Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire

Chapter 72 Branch Factory (Second Update! Please vote with your monthly tickets and recommendations!)

Chen Bingwen raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Mr. Lin, tell me slowly, what exactly happened?"

“One hundred thousand bottles!

The second batch of 100,000 bottles!
It sold out in less than a week, not a single bottle left!
The calls to urge delivery are practically ringing off the hook with calls to my office phone!

Mr. Chen! Singaporeans absolutely love your desserts!

100,000 bottles in seven days!
With a population of just over two million, this sales speed means an extremely high penetration rate and repurchase rate!

"What's the market feedback like? Which products are selling the best?" Chen Bingwen asked, clearly pleased with the excellent sales performance.

"Great! Excellent!" Lin Wenxiong exclaimed excitedly. "Mango pomelo sago is an absolute star!"
The drink featured in Cheng Long's commercials is this one; it has a tropical fruit flavor, is refreshing and helps cut through grease, and it's a best-selling product!
Secondly, coconut milk sago pudding is a favorite among office workers and students!

Tangerine peel red bean paste also has a loyal customer base, but its sales are slightly lower.

The key is reputation.

Mr. Chan's reputation is phenomenal; radio programs are discussing him, and newspaper food sections have columns recommending him, calling him a sweet storm from Hong Kong!

He paused for a moment, then continued, "This momentum is too strong; our warehouse is completely empty."

Distributors are crowding the door, urging for delivery, and test sales points in Malaysia and Indonesia are reporting exceptionally positive feedback!

"Oh? How's the situation over there?" Chen Bingwen's spirits lifted.

The synergy between the markets of Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia is key to his expansion in Southeast Asia.

"Several supermarket trial sales points in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, sold out the 1,000 bottles of trial products we were allocated in just three days."

The customers are mainly Chinese, but some Malays and Indians have also tried it and said they like it.

Feedback indicated that the sweetness was just right, and the flavor was unique, especially the coconut milk sago pudding, which was very much to the local taste!

Lin Wenxiong spoke rapidly: "It's even more exaggerated in Jakarta, Indonesia. Long queues formed at the tasting points we set up in several foreign-owned supermarkets."

Locals especially love the sweeter coconut sago pudding and mango pomelo sago, saying that the rich flavor and abundant fruit pulp make it a high-end experience.

The two thousand bottles we tried selling were gone in two days, and the distributors are now urging us to officially stock the shelves.

Good news keeps coming!

Initial feedback from Malaysia and Indonesia not only validates the product's versatility but also demonstrates its enormous market potential!
Indonesia, in particular, has a huge population base, and once its consumption potential is unleashed, it will be an unimaginable blue ocean!
"Mr. Lin, well done!" Chen Bingwen praised sincerely. "The first battle in Singapore was a great success, and the sales in Malaysia and Indonesia were also a great start. Your team deserves a lot of credit!"

"Mr. Chen, you flatter me. It's your product that's excellent and your strategy that's right," Lin Wenxiong said modestly, then immediately got to the point and earnestly requested:

"Mr. Chen, the Singapore market is desperately waiting, and distributors in Malaysia and Indonesia are also eagerly anticipating it."

One hundred thousand bottles. No, two hundred thousand bottles!

Could you give me another 200,000 bottles within half a month?

Singapore needs at least 150,000! Malaysia and Indonesia, after trial sales before official distribution, each need 25,000 bottles!

Two hundred thousand bottles!

Chen Bingwen did some mental calculations. The current daily production limit of the Kwun Tong factory is around 65,000 bottles. 200,000 bottles means that it would take more than three days of full-scale production.

However, if it is extended to within half a month, there shouldn't be a big problem.

“Boss Lin,” Chen Bingwen pondered for a moment, then replied decisively, “Two hundred thousand bottles, no problem! Shipment in half a month.”

Subsequent orders will be determined based on market feedback and our production ramp-up. How about that?

He was not blinded by victory and continued to adhere to a phased and steady strategy.

We must satisfy market demand while ensuring stable supply and consistent quality.

"Okay! Okay! Thank you so much."

Lin Wenxiong expressed his gratitude repeatedly.

“You have full control over the advertising placement, and the costs will be shared proportionally,” Chen Bingwen added, his tone turning serious. “Mr. Lin, remember, quality is the lifeline. The more popular it is, the more closely you need to keep an eye on quality and logistics.”

Success is hard-won, and we must never lower our standards just because supply is insufficient!
The markets in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia have just opened up; reputation is more important than sales volume!

"Understood, Mr. Chen, rest assured, I will personally oversee quality control and distribution." Lin Wenxiong patted his chest and assured him, "I will absolutely not allow a single bottle of problematic sugar water to enter the market!"

After hanging up the phone, Chen Bingwen did not show much relief on his face.

The booming Singapore market and the surge in demand from Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia have created a tremendous wave, bringing both huge opportunities and unprecedented production capacity pressure.

An order for 200,000 bottles, with a delivery time of half a month, is something the Kwun Tong factory can manage if they grit their teeth and persevere.

But Lin Wenxiong's almost fanatical tone on the phone, and the explosive feedback from the trial sales points in Malaysia and Indonesia, clearly conveyed one signal: the potential of the Southeast Asian market far exceeded expectations, and these 200,000 bottles were likely just the beginning!
He walked to the window, his gaze falling on the roaring production line in the Kwun Tong factory area.

The existing production capacity is like a rubber band stretched to its limit, which could snap at any moment.

Adding a new production line is certainly the fundamental solution, but it's a long-term solution that can't address the immediate problem.

In the urgent expansion of production on Hong Kong Island, time is needed for everything, including the site, equipment, and workers.

An even bolder idea popped into his mind: to set up a branch factory in Singapore!
This idea was not a spur-of-the-moment decision.

As the gateway to Southeast Asia, Singapore boasts political stability, a sound legal system, well-developed infrastructure, and an excellent business environment.

More importantly, proximity to the market can significantly shorten the supply chain, reduce logistics costs, and improve response speed.

In the future, it will be more convenient to extend its reach to Malaysia, Indonesia, and even the entire Southeast Asia.

With that thought in mind, he picked up the phone and dialed Ling Peiyi's number.

"Director Ling, please come to my office."

A moment later, Ling Peiyi knocked on the door and came in: "Mr. Chen, you wanted to see me?"

"Director Ling, please sit down." Chen Bingwen gestured for her to sit down and then briefly summarized Lin Wenxiong's report on the market situation in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, as well as the arrangements for the 200,000-bottle order.

Ling Peiyi was overjoyed to hear this: "100,000 bottles in seven days!"

The Singapore market has been completely ignited, and the response in Malaysia and Indonesia has been equally enthusiastic!

This is better than our most optimistic predictions.

“Yes, the opportunities are enormous, but the pressure is also unprecedented.” Chen Bingwen nodded, then changed the subject, “Director Ling, I’ve been thinking about the production capacity issue.”

The Kwun Tong plant is already operating at full capacity. Even if we add a production line now, it will take at least three to six months to get it into operation.

During this period, demand in Southeast Asia will only continue to grow.

Our current capacity expansion plans, whether it's adding production lines or outsourcing, are merely stopgap measures, not fundamental solutions, and are also costly and risky.

He paused, then looked intently at Ling Peiyi: "I'm wondering if we should... set up a branch factory in Singapore?"

"Set up a factory in Singapore?" Ling Peiyi was slightly taken aback. This suggestion was obviously unexpected, but as an experienced operations director, she quickly understood Chen Bingwen's strategic intentions. "Mr. Chen, do you want to get closer to the market, shorten the supply chain, and respond to Southeast Asian demands more quickly?"

“That’s right!” Chen Bingwen stood up, walked to the map on the wall, and pointed to the location of Singapore. “Look, Singapore has a superior geographical location and is the hub of Southeast Asia.”

Setting up a factory here allows products to quickly cover Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, and even extend to Thailand and the Philippines in the future.

Logistics costs have been significantly reduced, and market response speed has increased several times over.

More importantly, it can circumvent some trade barriers and tariffs, thereby enhancing product competitiveness.

Ling Peiyi listened attentively, her brain racing as she assessed the feasibility of this audacious plan.

She wasn't completely swayed by Chen Bingwen's passion, but instead habitually considered things from the perspective of risks and challenges:
"Mr. Chen, this strategic direction is very forward-thinking and has enormous potential. However, its implementation will also present considerable challenges."

"Setting up a factory in Singapore is of undeniable strategic significance and represents a long-term strategy for expanding into Southeast Asia."

However, in the short term, it cannot solve our pressing production capacity pressure; on the contrary, it will divert a lot of our energy, manpower, and financial resources.

I believe that, at this stage, it is more suitable to plan and prepare for it as a medium- to long-term strategic goal.

She suggested, "Right now, our most pressing task is to address the production capacity gap that will last for the next six months to a year."

I suggest a two-pronged approach:
Adding a production line to the Kwun Tong plant is fundamental, and we must go all out to ensure it goes into operation ahead of schedule. We should also initiate a feasibility study for setting up a plant in Singapore. We can commission a professional consulting firm to conduct detailed market research, cost analysis, policy and regulatory review, and risk assessment to produce a feasibility report.

At the same time, we can begin to identify potential partners or local talent to pave the way for the future.

After listening to Ling Peiyi's clear and well-organized analysis, Chen Bingwen's initial excitement about the hot sales in Singapore gradually subsided, replaced by deeper reflection.

He had to admit that Ling Pei-yi's analysis hit the nail on the head.

Setting up a factory in Singapore is a strategic move, not a stopgap measure.

Launching the project hastily now carries extremely high risks and could potentially cripple the entire company.

"Director Ling, you're right." Chen Bingwen nodded slowly, his mind regaining its usual calm. "I was a little too hasty."

Setting up a factory in Singapore is a key move to win in Southeast Asia in the future, but it is not the right time to make the move now.

Eat your food one bite at a time.

"Let's do it your way, we'll take a two-pronged approach."

Director Ling, could you lead an assessment to determine if it's possible to squeeze out space within the existing site of the Kwun Tong plant to install a Sacmi hot filling line?

If that doesn't work, we'll rent another factory nearby.

All resources, including venues, equipment, and personnel, will be given priority.

We aim to put the new production line into operation within three months, with a daily output exceeding 100,000 bottles.

Profits and cash flow from Singapore orders will be prioritized for investment here!

In addition, we immediately contacted Dexin's accountants and a professional international business consulting firm to initiate a detailed feasibility study for setting up a factory in Singapore!
I need to see a detailed, objective, and in-depth feasibility report within three months!
The report should answer the following questions: Is setting up a factory in Singapore feasible? When is the optimal time to start? What should the initial scale be? What are the expected returns on investment?
The supply strategy for the Southeast Asian market will remain unchanged until new production capacity is released in Hong Kong Island.

Prioritize the core market of Singapore, while making steady progress in Malaysia and Indonesia, controlling the pace to ensure quality and reputation.

To lay a solid brand foundation for the future Singapore branch factory, I will personally communicate with Lin Wenxiong to stabilize morale.

“Understood, Mr. Chen!” Ling Peiyi nodded solemnly, admiring Chen Bingwen’s ability to quickly shift from strategic thinking to pragmatic decision-making.

This young boss has both the ambition to expand his business and the calmness to be down-to-earth.

After Ling Peiyi left, Chen Bingwen rubbed his temples and was about to take a sip of water when Gao Meiling knocked on the door and came in.

"Brother Wen, Mr. Wu from Siyuan Film Industry sent you an invitation to attend an internal screening of 'Drunken Master' at the Star Cinema in Kowloon Tong at 8 pm tonight."

Drunken Master!
Internal screening!

Chen Bingwen's spirits lifted.

This film carries his dual expectations of brand integration and copyright layout, and he will definitely go to the preview screening to see it in person.

If there are any problems, you can raise them so we can make adjustments before the film is released.

"Reply to Mr. Wu, I will definitely arrive on time."

In the evening, inside a small screening room at the Star Cinema in Kowloon Tong.

Chen Bingwen was personally led to his seat in the front row by Wu Siyuan.

"Mr. Chen, thank you for coming!" Wu Siyuan said with a smile, lowering his voice, "The film has just finished the final color grading and audio mixing, and the effect is absolutely top-notch!"
Jackie Chan's performance this time can be described as a complete transformation!

“I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time.” Chen Bingwen replied with a smile, his gaze sweeping across the screening room.

He saw Cheng Long sitting not far away, and Cheng Long was also looking over. Their eyes met, and Cheng Long smiled and nodded in greeting.

The lights dimmed, and the screen lit up.

After the opening credits, the title of "Drunken Master" leaps onto the screen in vigorous calligraphy.

The film is fast-paced, with humorous and exciting fight choreography, perfectly blending traditional martial arts with comedic elements.

Jackie Chan's portrayal of the young Wong Fei-hung is both impulsive and clever, with a stubborn streak beneath his honesty, bringing the character to life.

Chen Bingwen watched intently, paying attention not only to the plot but also to every scene where "Chen's" elements might appear.

Finally, after a fierce alleyway battle, young Wong Fei-hung, sweating profusely and panting, leaned against a mottled brick wall.

The camera followed his gaze, and at the street corner, a red sign with gold lettering that read "Chen's Dessert" came into view! Under the sign, a simple but clean teahouse was steaming.

Huang Feihong's eyes lit up. He licked his chapped lips, pointed at the signboard, and said loudly in a playful yet self-righteous tone, "After the fight, my throat is parched. Let's go to Chen's and have a bowl of sweet soup to moisten our throats!"

After he finished speaking, he exaggeratedly swallowed, his actions and expressions vivid and natural.

In the next scene, Wong Fei-hung is already sitting in the teahouse, with a bowl of red bean soup with dried tangerine peel in front of him.

He picked up the bowl, gulped down a big mouthful, exhaled a satisfied breath, and a contented smile spread across his face: "Wow! A bowl of sweet soup after a fight, perfect!"

The camera even gave a close-up of the red bean paste in the bowl. The red beans were plump and the soup was thick, making it look very appetizing.

The implantation is natural and smooth, without any awkwardness!
The dialogue is the finishing touch, cleverly linking Chen's Sweet Soup with quenching thirst, restoring strength, and the enjoyment after battle.

A soft chuckle and murmur rippled through the screening room.

"Huh? Chen's Dessert? Is that the one from the Victoria Park Lunar New Year Fair?"

"Seeing Cheng Long enjoying his drink so much makes me a little envious. Tomorrow I'm going to buy a few bottles of Chen's Sweet Soup and drink my fill!"

"Drinking sweet soup after a fight? Haha, interesting!"

"Jackie Chan's eyes look so hungry!"

A satisfied smile curved Chen Bingwen's lips.

The implantation was done very well, and the results were excellent.

As the film continues, the "Chen's Dessert" sign appears several more times in the background.

Although there were no more close-ups or lines, the striking red background with gold lettering was enough to leave an impression on the audience.

As the end credits rolled and the lights in the theater came on, enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience!

"Great! Well played, and we had a good laugh!"

"Jackie Chan really pulled it off this time! His style is truly unique!"

"A new benchmark for comedy kung fu films!"

Praise was endless.

Wu Siyuan, beaming with excitement, was surrounded by an excited crowd, while Cheng Long was also surrounded by several familiar reporters, patiently answering their questions with a smile.

Chen Bingwen did not step forward immediately. He stood a little distance away, his gaze calmly sweeping over everything in front of him, as if admiring a work of art that was closely related to his own life as it shone brightly.

Undoubtedly, "Drunken Master" is a successful commercial film, and Jackie Chan's performance is a complete transformation.

That unique style that blends humor and toughness, his energetic body language and approachable screen image already showed the beginnings of a future superstar, even more striking than the image Chen Bingwen remembered.

The quality of "Drunken Master" and Jackie Chan's charismatic performance convinced him that this film would follow the glorious trajectory of his past life, starting from the small island of Hong Kong, igniting the Southeast Asian and Japanese markets, and ultimately becoming famous worldwide.

The value of the exclusive, permanent, and full rights to "Drunken Master" in Japan and Southeast Asia that he holds will rise along with the film's popularity!
This is not just about box office revenue sharing; it's a "cultural passport" of immeasurable value.

With this favorable wind, Chan Kee Dessert will transform from a local Hong Kong food brand into a cross-regional brand with initial recognition and a unique cultural imprint in the Southeast Asian Chinese community and even the East Asian popular culture sphere.

This has laid an irreplaceable foundation of cultural affinity and brand recognition for Chenji bottled sweet soup in the Southeast Asian market where it is currently being tested, and in the potential future Japanese market.

This is a subtle and pervasive form of cultural export, the value of which far exceeds what can be measured by mere product advertising.

Just then, Wu Siyuan broke free from the crowd surrounding him, strode up to Chen Bingwen, and excitedly asked, "Mr. Chen, how did it go?"
Are you satisfied with the debut of Chen's Kitchen?

"Very satisfied!" Chen Bingwen praised sincerely. "I believe that after the movie is released, the phrase 'After a fight, drink a bowl of Chen's sweet soup' will definitely become a popular saying!"

"Haha, then I'll take Mr. Chen's good wishes!" Wu Siyuan laughed loudly. "When it's officially released, I'll rent out a whole theater and treat all the employees of Chen's to a show!"

(End of this chapter)