From LKK to Infinitus

Lee Kum Kee: A Century of Legacy

In Chinese communities worldwide, Lee Kum Kee is a household name. How did this century-old legend begin?

Over 100 years of growth have taken it to more than 100 countries and regions. More than just a symbol of Chinese culinary culture, it’s a globally influential brand. And its story—born from a happy accident with a pot of oyster sauce—was always meant to be legendary.

Lee Kum Kee’s Century: Starting with One Pot of Oyster Sauce

Lee Kum Sheung, the founder, started as a small business owner in Nanshui, Zhuhai (near Xinhui, Guangdong), running a tea house and selling boiled oysters. One day in 1888, he got distracted while simmering oysters. By the time the rich aroma caught his attention, the oysters had reduced into a savory, concentrated sauce. He took a taste—and was blown away. Excited, he shared it with friends and neighbors, who raved about it. This happy mistake sparked an idea: he refined the recipe and cooking method, and named it “oyster sauce.” It became a local hit, drawing crowds to his shop. He renamed his tea house “Lee Kum Kee Oyster Sauce Shop,” and thus began a century-long legacy.

Lee Kum Kee Goes Global: Quality and Innovation Build a Global Brand

As Lee Kum Sheung’s story spread, Lee Kum Kee found its moment to grow.

In 1902, a fire destroyed Nanshui Village—including Lee Kum Kee’s shop. Undaunted, Lee Kum Sheung moved his family to Macau and restarted the oyster sauce business, rebuilding from scratch.

In 1932, Lee Kum Kee opened a branch in Hong Kong and moved its headquarters there, expanding rapidly.

In 1932, Lee Kum Kee established a branch in Hong Kong and moved its headquarters there, setting the pace for rapid business growth.

In 1972, the third generation—Lee Man Tat—led a major transformation. He built production facilities worldwide, including in Hong Kong, Guangdong, the U.S., and Malaysia. By introducing modern equipment and automating production, he kept quality high while turning oyster sauce from a luxury into an everyday staple. Sold globally, it became a source of pride for Chinese communities worldwide.

Lee Kum Kee in the Modern Era

Lee Man Tat’s five children, after studying abroad, returned to work at Lee Kum Kee, bringing modern management ideas and an open mindset to drive the company’s modernization. After four generations over three centuries, Lee Kum Kee fulfilled its first mission: spreading the best of Chinese culinary culture. Today, it’s not just a staple in Chinese homes worldwide—it’s even been used by astronauts on the International Space Station, solidifying its status as a global brand.

A New Chapter in Health: Infinitus

In the 1990s, Lee Kum Kee diversified into herbal health. In 1992, it founded Infinitus, making it a key part of the group. Infinitus wasn’t just a business move—it carried the family’s second mission: “Promote the best of Chinese wellness culture, creating balanced, prosperous, harmonious lives.” Infinitus focuses on herbal health and wellness, sharing Chinese health wisdom with the world.

The Birth of Infinitus

Lee Kum Kee’s spirit of innovation, bold experimentation, and relentless improvement has built an exceptional brand.

In the 1990s, after spreading Chinese culinary culture, Lee Kum Kee looked to diversify. Lee Man Tat’s five children, back from studying abroad, brainstormed—and turned to herbal health, aiming to bring new energy and innovation to the family business.

China’s herbal culture is ancient and precious. Yet despite having the world’s richest herbal resources, it hadn’t led the global herbal market. At the time, Japan and South Korea’s “Kampo” herbal products thrived—they’d drawn Chinese herbal experts, turned herbs into finished products, and sold them back to China. This made Lee Man Tat and his children see the huge potential in herbal health products—and they resolved to lead this field.

The Birth of Infinitus: Spreading Chinese Wellness Worldwide

In 1992, Lee Man Tat’s son, Lee Wai Sum, learned a classmate knew Zhao Yunhong, former president of the First Military Medical University. He arranged a meeting. Soon after, Lee Man Tat and his father visited Zhao Yunhong and other herbal experts in Guangzhou to discuss collaboration. Within a month, they agreed—and on December 8, 1992, Infinitus was founded (then named Guangdong Nanfang Lee Kum Kee Nutritional Health Products Co., Ltd.). That same year, Infinitus built a factory at the university. This partnership gave birth to the brand, with a clear mission: promote Chinese wellness culture, creating balanced, prosperous, harmonious lives.

Infinitus marked a key step in Lee Kum Kee’s diversification and a breakthrough into health products. As a leading global wellness brand, it develops herbal health products, sharing the best of Chinese wellness culture worldwide. Its products range from herbal supplements to nutritional goods, all aimed at improving global consumers’ quality of life and health.

Over the years, Infinitus has modernized and globalized herbal health products, becoming a leader in the international wellness market. It has successfully spread Chinese wellness culture globally, holding its own against international brands. Whether in daily life or wellness routines, Infinitus products help people worldwide live more balanced, harmonious lives.

Infinitus Global

Infinitus Global, a key Lee Kum Kee subsidiary, specializes in R&D, production, sales, and services for herbal health products. Since its founding, it has opened branches in many countries and regions, successfully bringing Chinese wellness culture to global markets.