CEO Insights Magazine

The global food and beverages market has continued its robust growth, expanding from $6,576.96 billion in 2023 to $7,000.88 billion in 2024, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4 percent. This growth is driven by strong economic performance in emerging markets, increased internet penetration, and rising disposable incomes. Looking ahead, the market is expected to reach $8,817.63 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 5.9 percent. Overall, the food and beverage market's expansion is supported by increased disposable incomes, technological advancements, and evolving consumer habits toward healthier and more convenient food and drink options.

The coffee industry within the food and beverage (F&B) sector in Malaysia is highly dynamic and filled with exciting opportunities, driven by evolving consumer tastes and a thriving market environment. Marcus Low, the Group CEO of Gigi Coffee, knows from his experience in the industry that coffee isn't just a drink – it's an emotion and a lifestyle for many people. He has played a crucial role in guiding Gigi Coffee through the competitive retail coffee market in Malaysia, helping to solidify its standing in the retail F&B industry.

Embarking in an engaging interaction with CEO Insights Asia magazine, Marcus shares his strategies, future roadmap, and much more. Let’s delve into it.

Tell us about the overall journey of Gigi Coffee since its inception.

Since our founding in September 2019, Gigi Coffee has been on an incredible journey. By early 2020, we had opened seven outlets, but the pandemic forced us to temporarily halt our operations. Despite these challenges, we persevered and remained ready for what lay ahead.

Founding Gigi Coffee was a significant milestone for me, reflecting my entrepreneurial spirit and passion for the retail F&B industry. My approach to business has been deeply influenced by ambition for growth and perseverance. When the pandemic struck, giving up was never an option. I tackled the challenges with the same determination I developed during my athletic career. The most valuable lesson I've learned is the importance of perseverance and understanding that every setback sets the stage for a stronger comeback.

By the end of 2021, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to settle down, we had grown to ten outlets. Recognizing new opportunities, we accelerated our expansion, reaching 60 locations by the end of 2022. With growing momentum, our network expanded to 120 outlets in 2023. We are proud to have 150 outlets now, and we aim to reach 180 by the end of 2024.

Gigi Coffee is more than just a brand, it's a lifestyle choice deeply connected to consumer culture, focusing on modern living, sports, local community, sustainability, and innovation. Our motto, 'Everyday Great Coffee,' reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional quality for our consumers.

As a home-grown Malaysian brand, Gigi Coffee embodies Malaysian creativity and aims to make every Malaysian proud. We source 100 percent Arabica coffee beans from various countries such as Indonesia, Colombia, Brazil, Rwanda & Ethiopia, and our signature Home Blend. Beyond great coffee, we engage with our customers through collaborations, seasonal drinks, surprise giveaways, and more.

With over 150 outlets, Gigi Coffee is renowned for offering high-quality, affordable coffee that suits urban lifestyles. Central to our identity is a passion for creativity and innovation. Coffee, to us, is more than a beverage – it’s a reflection of our lifestyle. That’s why we focus on crafting flavors that resonate with the vibrancy of modern living and our cultural heritage.

What were the growth factors behind your success as an industry leader in the food and beverage industry?

My professional growth has been a journey of constant evolution, shaped by a blend of diverse experiences. I would say that each phase of my career has contributed to a growth mindset that embraces change and challenges. The entrepreneurial drive instilled in me by my father, a seasoned businessman, has been a guiding force, encouraging me to push boundaries and expand my horizons. In each role, I have improved my abilities and learned to adapt. Being open to learning and striving for the best has helped me get through tough times and overcome different challenges in life. I have also met many people who have given me advice and support, which has been very important for my career.  

What are the future opportunities you look forward to leading the company into to create impact?

I see significant potential to diversify and expand our brand in the future. Currently, we have launched two brands in the market: Gigi Coffee and a new frozen yogurt brand, HeLo Moo!, introduced this year. We are continually growing. Our collaborations with other brands in the market open exciting opportunities for innovative partnerships and offerings. By leveraging the synergy, we can tap into new customer segments and enhance our product portfolio. These collaborations also enabled us to stay in the market trends and meet the evolving preferences of our customers. 

Marcus Low, Group CEO, Onecreators Group

Marcus Low, from Taiping, began playing tennis at 6 and became a state player by 9. He switched to golf at 12, turning professional by 23. Marcus shared that the discipline and focus he developed as a professional golfer have been crucial in handling the challenges of the business world. As the Group CEO of Onecreators Group, Marcus leads with a vision to innovate and drive sustainable growth. 

Favorite Hobbies- Golf, Tennis, Basketball,& Go-Karting
Favorite Cuisine- Malaysian food
Favorite Travel Destination- South Korea,Japan and China