Tan Kai Young’s sweet dreams have turned into a business reality, bringing llaollao into Malaysia and introducing other cool F&B options

Despite never intending to dabble in the food and beverage business, Tan Kai Young found himself drawn to it after developing a craving for frozen yogurt, which he indulged in every day after work.

“While working in Singapore, my wife and I would stand in line at the llaollao frozen yogurt place to satisfy our appetite after work. When I returned to Malaysia later, I realised there was no real competition in the country’s frozen yogurt market, which led me to introduce the brand in my homeland,” says Tan, who used to work in the banking sector in Singapore.

llaollao, a franchise brand from Spain, and the leading natural frozen yoghurt brand in Europe and Asia, stands out for its strong selling points. It offers a healthy option, as its yogurt is freshly made on-site every hour, and only fresh fruits like dragon fruit, kiwi, mango and more, are used instead for the topping, ensuring superior quality compared to frozen alternatives.

The yoghurt, which is made from skimmed milk, boasts a naturally delightful creaminess that can even be savoured on its own. Not only does it offer a scrumptious taste, but it also provides a multitude of benefits. With its low calorie and fat content, it serves as a guilt-free treat. Moreover, it is rich in calcium, contains probiotics and is completely gluten-free.

Additionally, llaollao (pronounced “yao yao”) prides itself on using 100 percent imported European sauces such as Pistachio, Ovomaltine, Nocilla and more. There are also crunchy toppings like Crushed Oreo, Lacasitos and Honey Granola among others. All these are custom-made exclusively for llaollao. 

“This attention to detail is reflected in the premium taste that our customers often praise, setting us apart from other brands in the market,” Tan notes.

The 30-something is the Chief Executive Officer of the Woodpeckers Group Sdn Bhd, which is the master franchisee for llaollao in Malaysia. And in his personal capacity, he owns two llaollao outlets in Melbourne, Australia.

“llaollao is the Group’s biggest portfolio and we also have a restaurant called TBC, which stands for The Beginning Chapter,” says Tan.

TBC, located in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur serves contemporary European cuisine with international influences.

And, according to Tan, as soon as August, the Group will be bringing in a popular beverage brand from Thailand, which has a long and reputable history. 

“We will also be creating our very own beverage brand this year. So, there will be two beverage brands that we will introduce this year catered to different sectors and markets in Malaysia,” he explains.

Launched in Malaysia in 2015, llaollao has swiftly gained massive popularity and recently marked a milestone by opening its 100th outlet in a mall in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle area.

What is the key to the company’s success? According to Tan, “Understanding the market’s desires is crucial. By identifying their preferences and catering to their needs, you will earn their loyalty. Prior to our entry, traditional desserts dominated the market. However, we successfully transformed people’s taste preferences by offering something healthier yet irresistibly tasty.”  

With 100 outlets and an aim of reaching 135 by year-end, Tan confidently asserts the Group’s ability to continue this trajectory.

The Woodpeckers Group owes its success not only to Tan’s exceptional leadership but also to his dedicated team of over 60 individuals at the headquarters and a workforce of 350 throughout the entire company. 

“We embrace a democratic decision-making approach within our team whose ages range between 24 and 46,” shares Tan. 

“Even as the CEO, many decisions are made collaboratively with department heads, allowing for the possibility of vetoing, which has happened many times before. Furthermore, I foster a culture that encourages my team to explore new ideas without fear of being penalised. This synergy has been invaluable to our collective success.

In his own capacity, Tan is the co-founder of Willow, an elegant, contemporary fine dining establishment located within the prestigious W Kuala Lumpur hotel. “Having a restaurant with an unblocked view of the magnificent KLCC twin towers is a privilege.”

Despite opening during the challenging lockdown period, Willow now receives an overwhelmingly positive response, solidifying its status as a distinguished culinary destination.

In addition to his F&B ventures, Tan owns Invictus Forge at Tropicana Gardens Mall. It is a specialty hobby shop offering an extensive array of collectible cards and board games for both purchase and rental, catering to enthusiasts’ diverse preferences. 

The presence of llaollao and Invictus Forge at Tropicana Gardens Mall has proven to be a tremendous asset, says Tan.

“The mall’s strategic location is a plus point. Furthermore, its initiatives, such as hosting The World of DC Exhibition (which was launched for the first time in Asia), anime festivals and more, have attracted a wide range of patrons and shoppers, including those who had never previously visited the mall.” 

As a result, he notes that the response from customers has been very encouraging, signifying the mall’s reputation as a vibrant destination that continuously draws in crowds.

In line with the attention on ESG ("Environmental, Social, and Governance") and sustainability, llaollao takes pride in its commitment to eco-friendly practices. 

“Not only are our packaging materials, including cups and spoons, biodegradable, but we also ensure that our entire supply chain, including third-party warehouses, complies with ESG standards.”

Tan, a dedicated advocate of a health-conscious lifestyle, resides in the serene Tropicana Golf & Country Resort in Petaling Jaya, an ideal location that not only allows him to indulge in his passion for golf but also engage in various activities with his beloved family, including his three-year-old daughter.

Having called this neighbourhood home for the past 23 years, Tan has witnessed its remarkable growth. The abundance of recreational opportunities in the area offers a multitude of options for physical fitness and enjoyment, he says. He fondly recalls taking part in swimming and badminton training there, and nowadays he takes his daughter for swimming lessons every Sunday.

“I play golf at TGCR regularly, finding pleasure in perfecting my swing, and I enjoy spending leisurely moments at the clubhouse,” Tan says, adding that TGCR is a place that exudes warmth and provides an excellent living experience.