SELAYANG: Mascorn – Marine Gold Marketing Sdn Bhd has been recognised by Asean Records as the region's first grower and manufacturer of healthy sweet corn snacks, delivered fresh from homegrown crops to kiosks in under 24 hours.
This significant achievement underscores Mascorn's dedication to pioneering delicious food options for everyone, providing a variety of premium, corn-based snacks that cater to all tastes.
Mascorn founder Wong Yoon Bing expressed his gratitude for the prestigious milestone.
"I started this business in 1982 with my wife. I am thrilled to see it being passed down to my children while achieving an Asean record."
Mascorn is a family-run business founded by Wong and his wife, Yap Di Bee. It is now managed by their children, with Esther Wong as chief executive officer, Denny Wong as chief operating officer and Michael Wong as chief marketing officer.
On Dec 18, coinciding with the announcement of the record, Mascorn unveiled its first concept kiosk, Mascorn Cafe, at 168 Park Mall in Selayang, Gombak, further enhancing its market presence.
Esther said the concept kiosk aimed to ensure consumers enjoyed the best quality sweet corn products.
She said the innovation arose in response to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The Mascorn Cafe is a concept I developed in response to the pandemic. Before that, we primarily supplied a wide range of hybrid F1 subtropical and tropical sweet corn to local and international supermarkets, as well as franchises," said Esther in an interview with the New Straits Times.
She said the pandemic led many of Mascorn's customers to close their markets and restrict sweet corn exports, prompting her to find an alternative way to maintain supply.
"We thought, why not create our own concept kiosk? This way, our customers can enjoy Mascorn products directly and experience new product development together."
Mascorn specialises in hybrid F1 super sweet corn farming and the production of quick-frozen vegetables, as well as processing fresh produce.
The company began by supplying fresh corn and has expanded into corn-in-cup, making it more convenient for everyone to enjoy the nutritious snack.
"Every kernel of corn is peeled during our manufacturing process, ensuring that each bite of corn-in-cup brings joy.
"We deliver our sweet corn from homegrown crops to kiosks in under 24 hours.
"The sweet corn is handpicked from our farms, transported to our factory for processing, then sent directly to supermarkets and the kiosks. This ensures that customers enjoy corn that is picked fresh the day before," Esther said.
Mascorn is committed to promoting healthy eating, supported by tests conducted by SAMM lab to confirm the nutritional benefits of both yellow and purple corn.
"Yellow corn is high in lutein and fibre, with zero cholesterol. Lutein is beneficial for eye and brain health, as well as supporting children's growth, while the fibre aids digestion for the elderly," said Esther.
"This is essential for Malaysians whose diets often include high sugar and cholesterol."
While purple corn may not seem appealing, Mascorn has creatively transformed it into gelato, the first of its kind in Asia, to enhance its taste while retaining its health benefits.
"We developed the gelato to attract younger consumers. It has generated excitement among many people," Esther said.
Purple corn is rich in anthocyanins, which has anti-inflammatory properties, further promoting its health benefits.
"Mascorn Cafe aims to cultivate a healthy eating lifestyle among Malaysians, particularly children and the younger generation, by making sweet corn-based foods both appealing and delicious for everyone," Esther said.
Looking ahead, Mascorn Cafe has ambitious plans to open 100 outlets across Malaysia, not only to promote healthier eating, but also to provide opportunities for local farmers, ensuring a sustainable demand for sweet corn.