Pulse by QIDS, Startup Spotlight — OPI
With the start of 2024, we rebranded our newsletter to ‘Pulse by QIDS’ and expanded our coverage beyond FinTech. In this Startup Spotlight, we explore the innovative world of OPI, a Malaysian beverage company revolutionizing the FMCG sector with healthier sports drinks. Founder Muhamad Zulfadhli ‘Zul’ shares insights into OPI’s journey, from overcoming industry challenges to launching new products and seeking strategic partnerships. Dive into this conversation for a concise look at OPI’s mission to hydrate and energize a health-conscious market.
This article is available on QIDS Venture Partners website, LinkedIn, Medium, and Substack, and we invite you to share your thoughts by leaving a comment.
Edward: Can you provide a brief overview of your startup and the services it offers?
Zul: Optastar Protein Sdn Bhd, also known as ‘OPI’, is a beverage company based in Malaysia, focusing on creating innovative and functional sports drinks. Our main aim is to fill a specific need in the market and enhance the beverage sector. This need is particularly evident in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, where there’s a demand for high-quality, innovative sports drinks that currently isn’t being fully met by existing products.
Edward: Could you elaborate on the primary issue your company aims to solve?
Zul: The beverage industry has a significant gap in offering functional sports drinks, despite high consumer demand. Most available products, like soft drinks and energy drinks, are carbonated and notoriously high in sugar and calories. This is a critical concern, especially in Malaysia, which is one of the most obese countries in Southeast Asia. Our mission is to transform the beverage landscape by introducing healthier, more nutritious sports drinks. Our products are designed to cater to a wide range of needs, including energy, hydration, and recovery, offering tangible benefits to consumers.
Edward: What inspired the creation of your startup?
Zul: Our passion for product innovation is the driving force behind our startup. The consistent positive feedback and support from our local and international customers continually motivate us. This encouragement fuels our commitment to push boundaries and enhance the availability of our functional sports beverages to meet the growing demands of our discerning customers worldwide.
Edward: Can you summarize your startup’s primary mission in one sentence?
Zul: Our mission is to revolutionize the Asian market with innovative and healthier functional sports beverages.
Edward: In the crowded FMCG Beverages sector, how does your product stand out?
Zul: OPI sets itself apart as a pioneer of functional sports beverages, specifically tailored to fill a market void in Asia with healthier options. Our commitment to innovation extends to the ‘OPI Nutritional Panel’ or ‘ONP,’ which ensures transparency and provides consumers with direct, essential information about the nutritional benefits of our products.
Note: FMCG stands for fast-moving consumer goods. The FMCG Beverages sector encompasses the fast-moving, high-consumption industry of drinks like soft drinks, juices, and energy drinks, known for frequent purchases and rapid innovation.
Edward: Can you share the impact of your product on users or clients to date?
Zul: Since launching in 2021, we’ve produced over 500,000 bottles of Malaysia’s first OPI Clear Protein drink, catering to both local and international markets, including Korea and Singapore. This significant reach in a short period demonstrates the consumer acceptance of OPI as a convenient, sugar-free, and low-calorie protein drink with a flavorful juice taste.
Edward: Could you describe the main projects and initiatives currently being pursued by your team?
Zul: Currently our main focus is launching two new products: OPI Energy Drink and OPI Hydration Drink. These additions to the OPI line are unique in the Malaysian market, featuring coconut water infusion for natural electrolytes, alongside a selection of high-quality ingredients aimed at delivering superior nutrition and taste.
Edward: Now that we’re in 2024, what are the key trends or challenges currently shaping your industry?
Zul: Currently, there’s a notable shift towards healthier lifestyles, particularly in Asian countries, driven by the rise in obesity and chronic diseases. Additionally, innovations and technological advancements in the food and beverage industry are propelling this trend and enhancing consumer awareness. This evolving landscape presents a substantial opportunity for us to engage and introduce more beneficial products that cater to the health-conscious consumer.
Edward: Are there particular types of businesses or stakeholders you’re interested in partnering with in the near future?
Zul: We are actively seeking investors or collaborators with expertise in FMCG and beverage product distribution. We’re convinced that the right partnership will significantly enhance our ability to expand and elevate OPI, creating mutual benefits for all involved stakeholders.
Edward: In what ways do you think partnerships or collaborations could enhance your startup’s growth and offerings?
Zul: Every company encounters certain limitations when operating independently. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, we can pool diverse skill sets, enabling us to overcome these limitations and scale our business more effectively for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Edward: For readers interested in learning more or discussing potential partnerships, what’s the preferred method to contact you
Zul: Interested parties are welcome to visit our website at www.drinkopi.com or follow us on social media, including Instagram at @DrinkOPI. For direct inquiries or partnership discussions, please email me at zulfadhli@drinkopi.com. We look forward to collaborating and advancing the functional sports beverages industry together with OPI.
Discover the rhythm of innovation with ‘Pulse by QIDS.’ From AI and deep tech to FinTech, we provide insights to trends and interesting startups across diverse tech sectors to keep your finger on the industry’s pulse. Join us as we explore the developments driving the future of technology and business. If you need more information or would like to arrange a meeting with us, please feel free to contact our Managing Partner Edward Shen via LinkedIn or email.
