*Disclaimer:* I’m a coffee lover, but I definitely don’t drink Zus Coffee. I don’t like the name. I just want to look at this company from a business growth point of view.
In business, success rarely comes in a straight line. It’s usually built on bold decisions and plain hard work. Recently I wrote about the inspiring stories of OK (Oriental Coffee) and OldTown White Coffee, and what young entrepreneurs can learn from them. Today I want to look at another success story that challenges the idea that Malaysians aren’t spending: Zus Coffee.
Who says Malaysians aren’t spending?
The numbers at Zus Coffee tell a different story. Based on their latest financial report, Zus Coffee hit RM204 million in revenue for the financial year ending 30 June 2023. That figure says a lot — the brand is getting more popular, and demand for good coffee in Malaysia keeps climbing.
When did Zus Coffee start, and how many outlets do they have?
Zus Coffee started in 2019 with just a handful of outlets. Today they’re at 497 outlets (updated 18 July 2024) across Malaysia. That’s fast growth, and it shows how strong the market demand is for what they sell.
What’s the main factor behind Zus Coffee’s success?
One big factor is their strong digital presence. The brand built a solid app for ordering, which makes it easy for customers to order and enjoy their favourite coffee. That smooth digital experience pulls in tech-savvy users and builds customer loyalty.
Comparing the Coffee Giants
To put this in perspective, let’s compare Zus Coffee’s journey with the giants I talked about earlier — OK and OldTown White Coffee. Both are household names. OldTown White Coffee is known for its unique blend and its wide franchise network. But Zus Coffee’s fast rise shows how a new player can disrupt an industry and grab a serious share of the market.
Lessons for SME Owners
Zus Coffee’s success gives SME owners a few valuable lessons:
- Innovation and quality:
Zus Coffee’s focus on serving high-quality coffee and coming up with new offerings is what pulled customers in. Keep innovating and keep your standards high — that’s how you win customers and keep them. - Understanding market trends:
Their success shows you have to keep up with market trends and what customers want. Once you understand what your customers are after, you can adjust your products and services to meet that demand. - Strategic marketing:
Good marketing played a big part in Zus Coffee’s growth. Using social media, working with influencers and running targeted campaigns can raise your brand’s visibility and get customers more engaged.
How can you copy Zus Coffee’s success in your own business?
To do what Zus Coffee did, focus on innovation, quality, understanding market trends and strategic marketing. Make sure your product or service keeps up with what your customers need as they change.
What are the key strategies for fast business growth?
Keep your quality standards high, stay alert to market trends, market yourself properly, and use technology to make your operations smoother.
How can you market your business effectively?
Use social media, work with influencers and run targeted campaigns to get your brand seen and get customers involved. Consistent, creative marketing can make a big difference to your growth.
The Next Coffee Brand to Watch:
Luckin Coffee
Which coffee brand should we watch next?
Looking ahead, one brand to watch is Luckin Coffee — a coffee company from China listed on NASDAQ. Known for aggressive expansion and an innovative business model, Luckin Coffee is set to make an impact in Malaysia. Like Zus Coffee, they focus on digital ordering and delivery, so their entry into the Malaysian market could shake up the local coffee scene even more.
The next brands to watch are Nasken Coffee and Jiwa Coffee. Nasken has been guided through the RichWorks Mentorship programme since Day 0 — no brand at all in 2020, and now they’ve grown to 38 outlets. I’ll write more about these brands, maybe in my next blog post.
Grow Your Business Now!
If you’re an SME owner who wants to do what Zus Coffee did, the free RichWorks 10X Business Growth Strategy consultation is built to help you handle the challenges of growing your business. Whether it’s fixing your business model, improving your marketing strategy or optimising your operations, our experts are here to guide you at every step.
Don’t let the idea that “people aren’t buying” hold you back. The success stories of Zus Coffee, OK, and OldTown White Coffee prove that with the right strategy and relentless persistence, your business can grow beyond what you imagined.
For more insights and inspiring stories, visit Datuk Wira Dr. Azizan Osman’s Blog.
Remember, success isn’t for the great — it’s for those who put in the work.
Prof. Datuk Wira Dr. Azizan Osman
Business growth strategist, mentor and TV & podcast host – guiding founders and MSMEs through expansion and scale.