Expanding Business Collaboration With South Africa
TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) hosted a Specialised Marketing Mission (SMM) for Halal products and services to South Africa in conjunction with the 12th Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) from 21 - 24 June 2014, held at the Gallagher Convention Centre Midrand, Johannesburg. The SMM successfully generated sales of RM21.9 million from the 175 business meetings arranged.
Products that generated sales included palm oil products, edible gelatin, pre-mixed coffee & dried fruits and frozen & fruits cake. A total of 12 Malaysian companies participated under MATRADE in this AB7 which is regard as the continent’s largest food and beverages industry trade exhibition.
The Trade Commissioner of MATRADE Johannesburg, Madam Norhaliza Halid said, “South Africa has emerged as a leader in the Halal food industry in the African region due to its advanced halal certification programme despite the small percentage of Muslim population. Besides, consumers’ preference towards halal products from both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers in the country provides good opportunities for Malaysian manufacturers as 60% of all products sold at retail outlets in South Africa are halal certifiedâ€.
According to the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC), Malaysia’s exports of halal products to South Africa for 2013 totaled RM261.6 million. The top halal products exported to South Africa are food & beverages (31.3%), followed by palm oil derivatives (28%), halal ingredients (18.4%) and cosmetics and personal care (17.3%).
