Billionaire Profile
Tsai Eng-meng
Global Rank
#567

Image: 花蓮縣政府 | Attribution | via Wikimedia Commons

Tsai Eng-meng

CEO, Food
TAIWAN
Real-Time Net Worth
$6.966B
Estimated based on Food stock value as of March 6, 2026
+0.57% (24h)
Age
69
Source
Food, beverages
Industry
Food & Beverage
Citizenship
TAIWAN

Biography

Tsai Eng-meng, a prominent Taiwanese businessman, is the Chairman of Want Want China Holdings, a leading food and beverage conglomerate. His estimated net worth is $7.7 billion. Tsai's source of wealth stems from his successful ventures in the food and beverage industry, including popular snack foods and beverages. He began his career by taking over his father's food business and transformed it into a multinational company. Tsai has received recognition for his achievements in business and has been involved in philanthropic initiatives focused on education and disaster relief.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Tsai Eng-meng was born in 1957, in Datong District, Taipei, Taiwan. He is the son of Tsai A-Shi, who founded a canned fish business in 1962. Tsai attended Banqiao Senior High School. At a young age, Tsai dropped out of high school to join his father's food business, which primarily produced canned foods.

Rise to Success

Tsai succeeded his father as chairman of Want Want in 1987. In 1992, Tsai established Want Want China Holdings, focusing on rice crackers and later expanding into other snack foods and beverages. Tsai's strategic expansion and diversification within the food sector helped the company to dominate the Asian consumer goods market. The company's successful listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange further fueled its growth and solidified Tsai Eng-meng's position as a leading billionaire. In 2008, he gained control of the China Times Group.

Key Business Strategies

Tsai's key business strategies include strategic expansion and diversification within the food sector. Want Want China Holdings diversified its product portfolio to include dairy products, instant noodles, and various beverages.

Philanthropy

Tsai is known for his philanthropic efforts focused on education, disaster relief, and community development. He has made notable donations to organizations like the Taiwan Red Cross and local children's hospitals.

Career Milestones

1987

Chairman of Want Want

Succeeded his father as chairman of Want Want.

1992

Founded Want Want China Holdings

Focused on rice crackers and expanded into other snack foods and beverages.

2008

Gained Control of China Times Group

Expanded business interests into media.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Disaster Relief

Donations to Taiwan Red Cross

Undisclosed

Supported disaster relief efforts.

Healthcare

Donations to Local Children's Hospitals

Undisclosed

Supported healthcare for children.

Social Causes

Donations to the Defend Diaoyu Islands Movement

$0.16M

Donated 5 million NTD for fuel to support the Defend Diaoyu Islands Movement.

Controversies & Challenges

2024

Lawsuit against Wikimedia Taiwan

Brought a civil lawsuit after edits reflecting his pro-China stance were reverted on his Chinese Wikipedia article.