Malaysian Companies Devour Opportunities in Fine Food Australia
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is spearheading the participation of 20 Malaysian exhibitors in Fine Food Australia, which will be held from 15 – 18 September 2014 at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. This year marks MATRADE’s 9th participation in Fine Food Australia. Malaysian companies joining the trade event include manufacturers of confectionery, health supplements, food ingredients, ready to eat meals, frozen food as well as packaging and machinery for the food industry.
Fine Food will give a good exposure to these companies about the trends and requirements to export to Australia besides providing good trade opportunities. According to Noor Hayati Abu Noh, Malaysian Trade Commissioner in Melbourne, rising awareness of Malaysian cuisine in Australia has created high demand for Malaysian food products such as ingredients, confectioneries and frozen food. This is further supported by the establishment of over two hundred Malaysian restaurants, located in major Australian cities including Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
“MATRADE is also promoting Malaysian cuisine and food products such as sauces and pastes through the Malaysia Kitchen Programme in the Australian market.†she said. The products are available in supermarkets such as Coles and Woolworths as well as in independent Asian grocery stores.
In 2013, Malaysia exported RM0.92 billion worth of processed food to Australia. For the period of January – June 2014, exports was valued at RM0.61 billion. Major exports products include food preparations and ingredients, cocoa and cocoa preparations as well as processed seafood.
Australia is Malaysia’s 9th largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade valued at RM45.7 billion in 2013. For the first half of 2014, total trade increased by 31 per cent to RM27.4 billion compared to the same period last year. The implementation of Malaysia – Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) in 2013 has provided immense opportunities for Malaysian goods and services to enter into the dynamic Australian market.