DBE Gurney in JV with Farmmesh to operate HARUMi outlets in Thailand

PETALING JAYA: Integrated poultry company DBE Gurney Resources Bhd has inked a joint venture agreement with Farmmesh Foods Co Ltd to set up a private limited company to operate a chain of Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) in Thailand.

The QSR planned to operate under the HARUMi fried chicken brand and concept.

According to a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday, DBE’s wholly-owned subsidiary DBE Poultry Sdn Bhd will hold 30% in the new company Super Harumi Thailand, and Farmmesh the remaining 70%.

DBE’s will provide consultation and training to the JV company to launch and set up Thailand’s HARUMi business. Farmmesh will handle the advertising and promotion aspects, as well as secure the raw materials supply chain.

Farmmesh is incorporated in Thailand. Its principal business is livestock farming and chicken breeding. It has a chicken processing plant and broiler business.

The company has broilers and slaughter houses and makes processed food.

After the signing ceremony yesterday, DBE group managing director Datuk Alex Ding Seng Huat ( pic) said HARUMi has built a proven track record since its launch in 2016.

“We are thrilled to expand HARUMi’s presence into Thailand, after our expansion into Taiwan early this year.

“We look forward to working closely with our new partner from Farmmesh to realise the immense strategic and financial benefits that this joint venture will give rise to,” he said in a statement.

He added that there was potential in Thailand, particularly in the retailing business. “Based on a report by Euromonitor, Thailand is one of the fastest growing retail markets in the world, with its value increasing from US$25.5bil in 2000 to US$63.3bil in 2010.

“This accounts for 5.2% of the country’s total employment and 20% of the country’s gross domestic product.

“This is the area that we want to tap into,” Ding added.

In April 2016, DBE launched Malaysia’s halal-certified local fried chicken brand – HARUMi.

HARUMi is a product of DBE Gurney and Taiwanese partnership.

This is in line with the company’s vision to set up a local fried chicken brand with franchise opportunities.