Cooking up healthier opportunities

Last year‘s Malaysian International Food and Beverage Trade Fair welcomed more than 18,000 trade visitors and more are expected this year.

CONCERNS for general well-being has prompted many people to seek healthier food options.

As more people become more conscious of what they eat, businesses too are looking into new ways to capture consumers’ appetite as well as the food and beverage market.

One way to explore business opportunities in this sector is to visit the Malaysian International Food and Beverage Trade Fair (MIFB), which is happening from Aug 9 to 11 at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur.

The 18th edition of this trade show will continue to highlight the F&B industry in three key segments, that is General Food and Beverage, Seafood and Fishery as well as Food Technology.

Fair organiser Sphere Exhibits Malaysia Sdn Bhd senior marketing manager Subatha Supromaniam said the general food and beverage segment would largely focus on natural and healthy produce.

“Last year, we highlighted heavy technology and machinery for food production; this year, we want to shed light on healthier ready-to-eat food and services.

“The highlight will not just be on food sources, but also innovative solutions in terms of nutrition, food safety and security, hygiene as well as packaging,” she said.

Subatha said healthier ready-to-eat food and services have yet to mature in the Malaysian market, and the fair would be a platform for businesses to look into.

Within the same segment, the fair is also introducing the International Halal Village for the first time, whereby there will be halal products by a focused group of exhibitors not just from Malaysia, but also from South Korea and Japan.

This year, the trade fair is expecting 550 exhibitors from 50 countries with a good mix of both local and international participants as well as 20,000 trade visitors.

Subatha said the business matching platform at the trade show has been fruitful, with floor trade discussion figures growing from US$144mil (RM616mil) in 2015 to US$360mil (RM1.53bil) in 2016.

“The emphasis on food technology and food science last year prompted a lot of trade activities, joint ventures and business partnerships among local and foreign companies.

“There were also machinery deals that took off with companies that made upgrades, smaller enterprises partnering up with bigger companies to grow their business,” she said.

In addition, there were foreign companies which sought local partnerships to tap into the halal market and this sector grew, said Subatha, adding that the fair expects to garner US$400mil (RM1.7bil) this year.

Subatha said the food industry was growing, and she advised businesses and enterprises to look into opportunities at trade shows like MIFB.

“It has a complete package that involves food science, technology, banking institutions, certification bodies, ministry representatives, investor opportunities as well as industry experts.”

She said MIFB was also working closely with International Trade and Industry Ministry and the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry to extend support to businesses.

“You do not have to go far in search of business opportunities; register yourself with the fair and make business matching plans.

“Leverage on the advantages set out by the fair,” concluded Subatha.

Other activities at the trade show include trade talks by partners and exhibitors, Malaysian Halal Standard Certification and Auditing Seminar, cooking demonstrations in partnership with the Asian Food Channel as well as the Latte Art Throwdown.

MIFB 2017 is now open for registration; entrance is free for trade visitors while business matches are also complimentary.

For details, visit www.mifb.com