【Corporate Interview】UTC FOODS Brings Warmth to Mealtime with the Everyday Joy of Ready-to-Eat Comfort

For over half a century, UTC FOODS has remained committed to innovation since its founding in 1970. The company upholds a strict no-preservatives policy and specializes in the R&D and manufacturing of prepared foods and bean-based products. Its mission is to provide safe, convenient, and heartwarming dining experiences to consumers and clients worldwide.

At this year’s Food Taipei Expo, King One Design interviewed Jack Cheng, the third-generation leader and current General Manager of UTC FOODS — a young entrepreneur with both global vision and a strong sense of social responsibility. Jack shared insights into the company’s core values, the marketing impact of participating in the exhibition, and the deep-rooted reasons why UTC FOODS has chosen to collaborate with King One Design for booth planning over the past ten consecutive years.

[Company Profile]

Company: UTC FOODS

Interviewee: General Manager, Jack Cheng

About: Founded in 1970, UTC FOODS focuses on the production of prepared and bean-based foods, with products sold in numerous countries around the world. The company actively develops elderly-friendly food and collaborates with medical institutions and chain restaurants to offer high-quality, convenient, and health-conscious food solutions.

Q: Could you please introduce UTC FOODS' services and products?

A:UTC FOODS was founded in 1970 and is the largest manufacturer of retort pouches in Taiwan. A retort pouch is a type of food packaging that allows products to be stored at room temperature for extended periods. "Our retort pouches preserve like canned food but feel soft to the touch," we often say. This technology not only ensures consistent product quality but also brings convenience and trust to buyers around the world.

UTC Foods owns several in-house brands, with products distributed across major retail channels such as PX Mart and Costco. The company also provides OEM services, producing a wide range of ready-to-eat and shelf-stable foods for other brands and food service clients. From sauces and rice entrées to microwaveable tapioca pearls, “convenience, safety, and time-saving” are the core principles behind every product design.

One of the latest highlights is a new line of Chinese-style meal kits for export:

“Just a bowl of white rice topped with our assorted seafood sauce pouch—and you have a delicious rice entrée. This is currently our star product.”

Q: Could you please share UTC FOODS’ corporate philosophy and core values with us?

A:UTC FOODS upholds the 「11 Principles」 business philosophy — for every 10 units of profit earned, 1 unit is allocated to give back to employees or society. This emphasizes that a company’s value lies not only in generating profit but also in the positive impact it can bring to the community.

Driven by this belief, UTC FOODS invests in the high-cost, low-profit “Silver Soft Food Series,” specially designed for elderly individuals with chewing or swallowing difficulties. The products resemble regular cooked meals in appearance but feature a finer, softer texture, allowing seniors to “eat with dignity, rather than feeling like they’re consuming porridge or canned food.” Although this product line is not yet profitable, UTC FOODS remains steadfast in its commitment, stating, “We hope to serve society with such products, especially since Taiwan has entered a super-aged society.”

UTC FOODS is extending its research achievements into the realm of prepared meals, leveraging its expertise in retort pouch technology to develop senior-friendly meal solutions. These meals are designed for room temperature storage, balanced in nutrition, and easy to prepare. By doing so, UTC empowers elderly individuals to enjoy safe, high-quality daily meals at home with ease—embodying the company’s people-centered core values.

Q: Since collaborating with King One Design, what are your observations or thoughts regarding the actual benefits of exhibiting and the planning of the booth?

A: UTC Foods has been working with King One Design for over a decade, developing a strong partnership built on deep mutual understanding and trust. The value of booth design goes beyond visual appeal — the real question is whether it can capture attention and initiate conversations. "A great booth should make people stop; only then can meaningful interactions begin."

This year’s booth design broke away from the traditional rectangular layout, using irregular shapes and bold brand colors to enhance visibility and recognition. This approach helped UTC Foods stand out among numerous exhibitors. "They have their own design language — they can visually express the core spirit of our brand." It is this level of understanding and professionalism that consistently boosts our brand presence and engagement at every show.

Q: Does UTC Foods have any plans or aspirations for international exhibitions in the future?

A: UTC Foods has been actively expanding into international markets by participating in major food exhibitions across countries like France, Germany, and Canada.

"At present, we usually exhibit at two to three booths per event, and we haven’t yet reached the stage of large-scale global brand representation. However, that is definitely the direction we’re striving toward,".

When discussing the differences between domestic and international booth styles, he adds, "Overseas booths tend to be more minimalistic and stylistically refined. If I were to lead the design, I’d prefer something more striking—like a monochromatic, bold look, similar to the aesthetic of ‘Fupo Sauce’."

This not only reflects his keen eye for brand aesthetics but also reveals that UTC Foods is strategically preparing for a more cohesive and high-impact presence on the global stage.

“Our founding team is all women. We wanted to convey the idea of ‘eating with attitude, living with style,’ so we named the brand ‘Fu Po Sauce’—a sauce that represents an edible culture.” Fu Po Sauce is a versatile condiment that’s hard to define with just one word. “It’s like the first time you try XO sauce—you can’t easily describe it in words, but once you taste it, you just know.” Its unique flavor resists simple categorization, which is precisely what makes it special.

Beyond retail, the flavor profile of Fu Po Sauce is also designed with the needs of the foodservice industry and professional users in mind. “We deeply understand the flavor trends in the culinary world and the preferences of our fans. That’s why we created this uniquely styled new flavor, aiming to break into the B2B commercial market while also catering to our passionate fans.” This was their first time officially presenting themselves as both manufacturer and brand owner on the frontline. “On the first day, we met many past clients. Before, our collaborations were mostly marketing or brand promotions, but this time we were actually at the booth with real products to discuss—it felt fresh and exciting.”

“We hope this wall is not just a product display, but also an extension of emotion and flavor.”

Continuing the brand’s consistent visual sensitivity, 4Foodie put great thought into their booth design. The overall visual adopts warm tones to create an inviting and approachable atmosphere, complemented by Asian-inspired totems and stamp-like graphic elements, presenting a “design wall you can taste.”

“4Foodie’s Fu Po Sauce is not just an ordinary sauce—it’s a brand experiment about flavor, confidence, and culture. Over ten years, 4Foodie has transformed from a content brand into a tangible product, translating their brand spirit into something you can truly ‘taste and experience.”

UTC Foods is not just a food manufacturer; it is a people-centered company that combines technology with care. From exhibition design and product development to corporate culture, every detail reflects the dedication and thoughtful commitment of General Manager Jack and his team.

As Jack said, “What we care about most is the value we bring to our customers.” Through their shelf-stable meals, UTC Foods steadily delivers brand value not only to consumers’ tables but also touches our hearts.