Have you ever read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl? Or watched the 2005 remake featuring Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka? If you did, you’d probably remember the chocolate waterfall and chocolate river. Imagine scooping up chocolate and drinking it – that could be the kind of stuff kids dream about!
In the real world, the closest resemblance we have to a chocolate river is chocolate drinks. Kids love it because of its rich taste and creamy texture; and as much as we feel guilty of admitting this, we as parents love it, too. Whether it’s served hot or cold, we just can’t get enough of a good ol’ cup of chocolate drink.
But of course, we don’t have a massive chocolate factory that houses a chocolate waterfall or river, but we do have one man to thank with regards to our increasing love of hot chocolate (and coffee). Unlike Willy Wonka, he was whisked away from the familiarities of China to the little town of Rawang, Malaysia. He had to help manage a grocery store run by his relatives.
Even though he was not working in a prestigious environment, he was highly ambitious. His rags to riches story is intertwined with his love for coffee. He strived to make a name for himself, and if it were not for him, most Malaysian families would miss out on the authentic taste of coffee, teh tarik, and hot chocolate.
So, who’s this Malaysian Willy Wonka?
He’s none other than the late Tan Soo Hor – the man behind Chek Hup®!
Meet The Man Behind Chek Hup®
Yes, you’ve seen the brand of instant beverages sold in almost every grocery and convenience store in the country.
The brand Chek Hup® may not have a Malaysian sounding name, but it comes from a Cantonese word that means prosperity and unity. Established in Ipoh, it was originally a business selling rock sugar. Today, the company is run by his son, Joseph Tan, Chek Hup®’s Managing Director and has been making impressive progress for the brand ever since. And in 2000, the business diversified to include instant beverages – we all know the 3-in-1 Ipoh White Coffee, right?
In early 2003, the company experienced a eureka moment when they noticed a growing market in the kids and families consumer category. So, they decided to introduce Chek Hup® Kokoo 3 in 1 Chocolate Drink to meet the demands of Malaysian families.
Today, Chek Hup® is known for its instant beverages; providing a convenient yet tasty option to all coffee, tea, and chocolate lovers alike.
Chek Hup® Remains A Malaysian Favourite
Since its inception, many Malaysians have made Chek Hup® Kokoo 3 in 1 Chocolate Drink a staple addition in their households, and have never looked back since.
Here’s Why:
- So much better than soft drinks and boxed juices that are loaded with sugar, Chek Hup® Kokoo 3 in 1 Chocolate Drink range is made from fermented cocoa beans, sweetened by Chek Hup® Low-GI Rock Sugar, and contains no added artificial cocoa flavouring.
- It’s so easy to prepare! Especially when you’re in a hurry to get breakfast in the morning (we know how kelam-kabut it can be).
- It helps kids sleep. When your child refuses to sleep because they ‘can’t sleep’, serve them a mug of hot chocolate. It helps them sleep happy – plus, the milk in it might make them feel a little drowsy by the time they’re done drinking.
- It serves as an effective reward. If they’ve done well in school or completed their house chores as planned, good ol’ chocolate drink will put a smile on their face. After all, chocolate is associated with celebrations; think chocolate cakes, chocolate ice creams, and even gooey brownies!
Check Out What Their Loyal Customers Had To Say:
“When I was in school, I sometimes pulled all-nighters during major examinations. My mum would prep a mug of Chek Hup® Kokoo 3 in 1 Chocolate Drink for me. Now that I’m studying overseas, I always stock up on their Kokoo chocolate drink before I leave. I even get my parents to send some over when my supplies are getting low.”
— Evaa Chew
“Chek Hup® always reminds me of family time. I live with my extended family, and on Saturday mornings, the family will have breakfast at home. Each of us will have our favourite Chek Hup® beverage on the table. My grandfather loves the Black Mandheling, my mother will be sipping on her white coffee, my younger sister will be drinking Chek Hup® Kokoo 3 in 1 Chocolate Drink, and I’ll enjoy the kopi-o with brown sugar.”
— Farhana Azman
“I found out about Chek Hup® Kokoo 3 in 1 Chocolate Drink not too long ago. I bought it to try, and I keep coming back for more now because my children love it and I love it, too!”
— M. Siva
Chek Hup® Celebrates 55 Years Of Legacy
Due to the overwhelming love and support from its consumers, this year, Chek Hup® celebrates 55 years of legacy in Malaysia. From humble beginnings, the late Tan Soo Hor has made a name for himself locally and also the Asia Pacific region. Chek Hup® products are exported around South East Asia and several cities in China.
Have you tried any of Chek Hup®’s instant beverages? If you haven’t, shop for their myriad of coffee, tea, and chocolate drink series here. And for more updates on Chek Hup®, check out its website, Facebook, and Instagram.