long queues, a thought began to form, a simple observation that would later turn into a business worth hundreds of millions.
A Simple Observation That Became llaollao
While most people return home and resume their routines, Tan noticed something others missed.
The frozen yogurt scene in Malaysia was still wide open. There was no dominant brand, no clear market leader shaping consumer expectations.
And in that gap, he saw opportunity.
“While I was working in Singapore, llaollao opened its second outlet there just opposite my office. My wife and I used to enjoy it so much even though we had to queue up after work.”
“When we came back to Malaysia, we realised that there was no strong froyo brand present. So we decided to bring the brand into Malaysia.”
In 2015, llaollao officially entered Malaysia.
Building llaollao for Malaysians
Bringing llaollao into Malaysia was only the beginning. Making it work required more than replication. It required understanding people.
Tan and his team knew that Malaysians were not just looking for something new. They were looking for something they could connect with emotionally and culturally.
So they adapted.
They introduced flavours that felt instantly familiar, Milo Dinosaur, coconut flakes, durian, carefully curated to match local preferences. But the real challenge was not innovation. It was balance.
“Our team worked hard on perfecting the recipes for our Frozen Yoghurt, achieving a perfect blend and balance for the yogurt and these flavours, without one overpowering the other.”
At the same time, llaollao stayed true to its roots. Fresh yogurt made every hour. Real fruits. Premium imported sauces. A product that felt indulgent, yet remained lighter and more health-conscious than traditional desserts.
This ability to combine global quality with local relevance became the core of llaollao’s success.
Scaling With Discipline
The growth of llaollao was not driven by hype. It was built on discipline and consistency.
Within just eight years, llaollao Malaysia expanded to 100 outlets nationwide, a clear sign that the model worked and the demand was real.
“llaollao was first introduced in 2015 in Malaysia. Within eight years, we have successfully opened 100 stores nationwide.”
Each outlet became more than just a store. It became a proof of concept, showing that the brand could scale across locations, audiences, and market conditions.
At the same time, llaollao strengthened its presence beyond retail. Events like the Froyo Fiesta attracted over 15,000 participants, while recognitions such as the Putra Aria Brand Awards reinforced its credibility.
A Strong Foundation
Behind the scenes, success was also driven by strong partnerships.
Working with its Spanish parent brand required navigating differences in culture, communication, and expectations. But instead of becoming a barrier, it became a strength.
“With this strong common interest and priority in mind, both parties are able to work with each other despite the language barrier, since llaollao is from Spain.”
This alignment ensured that llaollao remained consistent globally, while continuing to evolve locally.
Today, llaollao Malaysia is no longer just a growing dessert chain. It is a strategic business asset.
Luckin Coffee operator Hextar Industries Bhd has acquired a 51% stake in the company behind llaollao Malaysia in a RM177.5 million deal, valuing it at RM348 million, with a profit guarantee of RM29 million annually over three years.
This move signals a shift from growth to scale, efficiency, and long-term value creation.
It also reflects something deeper, confidence. Confidence in the brand, the system, and the journey that brought it here.
The Rewarding Journey of llaollao Malaysia
For Tan Kai Young, the most meaningful part of building llaollao Malaysia has never been just the numbers, the outlets, or even the valuation.
It has always been the people.
The customers who return, the communities that continue to support the brand, and the quiet reassurance that the business is moving in the right direction despite challenges. Through changing trends, market competition, and operational pressures, one thing remained constant, loyal customer support.
“To see that the support from the local community is still so strong despite going through many ups and downs. I feel it shows that all our hard work is paying off and the brand is heading in the right direction.”
That support is what transformed llaollao from a simple imported concept into a brand Malaysians genuinely connect with, one that feels both international and local at the same time.
A Sweet Success Story Still Unfolding
Today, llaollao Malaysia stands as more than just a dessert chain. It represents a business built on clear observation, disciplined execution, and consistent adaptation.
From introducing locally inspired flavours to maintaining global quality standards, the brand has managed to strike a rare balance, one that allows it to scale while staying relevant. Yet, beyond the strategy and growth plans, the essence of the story remains simple.
llaollao is proof that big businesses do not always begin with complex ideas. Sometimes, they begin with a small moment, a repeated experience, and the willingness to act on it.
Sources: 1| 2| 3| 4
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