Ai-CHA celebrates its first halal-certified outlet, five more to follow suit

Ice-cream and tea brand Ai-CHA celebrated its first halal-certified outlet as recognised by Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (JAKIM) at Berjaya Times Square yesterday, with at least five more outlets to follow suit this year.

Its Global Deputy General Manager, Danny Tahardi, said that it is the first Indonesian ice cream and tea brand to have received halal certification in Malaysia

“Even as we scale up our presence in Malaysia, achieving a Malaysian record of opening 300 outlets within 12 months, we put tremendous emphasis on the halal aspect of the business,” he said.

Tahardi added that five more outlets are on track towards obtaining halal certification by year-end, while more outlets have begun the process of seeking certification from JAKIM.

“Our ingredients are already from halal sources, but the process of seeking halal certification is always ongoing for us. This is the cornerstone of our business.

(From left) Ai-CHA Malaysia Halal Committee Chairman, Encik Zafran Khair; Ai-CHA Malaysia Country Manager, Jason Chung, and Ai-CHA Brand Manager, Chloe Pek, during celebrations of Ai- CHA’s official halal certification by JAKIM for its first outlet at Berjaya Times Square.

“We want all consumers to be fully confident they are consuming halal food and drinks when they step into an Ai-CHA outlet,” he said.

The certification, according to Tahardi, reflects a significant signpost for Ai-Cha as it ramps up its journey in becoming a regional lifestyle F&B brand that is rooted in quality, inclusivity and accessibility.

Ai-CHA Malaysia Country Manager, Jason Chung supported Tahardi’s statement by reaffirming the brand’s full commitment to gradually achieving halal status for all its outlets in Malaysia. 

Currently, the brand has already been halal certified by the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) in its home market.

“Halal is at the heart of our brand mission as it is not only important to our customers, but it also strengthens franchisees’ confidence. 

Ai-CHA has become the first Indonesian ice cream and tea brand in Malaysia to receive the halal certification from JAKIM. 

“We are here to grow the right way with transparency, consistency and care,” he said.

Chung added that the brand’s low-capital franchise model and simplified onboarding process have made it an attractive option for new F&B entrepreneurs, on top of  halal certification's unique appeal.

“Halal adds another layer of assurance for both customers and potential franchisees. It reflects operational discipline, strong sourcing policies and brand maturity,” Chung added.

Halal Committee Chairman of Ai-CHA Malaysia, Encik Zafran Khair, said the company is committed to uphold the standards and requirements of halal compliance set by JAKIM.

“We’re grateful for the trust and confidence of all Malaysian customers. 

“On our end, we’re putting all our resources to ensure proper training down the line for all stakeholders in our pursuit of halal certification for each outlet,” he said.

Ai-CHA Malaysia’s first outlet, located in Berjaya Times Square, is halal-certified by JAKIM, proving the brand’s commitment to inclusivity and quality standards for all Malaysians.

Parallel to JAKIM’s halal standards, Ai-CHA has structured its operations accordingly from sourcing ingredients by certified suppliers to staff training and proper handling procedures, Zafran said.

A dedicated halal compliance team has also been established to oversee implementation and ensure consistency as the brand continues to expand.

Since penetrating the Malaysian market last year, Ai-CHA in a statement noted that it has experienced rapid growth by operating 362 outlets nationwide and serving an estimated three million customers monthly, earning them a spot in Malaysian Book of Records (MBR).

The Indonesian brand was awarded Most Ice Cream Chain Stores Opened in a Year and Most Beverage Chain Stores Opened in a Year after opening 300 outlets nationally within just 12 months, averaging nearly one new store each day. 

The brand also received the 2025/2026 Consumer Choice Award from the National Consumer Action Council (MTPN), further strengthening its position as one of the country’s fastest-growing lifestyle F&B brands.

Ai-CHA currently operates in eight other countries as well which are Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Brunei.