MATRADE Marks 20 Years of Success at Foodex Japan, Showcasing Malaysia's Halal Culinary Excellence and Paving The Way for EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai
MONDAY, 10 MARCH 2025, KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) marks its 20th consecutive year of participation at FOODEX Japan, Asia's leading international food and beverage exhibition, held from 11 March 2025 to 14 March 2025 at Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan. This year, MATRADE leads a delegation of 11 esteemed Malaysian food and beverage companies and an agency namely the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), highlighting Malaysia's commitment to Halal excellence and laying the groundwork for its presence at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
The Malaysian Pavilion will serve as a hub for showcasing the nation's diverse and high-quality Halal food and beverage offerings, reinforcing Malaysia's position as a global leader in the Halal industry. The participating companies will present a wide array of products, including delectable confectionery, snacks, cookies, premium tropical beverages, seafood, bird nest and coffee, all adhering to the strictest Halal standards.
"Our two decades of engagement at FOODEX Japan demonstrate our unwavering commitment to strengthening trade ties between Malaysia and Japan,” said YB Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Chairman of MATRADE. “This milestone underscores our dedication to promoting Malaysia’s exceptional Halal products and leveraging strategic partnerships to further enhance our export capabilities. We are also excited to use this platform as a precursor to our participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai where we will showcase Malaysia’s innovation and sustainability in the food sector.”
In 2024, the total trade between Malaysia and Japan stood at RM152.75 billion whereby Japan was Malaysia’s 5th largest trading partner and 5th largest export destination. “We are delighted to celebrate 20 years of participation at FOODEX Japan, a testament to the strong and growing trade relationship between Malaysia and Japan. The 69% increase in Malaysia’s processed food exports to Japan last year, reaching RM2.12 billion, underscores the rising global demand for our high-quality Halal products said Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, CEO of MATRADE. We are confident that our presence at FOODEX, Japan will further solidify Malaysia's position as a leading Halal food provider and pave the way for even greater success in the Japanese market.”
Demand for Malaysian cocoa products and snacks is rising in Japan, highlighting Malaysia's ability to deliver high-quality, Halal-compliant food that meets Japan's strict standards. This growing trade reflects the strong partnership between the two nations, which MATRADE aims to expand through events like FOODEX Japan and Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The Malaysian pavilion at FOODEX Japan serves as a vital platform, not just to display products, but to empower Malaysian businesses with market access, resources, and knowledge. By utilizing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and fostering strong collaborations, Malaysia is driving sustainable growth in its food and beverage sector. This year's FOODEX Japan will further solidify the Malaysia-Japan trade relationship, showcasing innovative Halal products and paving the way for Malaysia's prominent presence at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
MATRADE invites all attendees of FOODEX Japan to visit the Malaysian Pavilion at hall 5, Tokyo Big Sight to experience the best of Malaysia's Halal offerings.
