Malaysian F&B Products Stand Out at Saudi Food Show

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (MATRADE Jeddah) recently organized the participation of 33 Malaysian exhibitors in the Saudi Food Show 2024, an international exhibition dedicated to F&B products held last month in Riyadh.

Regarded as the largest F&B sourcing event in the region, the Saudi Food Show featured more than 1,000 exhibitors from 97 countries. Among them were Malaysian exhibitors, including mid-tier companies and small-medium enterprises, promoting a diverse range of products such as ready-to-eat meals, plant-based foods, health beverages, premium confectioneries, food ingredients, and flavorings. The Malaysian pavilions, represented by Malaysia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Halal Development Corporation, and the Malaysia International Halal Showcase, played a significant role in showcasing the country’s capabilities and offerings.

Award-Winning Excellence

During the event, the Saudi Food Excellence Awards 2024 recognized outstanding and innovative brands in the industry. A Malaysian company, Global Brand Synergy Sdn Bhd, was honored with the Best Packaging Design and Best Beverage awards, further highlighting Malaysia’s commitment to excellence in the F&B sector.

Economic Impact and Trade Relations

According to a statement by MATRADE Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is seen as a key and dynamic market for diversification and growth in the food industry, offering Malaysian exporters renewed opportunities to expand their reach in a market valued at $45 billion, the largest in the Middle East. In 2023, bilateral trade between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia reached RM50.52 billion, with Malaysia exporting goods worth RM6.86 billion to Saudi Arabia. This thriving trade relationship positions Saudi Arabia as Malaysia’s largest trading partner in the region.

Strategic Initiatives and Future Prospects

The Ambassador of Malaysia to Saudi Arabia, Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, emphasized the potential of the Saudi market for Malaysian companies. He noted that several Malaysian companies have already established a strong presence in Saudi Arabia, achieving remarkable success with their Saudi partners. The ambassador highlighted the importance of showcasing Malaysia’s capabilities as a prominent supplier to contribute to the Kingdom’s rapid expansion in the food manufacturing and food service industry.

MATRADE Jeddah also took the opportunity to invite Saudi companies to participate in the upcoming 20th Malaysia International Halal Showcase, to be held from September 17-20, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur. This event will offer market expansion opportunities in key segments such as pharmaceuticals, Islamic finance, fintech, lifestyle, and modest fashion, showcasing value-added components across the halal value chain.

The proactive steps taken by the Malaysian government, including leveraging AI and collaborating with key partners, are set to significantly enhance the efficiency of the Halal CERT approval process. These innovations aim to not only meet the ambitious targets but also solidify Malaysia’s leadership in the global halal industry. This comprehensive approach ensures that Malaysia remains at the forefront of providing high-quality, halal-certified F&B products and services, benefiting a wide range of consumers worldwide.