Calbee Four Seas' managing director Lawrence Wong on the innovation and technology behind the snacking giant
People around the world love Calbee and its delicious range of snacks, including the ubiquitous red bag of Kappa Ebisen prawn crackers, Jagabee potato sticks and Hot and Spicy crisps. Since it was founded in 1949, the Japanese company has become a household name—and staple—with multiple subsidiaries and production facilities across the globe, including Hong Kong.
When Calbee was born
The story of Calbee in Hong Kong begins in the 1970s, when Stephen Tai, founder of local food producer and distributor Four Seas Mercantile, was introduced to the Japanese snack brand and its distributors at a company dinner. Hands were shaken, deals were struck and, shortly after, Four Seas began importing Calbee products into Hong Kong. The snacks proved to be hugely popular and, in 1994, the two companies formed a joint venture, Calbee Four Seas Company Limited—the corporation of which Lawrence Wong is managing director.
“I first joined the company in 1999,” says Wong, whose experience with Calbee Four Seas spans not only several decades but also various departments, including operations, corporate planning, training and administration. In 2000, the company set up its own plant in the Tseung Kwan O InnoPark, one of three hubs managed by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP).
Through its strategically located InnoParks in Yuen Long, Sha Tin and Tseung Kwan O, the HKSTP provides cutting-edge, tech-driven, smart manufacturing facilities to forward-looking Hong Kong companies like Calbee. The InnoParks also promote local research and development while giving industrialists access to new technology and connections.
Overcoming challenges
Calbee has established itself as a leader in advanced automated manufacturing, but Wong has identified opportunities for improvement within its packing process, which currently relies on a small team of staff. To address this, Calbee has proactively approached HKSTP for assistance with potential automation solutions. By tapping into the resources and the InnoPark’s extensive network, Calbee aims to further optimise its operations.
The implementation of an advanced automation manufacturing line has yielded significant benefits in terms of production efficiency and waste reduction while decreasing physical labour. This cutting-edge technology allows for streamlined processes, resulting in increased output while maintaining the high-quality standards associated with the esteemed “made in Hong Kong” label. By leveraging advanced automation, Calbee HK has successfully upheld its heritage and reputation for delivering top-notch products to its customers.
Another of Calbee’s biggest obstacles is space. Since most of its machinery comes from Japan and takes up a lot of room, Wong believes that the company must “reform, re-engineer and re-industrialise” itself to stay relevant and use what space it has. “We need a new generation of technology to support our traditional manufacturing, which is why we need HKSTP.”
Being based in HKSTP’s InnoPark also helps Calbee build connections with other companies from all over the world. “Technology is changing so fast, and with the support of HKSTP and our neighbours, we’re able to stay on top of the latest developments,” says Wong.
The future of snacks
These days, Calbee is looking to recruit more talent for its R&D department to grow the business not just in Hong Kong, but within Greater China as well. Aside from “innofacturing” new ways of manufacturing with HKSTP, the company continues to innovate in the world of snacks.
Adding to the long list of innovative snacks and flavours—from the famous hot and spicy and curry fish ball to roasted goose and Hong Kong-style sweet and sour pork—Wong says Calbee is currently planning a line of “value-added” snacks, along with more nutritious options to meet changing local demand. After all, the name “Calbee” originally comes from “calcium” and “vitamin B1”, reflecting the company’s mission to create healthy snacks for all.