KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): Cili Kampung Malaysia has acquired a 50% equity stake in Dotty’s Pastries & Coffee Sdn Bhd for RM11.96 million, valuing the artisanal bakery and café chain at RM23.9 million.

The deal is part of a broader surge in local food and beverage (F&B) investments for the past week. On Feb 12, Hextar Industries Bhd (KL:HEXTAR) signed a conditional deal to acquire a 51% stake in Woodpeckers Group, the master franchiser of premium frozen yogurt brand llaollao, for RM177.5 million. 

On Feb 13, Harvest Miracle Capital Bhd (KL:HM) entered the F&B sector with a 40% stake in Kaw Kaw Malaya, which plans to open two Malaysian heritage-themed restaurants in Kuala Lumpur. The brand is backed by G&T Brand Sdn Bhd, the company behind Bungkus Kaw Kaw and Ah Cheng Laksa.

Cili Kampung said in a statement on Friday, its move to partner Dotty’s is to accelerate national expansion and strengthen its presence in the premium halal dining segment. Dotty’s was founded by Nadia Nasimuddin, a member of the Nasimuddin family which runs the Naza group of companies. 

The partnership coincides with Dotty’s 10th anniversary, marking a new growth phase for the brand as it transitions into a scalable, nationally recognised halal-certified artisanal dining concept. 

A combined RM5 million growth fund has been earmarked to support expansion initiatives, including infrastructure upgrades, supply chain enhancements, and the relaunch of Dotty’s flagship outlet at Suria KLCC.

“Acquiring a 50% stake in Dotty’s is a deliberate step to institutionalise a brand that has shaped Malaysia’s all-day dining culture for the past decade,” said Anwar Azeez, director of Cili Kampung Malaysia. “This investment reflects our confidence in Dotty’s brand equity, operational fundamentals and long-term growth potential.”

Cili Kampung, which operates six outlets serving Malay cuisine, will leverage Dotty’s Jakim halal-certified central kitchen, artisanal IP, and loyal customer base to capture a wider share of the modern Malay lifestyle and premium café market. Dotty’s currently has four outlets.