SHAH ALAM - The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry of Malaysia (KPKM) marked a significant milestone with its debut at The Food Show in Auckland, New Zealand, held from July 25 to 28.
The Malaysian pavilion, aptly themed 'Taste of Malaysia,' was officially opened by Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand, Mazita Marzuki.
This international event featured six Malaysian companies and one importer of Malaysian products in Auckland, presenting an impressive 64 new SKUs to the New Zealand market.
Among the showcased agri-food products were fish crackers, pineapple coffee, freeze-dried fruits, roti canai, and more, capturing the attention and taste buds of visitors.
Adding to the allure, celebrity chef and Masterchef Australia alum Poh Ling Yeow, originally from Malaysia, delighted audiences with a cooking demonstration of kuih ketayap.
The exhibition garnered an outstanding reception from the local community, featuring various activities and food-tasting sessions that drew a large crowd.
Through this initiative, a total trade value of RM1.5 million was achieved, with the potential to reach RM59 million in the next three years.
Mazita emphasized the strong demand for Malaysian food products in New Zealand, attributing it to the unique flavors that align well with local tastes.
"Malaysian food products are not only delicious but also contain various natural ingredients that are good for health. Close cooperation between Malaysian producers and local importers in New Zealand can help expand market reach.
"This is the kind of gastronomic and trade synergy we aim to see, and Malaysia's participation in this exhibition has achieved that goal," she stated.
Mazita also highlighted that this program is conducted in major cities across New Zealand, with hopes for participation in the Food Show in South Island next year.
She assured that the Malaysian High Commission in Wellington continues to support the Ministry's efforts to open new market opportunities for Malaysian products, thereby strengthening trade relations between Malaysia and New Zealand under the Malaysia-New Zealand Strategic Partnership.
"We hope more Malaysian food products will penetrate the global market in the future," she added.
Besides promoting food products, the 'Taste of Malaysia' pavilion also featured promotions for the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture, and Agrotourism Show (MAHA), scheduled from September 11 to 22, attracting visitors eager to learn more about Malaysia's largest agriculture exhibition.
The Ministry remains committed to supporting local entrepreneurs in exploring international markets, thereby bolstering the country's economy.
Events like The Food Show serve as vital platforms for promoting Malaysian products and introducing the distinctive flavors of Malaysia to the global stage.