Harrisons Malaysia Plantations Berhad

What Harrisons Malaysia Plantations Berhad does

Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad (KLSE: HARISON, company code 5008) is a publicly listed Malaysian trading and distribution conglomerate with operating roots tracing to 1918, when Harrisons & Crosfield of London acquired Darby and Company in Sabah. The current entity was incorporated in 1990 as Jantoco Trading Sdn Bhd, assumed its present name in 1991, converted to public company status in 1992, and listed on Bursa Malaysia in October 1999. The group is controlled by Bumi Raya International Holding Co Ltd (42.33% stake), an Indonesia-linked diversified trading group, with the balance publicly held. The company employs more than 1,700 people and is described as an employer of choice with relatively low staff turnover.

The business is structured around three regional operating subsidiaries — Harrisons Sabah, Harrisons Sarawak, and Harrisons Peninsular — covering 27 branches across Malaysia (13 Peninsular, 9 Sabah, 5 Sarawak). Operations span nine segments: Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Building Materials, Industrial Chemicals, Agricultural Fertiliser Chemicals, Shipping & Logistics, Travel, Technical Products, Wine/Spirits/Beer, and Retail. Harrisons distributes more than 13,000 products from over 400 principals (including Nestle, Heineken, Vinda, Kao, Reckitt Benckiser, Colgate-Palmolive, Maersk Line, Malex, Dulux/Akzo Nobel, NTN, Glico, and Red Bull) to over 15,000 accounts spanning supermarkets, departmental stores, sundry shops, restaurants, hardware dealers, contractors, agrichemical dealers, and plantation factories. Infrastructure includes over 1 million sq ft of warehousing and a fleet of more than 100 delivery vehicles, all linked by an online computer system that supports data capture and market intelligence. The Retail segment operates the acquired Famous Amos cookies brand (18 outlets in Singapore) and the Komonoya Japanese 100-yen-shop concept.

The revenue model is principally transaction-based, earning commissions and margins on third-party distribution. Pricing is not publicly disclosed, consistent with B2B distribution norms. FY2023 revenue of RM2.26 billion and net profit of RM67.4 million represent a new profit peak, with the dividend payout raised to 50 sen per share. Note: firmographic data labeled the entity "Harrisons Malaysia Plantations Berhad" with country "Indonesia"; this is inconsistent with primary sources (Bursa Malaysia listing, company website, financial filings), which consistently identify the entity as Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad, a Malaysian distribution and trading group, not a plantations company. Additionally, the multi-trillion-dollar revenue values in the Financials table are clearly erroneous and have been disregarded in favor of the disclosed RM2.26 billion figure.

Name

Harrisons Malaysia Plantations Berhad

Legal name

Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad

Website

https://harrisons.com.my

Company type

Public

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad is a Bursa Malaysia-listed distribution and trading group operating across nine business segments, distributing 13,000+ products from 400+ principals to 15,000+ accounts via 27 branches throughout Malaysia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Consumer Goods Distribution

NAICS

Warehousing and Storage (4931), Other Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers (42469)

SIC

Public Warehousing & Storage (4220), Wholesale-Lumber & Other Construction Materials (5030), Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084)

akta.pro primary industry

Grocery & FMCG Distribution Centers (Ambient) (TLALAEAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Specialty & Gourmet Foods Wholesale Distribution (CRAOAAAI), Retail Distribution Centers (Store Replenishment DCs) (TLALAEAA)

Keywords

• Consumer goods distribution
• Building materials distribution
• Logistics services
• Warehouse distribution
• Travel agency services

Headquarters

HQ city

Lumpur

HQ country

Indonesia

HQ region

Asia

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Distribution and Trading: Revenue is derived from marketing, sales, warehousing and distribution of consumer, building and engineering products, agricultural and industrial chemicals. Income comes from commissions and margins on distribution of products for over 400 principals.
2. Shipping Agency: Revenue from shipping agency operations in East Malaysia representing major international and domestic shipping lines, particularly Maersk Line for over 60 years.
3. Travel Agency: Revenue from airline ticketing, hotel reservations, ground packages, inbound/outbound tours, cruises, and travel formalities services.
4. Retail Operations: Revenue from retailing Famous Amos cookies and Komonoya products through owned outlets and franchise/licensed operations.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels1 record

Core offering

Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad is a sales, marketing, warehousing and distribution organization operating through nine business segments: Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Building Materials, Industrial Chemicals, Agricultural Fertiliser Chemicals, Shipping & Logistics, Travel, Technical Products, Wine/Spirits/Beer, and Retail. The Group distributes more than 13,000 products from over 400 principals to over 15,000 accounts across Malaysia via 27 branches with over 1 million square feet of warehousing space and a fleet of 100+ delivery vehicles.

Product overview

Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad is a trading and distribution company with nine business segments operating through three main subsidiaries: Harrisons Sabah Sdn Bhd (covering Sabah), Harrisons Sarawak Sdn Bhd (covering Sarawak), and Harrisons Peninsular Sdn Bhd (covering Peninsular Malaysia). The company distributes over 13,000 products from more than 400 principals across Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Building Materials, Industrial Chemicals, Agricultural Fertiliser Chemicals, Shipping & Logistics, Travel, Technical Products, Wine/Spirits/Beer, and Retail segments. Its retail operations include Famous Amos freshly-baked cookies (18 outlets in Singapore) and Komonoya Japanese household goods stores, both acquired in 2018. The company operates a network of 27 branches with over 1 million square feet of warehousing space and a fleet of over 100 delivery vehicles.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Famous Amos: Fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies brand established in Singapore since 1983; currently retailed at 18 outlets in Singapore
• Komonoya
• SeaFresh
• April Cotton
• Porkies Luncheon Meat

Products and services

• Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Distribution
• Building Materials Distribution
• Industrial Chemicals Distribution
• Agricultural Fertiliser Chemicals
• Shipping & Logistics Services
• Travel Agency Services

Quantifiable outcome

• Achieved RM1.81 billion turnover in 2020, growing to RM2.26 billion in FY2023
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, minor and core.

• Famous AmosflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 October 2018Harrisons acquired the Famous Amos brand, the freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies brand established in Singapore since 1983, as its second major retailing concept business. Harrisons plan to expand to other regional territories with this established brand.
• KomonoyaflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 April 2018Harrisons acquired the Komonoya brand, a Japanese brand offering uniform retail price products similar to 100¥ shops in Japan. Harrisons expanded distribution network beyond Malaysia to Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and parts of China.
• Watts JapanminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2012Harrisons joint-ventured with Watts Japan to operate the 100¥ Shop business in Malaysia, which later evolved into the Komonoya brand.
• Maersk LinecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 May 1918Harrisons represents Maersk Line as a liner agent for major international container carriers with worldwide service. This is a 60+ year relationship making Harrisons the agent for the world's biggest container shipping line.
• Nestle Products Sdn BhdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHarrisons distributes Nestle products including Nespray, Everyday, Twin, Lactogen, Nan, Nestum, Milo, Maggi Instant Noodles, sauces and soups in Sabah and Sarawak. This is an 88+ year relationship.
• Heineken Malaysia BhdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHarrisons distributes Heineken Malaysia products including Heineken, Tiger Beer, Anchor, Guinness, Anglia, Malta in Sabah and is authorized distributor for Heineken beer in Muar and Batu Pahat. This is a 64+ year relationship.
• Malex Industrial Products Sdn BhdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHarrisons distributes Malex corrugated fibre cement roofing products. This is a 52+ year relationship.
• Vinda Marketing (previously SCA Hygiene Malaysia)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHarrisons distributes Vinda products including baby diapers, adult diapers, feminine care products and consumer tissue.
• Malaysia AirlinescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHarrisons Travel Division represents Malaysia Airlines covering domestic and international air tickets along with AirAsia.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Sime Darby Berhad: Malaysian-listed diversified conglomerate with plantation, industrial, motors, and logistics operations. Overlaps with Harrisons in Malaysian distribution and agricultural-chemicals exposure, though operating at much larger scale with broader portfolio.
• Jardine Cycle & Carriage: Singapore-listed diversified conglomerate with major stakes in Astra International (Indonesia), including automotive, consumer distribution, and agribusiness. Overlaps with Harrisons in Southeast Asian FMCG/consumer distribution through its Indonesian automotive and consumer-products subsidiaries.
• Fraser & Neave Holdings: Malaysian-listed FMCG and dairy conglomerate producing and distributing beverages, dairy, and food products across Southeast Asia. Comparable as a Malaysian FMCG distribution and brand owner, though more focused on manufacturing/own brands than third-party agency distribution.

Regional players

• Guthrie Corporation / Sime Plantation: Malaysian plantation group (now part of Sime Darby Plantation) supplying palm oil and related agricultural inputs. Overlaps with Harrisons' Agricultural Fertiliser Chemicals segment that distributes agrochemicals to estates and dealers.
• Boustead Holdings: Malaysian-listed conglomerate with plantation, heavy industries, pharmaceuticals, and trading businesses. Comparable in Malaysian conglomerate structure with plantation-related chemical/fertiliser distribution exposure and multi-segment operating model.

Direct peers

• DKSH Holdings: Swiss-listed market expansion services group providing sales, marketing, distribution, and after-sales services for consumer goods, healthcare, and specialty chemicals across Asia Pacific. Directly comparable to Harrisons in the FMCG/consumer goods distribution model, though larger and more geographically diversified.
• Mewah International: Singapore-listed Malaysian-headquartered edible oils and FMCG distributor with integrated manufacturing and bulk distribution. Closely comparable in operating geography (Malaysia/Southeast Asia), FMCG/wholesale distribution focus, and consumer-product trading model.
• Zuellig Group: Privately held pan-Asian distribution and logistics group covering healthcare, consumer goods, and specialty chemicals across 20+ markets. Operates a similar third-party distribution model to Harrisons, with comparable long-standing principal relationships and regional warehousing infrastructure.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/harrisons-trading-limited

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries8 records

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 Harrisons Malaysia Plantations Berhad