Secret Recipe Cakes & Café Sdn Bhd was named Franchise of the Year and Homegrown Franchise of The Year at the tenth Franchise Award 2007 in Kuala Lumpur last night.

Established in 1997, the homegrown bakery has 144 outlets in Malaysia, 44 of which are wholly-owned and the remaining 100 operated by franchisees.


Secret Recipe also received Best Sales Growth award at the ceremony. The cafe business made about RM70 million in 2006, derived from sales from the principal-owned outlets and franchise fees.


Organised by Malaysia Franchise Association (MFA), about 10 out of 115 franchising companies advanced to the final round this year. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was the guest of honour and presented awards to the top winners.


In his speech, he said a master plan for the franchise sector will be introduced soon.


“The master plan will be a reference tool to shape and guide the growth of franchise, besides undertaking the role as a synergy to franchise stakeholders,” he said.


Last year’s Best Franchise, Smart Reader Worldwide Sdn Bhd, was named International Homegrown Franchisor of The Year.


Its franchisee, Informinium Sdn Bhd, bagged the Franchisee of The Year award.


Smart Reader Worldwide has about 250 franchised outlets nationwide and more than 150 abroad.


The educational programme franchisor was also named the Most Popular Franchise for the second year in a row this year and its founder Dr Wang Kim Ha was honoured with this year’s Women Franchise Entrepreneur Award.


MFA chairman Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said he hopes industry players will be more productive to bring locally developed business to international level via franchising.


“The award is part of MFA’s effort to boost franchise industry in the country and for players to promote their products and services in the global market,” he said.


Nominated for the first time, corn-in-cup kiosk operator Daily Fresh Sdn Bhd took home two awards this year, namely Most Promising Franchisor of The Year and Best Outlet Growth.


Cosmetics and healthcare producer Avon Cosmetics (M) Sdn Bhd was named Master Franchisee of The Year, while Young Franchise Entrepreneur Award went to Mohd Zaini Din from Visidikari Holdings Sdn Bhd.