• Founded: 1888
• Founder: Lee Kum Sheung
• Headquarters: Hong Kong SAR, China
• Industry: Food manufacturing
• Products: Sauces, condiments, seasonings, cooking oils, soup bases, marinades, and ready-to-use cooking sauces
• Markets: Over 100 countries and regions
• Product Portfolio: More than 300 products worldwide2

The Birth of Oyster Sauce (1888)

The origins of Lee Kum Kee trace back to Nanshui, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China, where restaurant owner Lee Kum Sheung accidentally invented oyster sauce. According to company records, whilst simmering oysters, he inadvertently left the pot unattended; the liquid reduced into a rich, flavourful brown sauce with an exceptional umami profile. Recognising its commercial potential, he established Lee Kum Kee in 1888 to manufacture and sell oyster sauce and shrimp paste.3

Expansion into International Markets

In 1902, the company relocated to Macao, facilitating wider distribution throughout Guangdong and Hong Kong.

By the 1920s, under the leadership of the founder’s son, Lee Shiu Nan, Lee Kum Kee began exporting oyster sauce to the United States via local importers, establishing the groundwork for its global presence.4

Modern Growth

The company underwent significant expansion during the late 20th century:

• 1988: Celebrated its centenary and introduced its modern corporate logo.
• 1991: Opened its first US production facility in Los Angeles.
• 1996: Established a production base in Xinhui, Guangdong.
• 1997: Opened a manufacturing facility in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• 1998: Expanded production capacity in Guangzhou, China.

These strategic investments helped position Lee Kum Kee as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of Chinese sauces and condiments.5

Lee Kum Kee offers an extensive portfolio catering to both home cooks and professional chefs. Major product categories include:

• Oyster Sauce
• Soy Sauce
• Hoisin Sauce
• Chilli Garlic Sauce
• Black Bean Sauce
• Sesame Oil
• Chilli Oil
• Teriyaki Sauce
• Sweet Soy Sauce
• Marinades
• Stir-fry Sauces
• Soup Bases
• Cooking Sauces
• Vinegars
• Seasoning Powders

Some of its most widely recognised products include:

• Premium Oyster Sauce
• Panda Brand Oyster Sauce
• Premium Soy Sauce
• Hoisin Sauce
• Chiu Chow Style Chilli Oil
• Chilli Garlic Sauce
• Sesame Oil6

Lee Kum Kee operates multiple production facilities worldwide, including:

• Hong Kong (headquarters)
• Xinhui, China
• Huangpu (Guangzhou), China
• Jining, China
• Los Angeles, United States
• Newnan, Georgia, United States
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Its products are distributed across Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East.7

Lee Kum Kee emphasises five core corporate values:

• Considering Others’ Interests (Si Li Ji Ren)
• Pragmatism
• Integrity
• Constant Entrepreneurship
• 100 − 1 = 0 Quality Philosophy

The “100−1=0” philosophy reflects the company’s conviction that a single quality failure can negate one hundred successes, reinforcing its commitment to consistent product standards.8

Introduced during the company’s centennial celebration in 1988, the Lee Kum Kee logo features:

• A red bridge, symbolising the connection between Eastern and Western culinary cultures.
• Purple typography, representing the company’s spirit of constant entrepreneurship.

The visual identity embodies Lee Kum Kee’s mission to share Chinese culinary traditions globally.9

Lee Kum Kee’s stated mission is:

“Promoting Chinese Culinary Culture Worldwide.”

The company aims to make authentic Chinese cooking accessible to households and professional kitchens internationally through high-quality sauces and seasonings.10

Throughout its history, Lee Kum Kee has achieved several notable milestones:

• First Hong Kong food manufacturer to receive ISO 9002 certification (1995)
• Official Asian sauce sponsor for Hong Kong Disneyland (2005)
• Official food and beverage supplier for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
• Official catering supplier for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo

From a small oyster sauce workshop in southern China, Lee Kum Kee has evolved into one of the world’s most recognisable Asian food brands. With more than 135 years of history, the company has played a pivotal role in introducing Chinese flavours to international markets and remains a trusted name amongst home cooks, restaurants, and professional chefs worldwide. Its oyster sauce, soy sauces, and cooking condiments continue to be staples in kitchens across the globe.

1. Company Overview | Lee Kum Kee Corporate
2. Birth of Lee Kum Kee | Lee Kum Kee Corporate
3. Century-long Enterprise with Robust Development | Lee Kum Kee Corporate
4. Milestones | Lee Kum Kee Corporate
5. Corporate Overview | Lee Kum Kee Home | Philippines
6. About Us – Lee Kum Kee Hong Kong Online Shop
7. Our Corporate Logo | Lee Kum Kee | Philippines
8. Constant Entrepreneurship to Make History | Lee Kum Kee Corporate
9. Corporate Overview | Lee Kum Kee Professional | Philippines
10. Corporate Overview | Lee Kum Kee Professional – CSA