About Lee Kum Kee
Lee Kum Kee is a globally recognized Hong Kong-based food brand best known for its premium Asian sauces, condiments, and seasonings. Founded in 1888 by Lee Kum Sheung, the company is credited with inventing modern oyster sauce, a staple ingredient in Cantonese cuisine that has since become popular around the world. Today, Lee Kum Kee is one of the largest and most influential manufacturers of Chinese sauces, with products sold in more than 100 countries and regions. [1]
Overview
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Founded: 1888
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Founder: Lee Kum Sheung
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Headquarters: Hong Kong SAR, China
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Industry: Food manufacturing
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Products: Sauces, condiments, seasonings, cooking oils, soup bases, marinades, and ready-to-use cooking sauces
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Markets: Over 100 countries and regions
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Product Portfolio: More than 300 products worldwide [2]
History
The Birth of Oyster Sauce (1888)
Lee Kum Kee’s story began in Nanshui, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China, where restaurant owner Lee Kum Sheung accidentally invented oyster sauce. According to the company’s history, while simmering oysters, he forgot about the pot. The liquid reduced into a rich, flavorful brown sauce with an exceptional umami taste. Realizing its commercial potential, he established Lee Kum Kee in 1888 to manufacture and sell oyster sauce and shrimp paste. [3]
Expansion into International Markets
In 1902, the company relocated to Macao, enabling wider distribution throughout Guangdong and Hong Kong.
By the 1920s, under the leadership of the founder’s son, Lee Shiu Nan, Lee Kum Kee began exporting oyster sauce to the United States through local importers, laying the foundation for its global presence. [4]
Modern Growth
The company experienced significant expansion during the late 20th century:
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1988: Celebrated its 100th anniversary and introduced its modern corporate logo.
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1991: Opened its first U.S. production facility in Los Angeles.
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1996: Established a production base in Xinhui, Guangdong.
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1997: Opened a manufacturing facility in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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1998: Expanded production in Guangzhou, China.
These investments helped Lee Kum Kee become one of the world’s largest manufacturers of Chinese sauces and condiments. [5]
Products
Lee Kum Kee offers an extensive portfolio of products serving both home cooks and professional chefs.
Major product categories include:
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Oyster Sauce
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Soy Sauce
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Hoisin Sauce
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Chili Garlic Sauce
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Black Bean Sauce
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Sesame Oil
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Chili Oil
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Teriyaki Sauce
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Sweet Soy Sauce
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Marinades
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Stir-fry Sauces
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Soup Bases
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Cooking Sauces
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Vinegars
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Seasoning Powders
Some of its best-known products include:
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Premium Oyster Sauce
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Panda Brand Oyster Sauce
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Premium Soy Sauce
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Hoisin Sauce
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Chiu Chow Style Chili Oil
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Chili Garlic Sauce
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Sesame Oil [6]
Manufacturing and Global Presence
Lee Kum Kee operates multiple production facilities worldwide, including:
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Hong Kong (headquarters)
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Xinhui, China
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Huangpu (Guangzhou), China
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Jining, China
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Los Angeles, United States
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Newnan, Georgia, United States
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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Its products are distributed across Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East. [7]
Brand Philosophy
Lee Kum Kee emphasizes five core corporate values:
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Considering Others’ Interests (Si Li Ji Ren)
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Pragmatism
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Integrity
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Constant Entrepreneurship
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100 − 1 = 0 Quality Philosophy
The “100−1=0” philosophy reflects the company’s belief that one quality failure can negate one hundred successes, reinforcing its focus on consistent product quality. [8]
Corporate Logo
Introduced during the company’s centennial celebration in 1988, the Lee Kum Kee logo features:
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A red bridge, symbolizing the connection between Eastern and Western culinary cultures.
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Purple typography, representing the company’s spirit of constant entrepreneurship.
The logo reflects Lee Kum Kee’s mission of sharing Chinese culinary traditions with the world. [9]
Mission
Lee Kum Kee’s stated mission is:
“Promoting Chinese Culinary Culture Worldwide.”
The company aims to make authentic Chinese cooking accessible to households and professional kitchens globally through high-quality sauces and seasonings. [10]
Awards and Milestones
Over its long history, Lee Kum Kee has achieved several notable milestones:
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First Hong Kong food manufacturer to receive ISO 9002 certification (1995)
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Official Asian sauce sponsor for Hong Kong Disneyland (2005)
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Official food and beverage supplier for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
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Official catering supplier for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo [11]
Legacy
From a small oyster sauce workshop in southern China, Lee Kum Kee has grown into one of the world’s most recognizable Asian food brands. With more than 135 years of history, the company has played a major role in introducing Chinese flavors to international markets and remains a trusted name among home cooks, restaurants, and professional chefs worldwide. Its oyster sauce, soy sauces, and cooking condiments continue to be staples in kitchens across the globe. [12]
