Bell Popcorn Expands Into Retail and Corporate Markets

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 — Bell Popcorn, a Malaysian homegrown snack brand that began producing popcorn from home in 2019, has expanded into major retail channels and the corporate market as demand for its products continues to grow.

Founder Firzah Puasa said the business was built after she left salaried employment in 2018 following about a decade of experience in marketing, including roles with an automotive company in Kuala Lumpur and a property company in Bangi.

Her experience managing tenants at a shopping centre later inspired her to venture into entrepreneurship.

After initially trying a sandwich business, Firzah shifted her focus to popcorn in February 2019, driven by her personal interest in corn and further research into popcorn production.

The business started from home before moving into a small commercial premises about six to seven months later.

From the beginning, Firzah placed strong emphasis on halal compliance, believing that proper certification would strengthen consumer confidence and open access to a wider market.

Bell Popcorn first obtained MESTI certification from the Ministry of Health before applying for halal certification, which was approved within about one to two months after the required conditions were fulfilled.

The company now offers 13 flavours, including caramel, chocolate, strawberry, durian, cheese, mango, mocha, sea salt, yam, blueberry and butterscotch.

Caramel remains the brand’s most popular flavour among consumers.

Bell Popcorn products are priced from RM2 for smaller packs, while standard packs range between RM5 and RM10. Larger packs can cost up to RM25.

The brand has also widened its sales channels through e-commerce platforms and TikTok Shop.

Its products are currently available at 116 selected FamilyMart outlets nationwide, as well as petrol stations and convenience stores.

One of the company’s latest business milestones is its entry into the corporate supply market.

Bell Popcorn secured an opportunity to supply popcorn to a food service company serving Riyadh Air, with the first shipment involving 500 units.

Firzah said the company hopes the initial supply arrangement can develop into a longer-term partnership and create further opportunities within the airline catering sector.

The development represents an important step for the small Malaysian brand as it seeks to move beyond direct consumer sales into institutional and corporate supply channels.

Despite its growth, Bell Popcorn continues to face price competition from smaller operators that can offer products at lower prices.

Firzah said the company does not intend to compete primarily on price because it places greater emphasis on quality raw materials, certification compliance and operational standards.

Instead, Bell Popcorn is focusing on product quality and customer service as its key competitive strengths.

The approach reflects the company’s effort to position itself as a trusted local snack brand rather than simply competing in the lower-priced segment.

Bell Popcorn currently sells between 20,000 and 35,000 packs every month, with demand rising particularly during festive periods and wedding seasons.

The company’s expansion into retail chains, online platforms and corporate supply demonstrates how Malaysian small and medium-sized enterprises can scale by combining product differentiation, certification and broader distribution networks.

For Bell Popcorn, the next phase of growth is expected to depend on strengthening existing retail partnerships while exploring further corporate and institutional opportunities.

Its progression from a home-based operation to nationwide retail shelves and airline-linked supply shows the potential for locally developed food brands to build stronger positions in Malaysia’s competitive consumer market.