In a remarkable journey that spans nearly a decade, Chris Hwang and his partner Jonathan Shen have transformed a single gourmet snack idea into an international success story. Starting with just one product in 2015, their brand, The Golden Duck, now boasts a presence in over 3,000 stores worldwide. Despite facing significant challenges, including the need to sell personal assets to cover payroll during the pandemic, the founders remain proud of their achievements and are set to expand into the US market in 2025. This story is not just about business growth but also about resilience and innovation in the face of adversity.
From a Tiny Kitchen to International Success
In the vibrant culinary landscape of Singapore, a young entrepreneur named Chris Hwang embarked on an ambitious venture at the age of 23. Alongside his cofounder Jonathan Shen, they launched The Golden Duck, a gourmet snack brand that reimagined traditional Asian flavors for a modern audience. Their first product, salted egg yolk chips, was born out of a simple yet revolutionary idea—turning a beloved local delicacy into a convenient snack. Initially, production took place in a small home kitchen, churning out only about 50 packs daily. However, the response from customers at a pop-up booth in Suntec City mall was overwhelming, leading to rapid expansion and the development of new flavors like salted egg crab seaweed tempura and truffle wagyu.
The brand's success didn't come without its share of challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism revenue plummeted, forcing Hwang to sell three of his cars and reduce the workforce from 200 to 120 employees. Despite these hardships, the company emerged stronger, with a streamlined team of 25 producing results comparable to their earlier peak performance. Today, The Golden Duck sells its products in countries across the globe, including China, Australia, Germany, and Trinidad and Tobago. With plans to enter the US market in 2025, the founders are confident that their innovative approach to snack flavors will resonate with American consumers who are eager to explore new tastes.
Their latest line of canister chips, reminiscent of popular Western snacks but with a unique twist, aims to bridge the gap between familiarity and novelty. By offering flavors like sour cream and Sriracha, truffle wagyu, and Himalayan pink salt, The Golden Duck is poised to captivate a discerning and adventurous US audience.
From the early days of selling chips from a seven-foot-long booth to setting their sights on the world's largest snack market, The Golden Duck's journey is a testament to perseverance and the power of authentic flavors. As they continue to innovate and expand, the future looks bright for this pioneering snack brand.
As a journalist observing this inspiring tale, it's clear that The Golden Duck's success lies not only in its delicious products but also in the unwavering commitment of its founders. Their ability to adapt, innovate, and stay true to their roots while expanding globally offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. In a rapidly changing world, resilience and creativity are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving lasting success. The Golden Duck's story reminds us that even in the face of adversity, with passion and determination, anything is possible.