Page 78 - From Zero To Hero

78 | fromzerotohero
the Angsana Johor Expo came along. Al-
though they were not an official vendor, the
company generated a total of RM12,000
in sales over a span of four days. This
introduction to the southern region earned
the company many new customers, most
of whom are loyal customers to this day.
Expanding the business, the company
introduceda lineof kuihbahulu (local delicacy),
whichwas immenselypopular inthenorthern
states ofMalaysia.
In2004, the company had almost 14 stalls
nationwide. Seeing the exponential growth
of the business, Noraini Cookies decided it
was time to open a factory to support their
production line requirements. Noraini Cook-
ies was rebranded and renamed to Noraini
CookiesWorldwide Sdn Bhd, with a focus on
promoting their business within the country
and possible export opportunities that may
be tapped.
Theirfirstbiginternationalbreakcamefrom
Dubai,whenabuyerexpressed interest intheir
extensive cookie range. However, it was not
all sunny skies as the shipment to Dubai was
deemed unusable due to unforeseen circum-
stances. The company suffered a great loss,
wasting almost RM50,000 worth of products
and resources. It was then that MATRADE’s
assistance and role in identifying business
opportunities for the company came intoplay.
MATRADE Introduces Noraini
Cookies to the Global
Platform
Althoughthecompanyhadalreadybeenactive-
ly exporting their goods to various countries,
MATRADE played a strong supporting role in
introducing the business to more potential
business clients overseas through their many
trademissions.
The company acknowledges the important
position MATRADE holds in ensuring local
businesses are matched with genuine and
proper buyers overseas, as well as their role
in advising on proper channels and correct
procedures for processing orders, documenta-
tion and shipment.
“MATRADE’s trademissionsandtrade fairs
havebeenveryencouragingforusasabusiness
entity. Much exposure and support has come
through our participation in such events.
We have learned a lot of new and interesting
tricks of the trade, so to speak, and given it
a Malaysian feel,” Hajah Noraini Ahmad,
Director of Noraini Cookies Worldwide Sdn
Bhd elaborates.
MATRADE’s support for small medium
enterprises and corporations alike is highly
recommended as Malaysian products need a
platformand voice on the international stage;
and MATRADE provides for this with par
excellence.
Expanding the Cookie
Empire and Future Outlook –
Hajah Noraini Ahmad
WhenNorainiCookieswasfirstconceptualised,
Noraini , a simple yet feisty lady, had already
been selling other types of food as a small
business operating from home in the early
1980s. After resigning as an accounts clerk,
she began tomake local delicacies such as nasi
lemak,meegoreng andothersumptuouseasy-to-
make meals for her husband’s colleagues. Her
entrepreneurship skills and passion for food
leadtoacontinuousgrowthand improvement
in her humble business.
Today, she is theproudfounderanddirector
of Noraini Cookies Worldwide Sdn Bhd,that
makes more than just daily cookies. With her
enterprising outlook and thirst for greater
success,Norainihasmanagedtocreateameans
for thebusiness togrowleapsandboundswith
its various subsidiaries.
From just cookies, the company nowcaters
for different sectors such as Noraini Farm
House Sdn Bhd, Noraini Entreprise Sdn Bhd,
PT Noraini Worldwide (Indonesia), Noraini
MarketingSdnBhd,NorainiFoodandBeverage
Sdn Bhd andMagnificent Solution.
Their product range covers festive cookies,
daily cookies, premix packages, canned food
and ketupat, a local Malay delicacy.
The company is also looking to see their
products reach the shores of Korea, Australia
and the United States of America in the near
future. With exposure, experience and sound
knowledge of the industry, Noraini Cookies
Worldwide is set to take the world by storm
with their delectable delicacies made with a
heart filledwith love for the job.
Hajah Noraini Ahmad ... Director of
Noraini Cookies Worldwide Sdn Bhd