KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) is collaborating with TH Global Sdn Bhd to market halal agro-based food produce made by Malaysian firms to the Middle East, and subsequently use it as a launching pad for the Muslim community in Europe.
Fama director-general Datuk Ahmad Ishak said the effort at enabling agro entrepreneurs to penetrate the international market will be implemented through three phases: industrial catering, vending machines and the retail channel.
In the first phase, 14 stock keeping units of premixed spices worth almost RM1 million will be used by the 12 Tabung Haji Kitchens which will be operational during the haj season this year.
"The 25 tonnes of spices will be sent via two containers and involves three entrepreneurs and are expected to arrive at the King Abdullah Port on June 28," he told reporters after signing a memorandum of understanding with TH Global in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.
TH Global will act as the facilitator in pioneering local halal food products to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries such as Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.
On the second phase involving the vending machines, Ahmad said 90 products by 30 local companies will be screened before being selected to enter the Middle East market.
"We expect the second phase to begin at year-end after the close of the haj season. The products will undergo tight screening and already have certification from overseas countries such as good manufacturing practices.
Through the retail channel of the final phase, Fama and TH Global will cooperate with local supermarkets and hotels there to supply agro produce outside the haj season for use by pilgrims during the umrah. - Bernama
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