Lee Kum Kee

What Lee Kum Kee does

Lee Kum Kee is a 138-year-old, family-controlled sauce and condiment manufacturer founded in 1888 and headquartered in Hong Kong SAR, operating in more than 100 countries through its US subsidiary Lee Kum Kee (U.S.A.) Inc. (California). The company produces over 300 SKUs across soy sauces, oyster sauces (including the Panda Brand sub-brand), chili oils, chili sauces, hoisin, XO sauces, bouillons, soup bases, vinegars, ready sauces, and ready-to-eat products such as abalone. Its core technology is traditional natural fermentation of premium Non-GMO soybeans and wheat flour for soy sauces, with broader manufacturing capabilities across condiment categories; products carry Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, kosher, and vegan certifications as relevant. Strategic capacity expansion includes a $22 million initial soy sauce facility in Coweta County, Georgia and a planned $288 million smart factory in LaGrange, Georgia expected to create 267 jobs.

The company operates a dual-channel business model. Consumer packaged goods revenue flows through mass-market retailers (Walmart), specialty Asian grocers (H-Mart, 99 Ranch, Sky Foods), and e-commerce channels including its own website, Amazon, Weee!, and Instacart. A parallel Foodservice/Professional division targets chefs and restaurants, evidenced by a dedicated foodservices.lkk.com site, chef ambassador programs (Food Network's Jet Tila), and fine dining partnerships such as the Yingtao restaurant collaboration in Manhattan. GTM is multi-modal: direct-to-consumer plus event-driven experiential marketing, anchored by cultural campaigns like #FlavorsofAAPI and content marketing around recipes and Chinese culinary traditions. Pricing is set at the retailer/channel level rather than published directly by the company, and Lee Kum Kee does not publicly disclose revenue or financials as a privately held family enterprise with a documented '1,000-year vision.'

Name

Lee Kum Kee

Legal name

Lee Kum Kee (U.S.A.) Inc.

Website

https://usa.lkk.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1888

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Lee Kum Kee is a 138-year-old, family-controlled global sauce and condiment manufacturer producing 300+ Asian SKUs (soy, oyster, chili, hoisin) across 100+ countries, serving home cooks, chefs, and foodservice operators through retail, e-commerce, and a dedicated foodservice division.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Asian Sauces and Condiments

NAICS

Food Manufacturing (311), Mayonnaise, Dressing, and Other Prepared Sauce Manufacturing (311941), Fruit and Vegetable Preserving and Specialty Food Manufacturing (3114), Other Food Manufacturing (3119)

SIC

Miscellaneous Food Preparations & Kindred Products (2090), Canned, Frozen & Preservd Fruit, Veg & Food Specialties (2030)

akta.pro primary industry

Soy Sauce, Tamari & Asian Condiments Manufacturing (AFAKADAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fermented & Specialty Condiments Manufacturing (Kimchi Base, Gochujang, Miso-Based Sauces) (AFAKADAO), Hot Sauce & Chili Sauce Manufacturing (AFAKADAE), BBQ Sauce & Marinades Manufacturing (AFAKADAH), Prepared soups, stews & chili manufacturing (AFAKAHAJ), Ethnic & international prepared meals manufacturing (AFAKAHAG)

Keywords

• Asian sauces
• Soy sauce products
• Oyster sauce
• Cooking condiments
• Seasonings manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

City Of Industry

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) - Retail Sales: Lee Kum Kee generates revenue through the sale of its packaged sauces, condiments, and cooking ingredients to retail consumers via grocery stores, supermarkets, specialty Asian food retailers, and e-commerce platforms. The company sells over 300 product SKUs across multiple sauce and condiment categories.
2. Foodservice / Professional Channel: Lee Kum Kee serves the professional culinary market through its Food Professional division, providing chefs and restaurants with commercial-scale sauce and condiment products. The company demonstrates this channel through its dedicated website section and fine dining partnerships such as the Yingtao collaboration.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Lee Kum Kee manufactures and distributes over 300 authentic Asian sauces and condiments, including soy sauces, oyster sauces, chili oils, chili sauces, hoisin sauce, marinades, bouillons, soup bases, vinegars, XO sauces, and ready-to-eat products. The company serves home cooks, professional chefs, and industrial food manufacturers through distinct Homecook, Food Professional, and Industrial channels across 100+ countries.

Product overview

Lee Kum Kee is a 138-year-old global sauce and condiment company founded in 1888, offering a comprehensive portfolio of over 300 authentic Asian sauces and condiments. The product line includes core sauce categories such as Soy Sauces (Premium, Premium Dark, Seasoning, Less Sodium, Mushroom-Flavored), Oyster Sauces (Premium, Panda Brand, Gluten-Free), Chili Products (Chiu Chow Chili Crisp Oil, Chili Bean Sauce, Chili Garlic Sauce, Sriracha variants), and Hoisin Sauce. The portfolio also extends to Ready Sauces for convenient meal preparation, Soup Bases (including Sichuan Hot & Spicy and Miso), Bouillons, Vinegars, Spices, and Ready-to-Eat products including Abalone in Premium Oyster Sauce. Premium products like XO Sauce, Pure Sesame Oil, and specialty items such as Char Siu Sauce and Chu Hou Paste round out the offering for both home cooks and food service professionals across more than 100 countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Panda Brand: Panda Brand oyster sauce and related products
• Chiu Chow Style Chili Crisp Oil

Products and services

• Sriracha Chili Sauce (Gluten Free & Non-GMO) A bold and spicy chili sauce verified as Non-GMO by the Non-GMO Project and certified gluten-free, delivering a blend of hot and sweet savoriness with a hint of garlic. Sold to retail consumers, foodservice operators, and used across home cooking, stir-fry, and condiment applications.
• Sriracha Mayo (Cage-Free Eggs & Gluten-Free) A versatile sauce combining the fiery spiciness of sriracha with creamy mayonnaise, made with cage-free eggs and certified gluten-free. Designed for sandwiches, burgers, dipping sauces, and culinary applications for retail consumers and foodservice operators.
• Chiu Chow Chili Crisp Oil An authentic Chiu Chow-style chili crisp oil delivering rich, spicy, umami-packed taste infused with aromatic garlic and flavorful chili peppers. Sold to home cooks, professional chefs, and food manufacturers for adding heat and texture to dishes.
• Chili Bean Sauce (Toban Djan) A savory and spicy paste (Toban Djan) made from fermented broad beans, soybeans, and salted chili peppers, essential for Sichuan-style cooking. Sold to retail consumers and foodservice operators for authentic Chinese cuisine preparation.
• Less Sodium Soy Sauce A reduced-sodium soy sauce naturally brewed from premium Non-GMO soybeans and wheat flour, with no preservatives added. Targeted at health-conscious home cooks, restaurants, and food manufacturers seeking lower-sodium seasoning options.
• Premium Oyster Sauce A premium oyster-flavored sauce for enhancing stir-fry dishes and adding rich umami flavor across home cooking, professional foodservice, and industrial food preparation.
• Panda Brand Oyster Sauce A popular oyster sauce sold under the Panda sub-brand, featuring easy-squeeze bottles and smooth texture. Marketed to home cooks and foodservice operators for convenient portion-controlled usage.
• Hoisin Sauce A versatile sauce made with spices, soybeans, and sweet potato, used for marinating, stir-frying, and as a dipping sauce. Sold to home cooks, restaurants, and food manufacturers across Asian and fusion cuisine applications.
• Char Siu Sauce (Chinese Barbecue Sauce) A sauce formulated for Chinese-style barbecue (char siu) pork preparation. Sold to home cooks and Chinese restaurant operators for authentic barbecue applications.
• Chu Hou Paste A traditional Chinese braising paste for slow-cooked meat dishes. Sold to home cooks and Cantonese restaurants for authentic braising applications.
• Pure Sesame Oil Premium sesame oil with concentrated fragrance, suitable for cold dishes, blanched vegetables, marinating, and soups. Carries Kosher certification. Sold to retail consumers, chefs, and food manufacturers.
• Chili Garlic Sauce A spicy garlic sauce for adding heat and flavor to Asian and fusion dishes. Sold to home cooks and foodservice operators for stir-fry, dipping, and condiment applications.
• XO Sauce A premium seafood sauce made with dried scallops, shrimp, and other premium ingredients. Targeted at upscale restaurants and premium home cooks for Cantonese fine dining applications.
• Premium Dark Soy Sauce Naturally brewed dark soy sauce with rich color for braising and cooking. Sold across home cooking, restaurant, and food manufacturing applications.
• Mushroom-Flavored Dark Soy Sauce Dark soy sauce with mushroom flavoring, suitable for red-braised dishes. Sold to retail consumers and foodservice operators for traditional Chinese cooking.
• Seasoned Soy Sauce for Seafood A specialized soy sauce formulated for steamed fish and seafood dishes. Sold to home cooks and restaurants preparing Cantonese seafood.
• Minced Garlic Pre-minced garlic packaged for convenient cooking preparation. Sold to home cooks and foodservice operators seeking time-saving aromatics.
• Minced Ginger Pre-minced ginger packaged for convenient cooking preparation. Sold to home cooks and foodservice operators seeking time-saving aromatics.
• Concentrated Chicken Bouillon A concentrated chicken flavor enhancer used for marinating, stir-frying, steaming, or as soup base. Sold to home cooks, restaurants, and food manufacturers.
• Vegan Oyster Flavored Sauce (Mushroom-Based) A plant-based oyster-flavored sauce (香菇素蠔油) made with mushrooms, enabling vegetarian and vegan cooking without sacrificing umami flavor. Sold to retail consumers, foodservice operators, and food manufacturers.
• Chili Black Bean Sauce A spicy sauce made with fermented black beans and chili, ideal for stir-fries. Sold to home cooks and foodservice operators for Asian cuisine preparation.
• Sichuan Style Broad Bean Sauce

Quantifiable outcome

• Global footprint across 100+ countries with 300+ sauce products

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• YingtaominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 June 2026Lee Kum Kee partnered with Yingtao, a contemporary Chinese restaurant in Manhattan, to host an exclusive five-course tasting dinner on June 10. The menu showcased over ten Lee Kum Kee products including Premium Oyster Sauce and First Draw Soy Sauce as precision culinary tools in fine dining contexts, with dishes developed by Chef Emily Yuen and restaurant founders Bolun Yao and Linette Yao.
• Los Angeles Times StudioscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 May 2026Lee Kum Kee partnered with Los Angeles Times Studios as part of its #FlavorsofAAPI campaign for AAPI Heritage Month to celebrate Asian American identity through flavor storytelling, with cultural narratives shared across media platforms.
• America's Test KitchencoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 May 2026Lee Kum Kee collaborated with America's Test Kitchen as part of the #FlavorsofAAPI campaign to provide culinary education and cooking demonstrations highlighting Asian American culinary traditions.
• InstacartminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 6 May 2026Lee Kum Kee partnered with Instacart for the #FlavorsofAAPI campaign, enabling consumers to purchase Lee Kum Kee products online for workplace celebrations and home cooking through the Instacart platform.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Conagra Brands: Conagra is a large North American packaged food company with sauce and condiment brands (including Asian lines). It is a broad incumbent competing for the same shelf space but not specializing in authentic Asian sauces.
• McCormick & Company: McCormick is a large public CPG company with broad seasonings, sauces, and condiments portfolios including Asian brands. It overlaps with Lee Kum Kee on the retail shelf but competes as a broad incumbent rather than a category specialist.

Emerging players

• Fly by Jing: Fly by Jing is a fast-growing premium Chinese sauce brand (chili crisp, dumplings, Zhong sauces) that competes for the same modern American consumer seeking authentic Chinese flavors at a higher price point.
• Thai Kitchen (McCormick brand): Thai Kitchen is a leading retail brand for Thai cooking sauces, curry pastes, and noodles under McCormick. It competes in adjacent Asian cuisine segments with similar shelf placement and consumer base as Lee Kum Kee.
• Momofuku (restaurant/CPG): Momofuku has expanded David Chang's restaurant brand into retail CPG including Asian sauces and chili crisp. It is an emerging premium competitor in the same American consumer Asian-sauce segment.

Direct peers

• Yamasa Corporation: Yamasa is one of Japan's oldest soy sauce producers, with a comparable heritage brand profile and naturally brewed soy sauce portfolio. Closely matched to Lee Kum Kee in fermentation heritage and category focus.
• Kikkoman: Kikkoman is the global leader in soy sauce and Asian sauces, with a similar product portfolio spanning soy sauces, teriyaki, and Asian condiments. It is the most directly comparable peer in product category and target market.
• San-J International: San-J is a US-based Japanese tamari and Asian sauce manufacturer focused on premium, gluten-free, and Non-GMO positioning. Direct competitor in the specialty/premium soy sauce and Asian condiment category.
• Mizkan: Mizkan is a Japanese family-owned sauce and vinegar producer with strong Asian condiment and ready-sauce lines. Closely comparable to Lee Kum Kee in family ownership, heritage brand positioning, and multi-category Asian sauce portfolio.
• Huy Fong Foods: Huy Fong Foods is the maker of Sriracha chili sauce and a direct competitor to Lee Kum Kee's Sriracha and chili sauce SKUs in the US market. Similar private, family-controlled CPG model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/leekumkeeUSA
• YouTubeyoutube.com/leekumkeeusa
• Facebookfacebook.com/LeeKumKeeUSA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lee-kum-kee-culinary
• Instagraminstagram.com/leekumkeeusa
• TikToktiktok.com/@leekumkeeusa
• Pinterestpinterest.com/leekumkeeusa/pins

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lee Kum Kee