"We were confident in the quality of our products, but obtaining recognition from industry experts was crucial. Winning awards not only instils confidence in consumers, but also assures them that they are purchasing a product of exceptional quality."

Tell us your founding story

My culinary journey began in my mother’s kitchen at the tender age of 10, igniting a passion that has stayed with me throughout my life. Upon moving to the UK in 1989 for nursing training, I frequently prepared meals for my fellow student nurses. Later, when I met my husband Gerard, our home became a gathering place for family and friends, who relished the flavors of Malaysian cuisine. Encouraged by their enjoyment, we decided to share this delicious secret with a wider audience, leading to the birth of Dapur Mariae!

What motivated you to create your own product?

Everyone who dined in our home relished the vibrant flavors of Malaysian cuisine. Recognising its underrepresentation in the UK market, especially compared to more familiar Asian cuisines like Thai, Chinese, and Indian, we decided to bottle our creations in jars for a broader reach. Our mission was simple yet profound: Making Malaysian food accessible to everyone.

How did winning a impact your business?

Our first Quality Food Awards (QFA) wins came in 2018 for our Spicy Sambal Paste and Peanut Sauce. These successes propelled us to collaborate with a food development company to scale up our products. However, the real game-changer arrived in 2020 when our Malay Curry Paste not only won a QFA but also The Co-op Small Producer Award. This accolade led to our product being listed in Co-op stores, and we were also chosen to participate in their inaugural incubator scheme. This marked a significant transition from our humble home kitchen to supermarket shelves. Today, we are proud to be listed in Selfridges and various independent retailers across the nation.

What inspired you to participate in the awards and what benefits have you gained from the experience?

We were confident in the quality of our products, but obtaining recognition from industry experts was crucial. Winning awards not only instils confidence in consumers, but also assures them that they are purchasing a product of exceptional quality. Winning awards has brought numerous benefits, notably the ability to stand out on shelves with the prestigious Q logo on our jars. Moreover, winning the Co-op award and participating in the incubator scheme have provided invaluable mentorship and support crucial to our continued journey and growth.

What advice would you offer to aspiring food entrepreneurs who are just starting their journey?

I would advise anyone venturing into entrepreneurship to begin with a clear mission and purpose. Test customer responses directly through events like markets and fairs. It's crucial to have a well-defined business plan encompassing strategy, finance, and other critical aspects of running a business. Believe unwaveringly in yourself and your product, facing all challenges head-on.

The Dapur Mariae range of Malaysian cooking sauces can be purchased online through their website: https://dapurmariae.uk/shop/ 

There is also a list of the stores that you can purchase the products through here: https://dapurmariae.uk/general-store-list/ 

Are you a small producer looking to take your business to the next level? It is only £79+vat to enter into this year's Quality Food Awards!

Request your Small Producer discount code here.

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