British groceries enthusiasts, you’d want to perk your ears up for this one – Booths is heading towards Malaysian shores!
Booths, an upmarket grocery chain from the north of England, just announced that the chain has decided to open its first international outpost in Malaysia. According to The Telegraph, the retailer is striking a joint venture deal in Malaysia instead of growing the chain within the UK.
Fondly known as the ‘Waitrose of the North’, the company has signed an agreement with giant Hong Kong-listed retailer Dairy Farm (the same people who brought us Cold Storage, Giant Hypermarkets and Guardian) to sell 40 of its best-selling products in 19 outlets across Malaysia. Yes, they’re bringing the chutneys and jams too.
Founded in Blackpool in 1847, Booths started off as a tea shop, but soon became the first supermarket chain in the area. Today, with 28 outlets across Northern England, Booths has positioned itself to compete based on quality rather than price.
Henry Booth, the company’s new Export and Business-to-Business Department Leader said, “I’m very happy that British products made in the northwest of England could have such a positive and enthusiastic reception on the other side of the world, and I hope that the Malaysian customers will grow to love Booths’ products as much as the customers we serve in the UK.”
So far, there are no details on when or where Booths will open its stores in Malaysia. But it’s nice to know that the venture is definitely in the works and we can finally lay our hands on their amazing jams without having to take a flight!
