Meals in Minutes: Embarking on a Global Culinary Journey with $1.5M Seed Funding
Malaysian firm Meals in Minutes has announced a major milestone, obtaining seed investment of USD 1.5 million. This is a tremendous achievement within the culinary sector.A private investor and the prestigious 500 Global venture capital and startup accelerator have joined together to provide this much needed capital, marking a turning point in the company’s growth strategy. The funding will be used to expand the startup’s reach in Malaysia and Singapore, and most importantly, to set up shop in the UK.
Focused on Strategic Growth and Culinary Innovation
Vin Vin Khu, the Chief Financial Officer of Meals in Minutes, sheds light on the company’s strategic direction: “The funding will be focused on achieving key milestones such as successfully launching in the UK market, product development, and building a robust foundation for future growth across all markets.”
Established in 2020 by Brandon Lim and Khiara Mia, Meals in Minutes introduced an innovative concept in the meal kit sector. Their unique frozen vacuum-packed ready-to-cook meals are crafted for convenience, enabling consumers to prepare gourmet meals in a mere 15 minutes. These meals are distinguished by their commitment to quality, being flash-frozen, portion-controlled, non-GMO, devoid of artificial additives, and fully compliant with HALAL, HACCP, and ISO 22000 standards.
Envisioning Simplified Gourmet Cooking
Brandon Lim, the Malaysian-born founder and CEO, articulates the company’s vision: “Meals In Minutes was founded with the vision of simplifying cooking for individuals leading busy lives, offering them the opportunity to enjoy high-quality, clean, and nutritious meals without the associated hassle and requisite culinary skills. Additionally, recognising the considerable advantages of this concept, we anticipated its positive impact on business and cafe owners who aspire to provide food services but lack the necessary equipment and resources to operate a fully equipped kitchen.”
Addressing the F&B Industry’s Manpower Challenges
The F&B sector in Malaysia, projected to grow annually by 6.85% from 2024 to 2028, is currently grappling with a significant manpower dilemma. This challenge stems from a dearth of young talent entering the field, slow processing of foreign worker permits, and a high employee turnover rate, averaging around 75%. Meals in Minutes presents a solution to these issues by enabling businesses to optimize kitchen operations and consistently produce gourmet meals without the need for a fully equipped kitchen or a professional chef, thereby resolving the manpower shortage without compromising on quality.
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Commitment to Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
Khiara Mia, co-founder of Meals in Minutes, emphasizes the company’s dedication to sustainability: “Our advanced meal kits not only offer sustainable solutions to F&B businesses but also tackle environmental concerns like food wastage and excessive packaging. We’re also collaborating with CleanHub to prevent plastic pollution by collecting plastic waste for every product sold and are committed to delivering a genuine impact with every purchase. Sustainability remains a pivotal factor in shaping our future business strategies.”
Expanding Reach and Collaborative Ventures
Currently, Meals in Minutes products are available in Malaysia at premium grocery stores and are supplied to Loud Speaker, a Malaysian karaoke chain. The company has also engaged in collaborations with celebrities like Joe Flizzow to create unique offerings such as Joe’s Burger. With ongoing expansion and an openness to funding and partnership opportunities, Meals in Minutes is poised to redefine the convenience and quality in the culinary world.
With its innovative and adaptable approach, Meals in Minutes stands out in this ever-changing market. Recent financial success is evidence of both the company’s fiscal expansion and its ability to shake up the beverage and food business. With its upcoming launch in the UK and plans for future development, Meals in Minutes is poised to revolutionise the way gourmet meals are enjoyed and eaten, whether at home or in the office. This Malaysian firm is making waves in the international food sector with its unwavering commitment to sustainability, quality, and convenience. They envision a future where effortless elegance and exquisite cuisine live in perfect harmony.
