Lunch With Sumiko: Andrew Kwan on building brands that nourish the world

From the Pastamania chain to farming barramundi, Andrew Kwan hothouses local food brands and helps them grow

Mr Andrew Kwan, founder and group managing director of Commonwealth Capital, sees it as a group that tries to hothouse local food brands helmed by passionate founders. The brands are kept separate and retain their identity although there are synergie
Mr Andrew Kwan, founder and group managing director of Commonwealth Capital, sees it as a group that tries to hothouse local food brands helmed by passionate founders. The brands are kept separate and retain their identity although there are synergies, like bulk buying of raw materials. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
Mr Kwan's investment firm owns Barramundi Asia, which sells the increasingly popular fish under the Kuhlbarra brand.
Mr Kwan's investment firm owns Barramundi Asia, which sells the increasingly popular fish under the Kuhlbarra brand. PHOTO: BARRAMUNDI ASIA
Sumiko Tan
Executive Editor
Updated
Mar 30, 2022, 08:25 PM
Published
Sep 22, 2019, 05:00 AM
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In 2010 when Andrew Kwan was 44, he and his partner sold their window-film business for a nine-figure sum.

Retirement wasn't an option, not least because his wife didn't think that would be a good idea.

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MCI (P) 066/10/2023. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. Copyright © 2024 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.

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