When the CEO of DFS decided to close its Chocolates Trading Division, what seemed like the end of a promising career for Esther Loo, then the Head, evolved into a blessing. It spurred the birth of FOCUS Network Agencies (FNA) on 1 October 1991, with DFS's blessings and Mr Loo's encouragement. It was a risk that paid off, as the business grew from strength to strength. To Esther and Mr Loo, this opportunity was indeed, Godsend...

"The last 17 years have seen FOCUS Network Agencies blossom from a babe in arm to what it is today, a leader in our core business - the marketing and distributorship of premier chocolate brands in both Singapore and the region."

"The secret to this mutual success lies in integrity, humility and graciousness of both business partners and our people. The extraordinary dedicated staff members who 'all ways' out-perform under all circumstances make the difference. And, thanks to the staunch support and commitment of our Principals and Retailers who share the same business philosophy."

"Together, we are poised for better and greater growth." - Loo Lip Giam, Group CEO

- DFS Chocolates Trading Division closed 1 October. Focus Network Agencies was born with 5 staff and 2 Agency lines: Hawaiian Host and Droste.

- Acquired additional Agency lines: - Ritter Sport, The Belgian, Golden Boronia. Each brand is unique and distinctive in its own way.
- Opening of the first retail venture at Cold Storage Promenade.
- Began expansion of extensive distribution network and Retail Division.

- Established Malaysia’s trading arm, FNA Manufacturing Sdn Bhd & FNA Marketing Sdn Bhd.
- Set-up chocolate manufacturing plant in Kuala Lumpur.
- Started Food Services Division.

- Expanded into Duty - Free business regionally.
- Officially appointed by Kraft Jacob Suchard as Regional Duty - Free Distributor: Toblerone, Daim, Cote d'Or and Milka.

- Masterfoods and Ferrero Rocher joined stable of 28 premier chocolate brands already in hand.
- M&M's, Celebrations and Snickers included.

- After much intense competition with 8 other local distributors, FNA was appointed the sole distributor for Swiss Delice in Singapore by Migros Industries, Switzerland.
- Launched Retail Concept Store, "The Cocoa Trees" in Singapore.

- Regional Duty-Free business portfolio flourished.
- Moved in to brand - new 50,000 sq.ft. offce cum warehouse.
- Upgraded Logistics Support.

- Joint - venture with ABR Holdings Ltd, owner of Swensen's.
- Expanded Retail Concept Store: "The Cocoa Trees", regionally.
- Started Global Vintage Network Pte Ltd & Hydro Style Pte Ltd.

- Opened additional 4 "The Cocoa Trees" retail stores at Changi International Airport T1 & T2, adding up to 15 stores in total.
- Jump started regional expansion into China.
- Purchase of distribution company, Shanghai Ines Trading Co Ltd with sales & warehouse facilities.

- Established FNA Vietnam Pte Ltd with sales & warehouse facilities and "The Cocoa Trees" concessionaires at Ho Chi Minh Airport.
- Started PT Focus Network Agencies Indonesia with sales warehouse facilities and 5 "The Cocoa Trees" retail stores.
- Strategic regional development plans in progress.