Legendary family-owned soy sauce factory to shut its doors after 111 years

If you’re Asian, chances are you’ve got a favourite soy sauce brand. It’s practically a kitchen MVP, going on everything — rice, eggs, soup, you name it. But if your top pick happens to be Hup Teck Soy Sauce, brace yourself for some bittersweet news: the iconic brand is shutting its doors for good.  

On 22 Jan, Hup Teck Soy Sauce broke the news on Facebook, announcing that they’ll be closing permanently, with operations ceasing as of 28 Jan 2025 (Tue). While no official reason was given, many suspect it’s because there’s no one left to carry on the family business. 

Hup Teck Soy Sauce, a family-owned gem nestled in Gopeng, Perak, has been a cornerstone of tradition since 1914. That’s 111 years of crafting soy sauce from scratch — all the way to the bottles on your dining table.  

Run by the Low family, this humble factory specialises in fermenting soybeans to create their signature soy sauce and soybean paste, with bottles starting at just RM5.30. But their expertise doesn’t stop there — they also produce taucu and vinegar.

Over the decades, Hup Teck has captured the spotlight in countless media outlets, from classic newspapers to trending social media platforms, proving that their legacy isn’t just about taste — it’s a story of resilience, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to the community.

Following the announcement, social media has been flooded with heartfelt messages from netizens bidding farewell to Hup Teck Soy Sauce. Many expressed their disappointment over the abrupt end of this century-old legacy, with some even suggesting the business should be preserved as a tourist attraction. 

After all, Gopeng isn’t just about Hup Teck — it’s also home to other national treasures like Gaharu Tea Valley and Gua Tempurung.  

Despite the sadness, let’s send our best wishes to the Low family as they close this chapter of their story. And if you’re hoping to snag a few bottles of their iconic soy sauce before they shut their doors for good, you’d better act fast — time is running out!

Ipoh sisters turn $500 into 4 restaurants in 14 years