Introduction:The Ipoh Ho Wai (Elephant Brand) coffee powder factory in Malaysia, which has been in business for over 80 years, recently announced its closure due to a lack of successors in the family. This long-established factory, founded by Hainanese immigrants, used semi-traditional roasting techniques to produce rich and full-bodied coffee beans, and had long supplied many local kopitiams to make authentic Ipoh white coffee. With the third-generation owner now advanced in age and the fourth generation uninterested in taking over, this iconic old factory bearing the elephant trademark will come to an end after fulfilling its final orders, prompting a rush among loyal customers to buy commemorative products. This article takes you through its history, craftsmanship, and why its coffee powder has remained cherished across three generations.
In Ipoh, Malaysia, the distinctive rich aroma of white coffee would not be the same without the efforts of local coffee powder factories that have steadfastly upheld traditional methods. Among them, the Ho Wai (Elephant Brand) coffee powder factory, with over eighty years of history, stands as one of the most representative heritage brands in the area. Founded in the early 1930s by Hainanese entrepreneur Foo Ho Cheong, the coffee factory gradually built up its reputation through a keen sense of control over roasting heat and hand-feel.
Unlike most manufacturers today that have fully embraced mechanization, Ho Wai has long employed semi-traditional roasting methods. Initially using firewood for roasting and later switching to gas, it still retains many manual processes to ensure each batch of coffee beans delivers a consistent and intense flavor. This commitment has made its coffee powder the preferred ingredient for many long-standing Ipoh kopitiams making traditional white coffee.
Stepping into Ho Wai’s physical store, one is greeted not only by the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans but also by old photos of the founding couple on the walls, along with rows of stacked tins adorned with the striking elephant trademark. Customers can purchase pre-packaged coffee powder or opt to buy loose coffee by weight, catering flexibly to both household and commercial needs. Its affordable prices and stable quality have earned it a loyal local following.
Located in Ipoh’s Menglembu Industrial Area, with its retail outlet on Jalan Dato’ Tahwil Azar, the factory has served not just as a daily shopping destination for locals, but also as a repository of generational memories for many families. In particular, many kopitiam owners have long sourced their beans from Ho Wai to maintain the traditional taste and consistency of their white coffee.
However, as time passed, this family-run factory faced unavoidable challenges. The current third-generation owner, who manages production and operations, is now advanced in age and no longer able to keep up with the physically demanding tasks of roasting and packaging. At the same time, the factory has also struggled with a shortage of manpower. More crucially, the fourth-generation family members have pursued careers in various other fields and have shown little interest in taking over this traditional business. After numerous family discussions, it was ultimately decided to close the factory that has served the people of Ipoh for eighty years.
Despite the decision to cease operations, Ho Wai is still striving to serve its loyal customers with the final batch of orders. Recognizing that many long-time patrons wish to stock up on coffee powder to gradually adjust to future alternatives, the factory is currently working overtime to fulfill orders and is expected to officially close its doors within about a week after the remaining coffee beans are exhausted.
Since the news broke, many loyal customers have traveled from afar—some even driving dozens of kilometers—to buy a few more kilograms of coffee powder and relive the familiar aroma and taste. Many younger generations, having heard that this heritage brand is about to disappear, have also come specifically to purchase coffee powder and take home the symbolic tins adorned with the elephant trademark as keepsakes.
For many in Ipoh, this coffee powder factory bearing the elephant emblem is more than just a place to buy coffee—it is a vessel of important memories, encompassing family gatherings, neighborhood chats, and the local food culture. Its closure also marks the end of an era.
A store representative stated that after the remaining inventory of coffee powder is sold out, the shop will cease operations. However, the building, which serves as the family’s ancestral home, will continue to be lived in by family members, and the store’s memorial-worthy elephant decorations and coffee tins will be preserved. As for any future plans for the space, there are currently no definitive arrangements.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
