Zim Prospects Bright at Malaysia Halal Expo

Zimbabwe’s participation in the prestigious Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) has been a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to expand its economic ambitions. The event has provided an ideal platform for Zim prospects and bright businesses to showcase their diverse product offerings to a global audience, particularly in the halal and natural products sectors. Ambassador Constance Chemwayi, Zimbabwe’s envoy to Malaysia, voiced her optimism about the opportunities MIHAS presents for Zimbabwean companies, describing it as a crucial gateway to new markets.

“This is a strategic move to expand our market reach and explore potential partnerships,” explained Ambassador Chemwayi. “This is our second time participating in MIHAS, and we’ve come with a more focused approach, offering a wider array of products that align with the growing global demand for natural, organic, and halal-certified goods.”

Zim Prospects Bright: Product Line at MIHAS

This year, Zimbabwe has exhibited a diverse collection of products, reflecting the country’s rich natural resources and commitment to sustainable and organic production. Among the top products showcased were baobab powder, organic honey, organic blueberries, hair care products, and leather goods. These items are designed to tap into the increasing global consumer demand for wellness, sustainability, and ethical production practices.

Baobab powder, in particular, has generated significant interest. This powder is derived from the baobab fruit, which is renowned for its high levels of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. The global wellness market has embraced baobab powder as a superfood, and its potential in the Malaysian market is substantial. With a rising interest in natural health supplements, Zimbabwe’s baobab powder stands out as a product that can appeal to health-conscious consumers looking for natural ways to improve their well-being.

Similarly, Zimbabwe’s organic honey, produced using environmentally sustainable methods, has attracted the attention of international buyers. There is a growing demand for pure, natural sweeteners, and Zimbabwe’s honey offers just that. The product aligns with consumers’ preference for food items that are not only natural but also produced ethically and sustainably.

Another product that has captured attention at the expo is Zimbabwe’s organic blueberries. These blueberries have a strong market appeal due to their high nutritional content and widespread popularity as a healthy snack. Grown without the use of harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, Zimbabwe’s blueberries meet the needs of consumers who prioritize organic and eco-friendly products. This is an increasingly important consideration for buyers in markets like Malaysia, where health and wellness trends are on the rise.

“These products hold a unique advantage because they are natural, organic, and halal-certified,” noted Ambassador Chemwayi. “We believe there is immense potential for our goods, particularly in the Malaysian market, where there is a rising interest in wellness, sustainable living, and ethically sourced products.” Zimbabwe’s participation in MIHAS thus highlights that Zim Prospects Bright is capturing a share of the burgeoning global halal market.

Halal Certification: Key to Global Expansion

One of the cornerstones of Zimbabwe’s participation at MIHAS is its focus on strengthening halal certification processes. With the global halal market continuing to grow rapidly, having the right certifications is critical for any company looking to expand internationally. Zimbabwe recognizes this and is making significant efforts to align its certification standards with those of established halal market leaders like Malaysia.

Ambassador Chemwayi expressed pride in Zimbabwe’s progress on this front. “We are thrilled to have the President of the Halal Council of Zimbabwe with us at MIHAS, learning directly from Malaysia’s well-established halal certification systems,” she said. “Our goal is to adopt the best practices from Malaysia to enhance our certification standards and ensure our products meet the stringent requirements of the global halal market.”

Strengthening halal certification will open new doors for Zimbabwean products in markets where halal compliance is essential. As demand for halal products grows beyond Muslim-majority countries, there is increasing interest from non-Muslim consumers who are drawn to the quality, cleanliness, and ethical standards associated with halal-certified goods. Zimbabwe’s focus on improving its halal processes is a strategic move to meet this global demand, and it further emphasizes that Zim Prospects Bright is a reliable supplier of halal-certified and organic products.

Building Dirist Trade Connections

Another key objective for Zimbabwe’s participation in MIHAS is to build direct trade connections with international buyers, distributors, and retailers. Currently, some Zimbabwean products, such as organic blueberries and baobab powder, are sold in global markets, but they are often rebranded by intermediaries. This means that the “Made in Zimbabwe” label is not always visible, and the country loses out on building brand recognition.

“We want to ensure that our products are marketed under the ‘Made in Zimbabwe’ label,” emphasized Ambassador Chemwayi. “This helps build brand recognition, which is vital for increasing our market share and fostering trust among international buyers.”

By establishing direct relationships with buyers, Zimbabwe can maintain control over the branding and quality of its products. This approach allows the country to command better prices and ensures that Zimbabwean products retain their unique identity in the market. It also reduces the reliance on intermediaries, which can dilute the profitability and integrity of exports.

The importance of this strategy was highlighted when Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, visited the Zimbabwean pavilion during his tour of MIHAS. The Prime Minister expressed particular interest in Zimbabwe’s organic blueberries, noting that they might offer a more cost-effective option for Malaysia compared to current suppliers. This interaction points to a significant breakthrough for Zimbabwe’s agricultural exports, with the potential to expand into Malaysia and other Southeast Asian markets.

A Brighter Future for Zimbabwe in the Halal Market

Zimbabwe’s participation in MIHAS underscores the country’s commitment to expanding its presence in the global halal market and establishing itself as a key player in the natural and organic product sectors. The halal market is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, with demand expected to reach over $2.4 trillion by 2024. This growth is driven by a younger, health-conscious demographic that values ethically sourced, halal-certified products.

Allan Majuru, CEO of ZimTrade, Zimbabwe’s trade development and promotion body, noted the importance of participating in international events like MIHAS. “The halal market represents a massive opportunity for Zimbabwean companies,” he said. “Participating in events like MIHAS allows us to gain valuable insights into market trends and preferences, enabling businesses to tailor their products to meet the evolving needs of consumers.”

The insights gained from MIHAS are not just about immediate sales but also long-term market intelligence. By understanding the nuances of the market, Zimbabwean companies can better position their products to meet consumer demands. This knowledge is critical as Zimbabwe continues to expand its trade relationships and seek new export opportunities.

Zim Prospects Bright for the Future

Zimbabwe’s participation in MIHAS is a clear indicator that Zim’s Prospects are Bright in the global halal market. By focusing on sustainable, Zim’sganic, and halal-certified products, the country is tapping into a market that shows no signs of slowing down. Zimbabwe’s efforts to strengthen its halal certification processes, build direct trade connections, and enhance its product branding are paving the way for long-term success.

As Ambassador Chemwayi concluded, “This is just the beginning. We are here to build lasting connections, learn from the best, and make Zimbabwe a recognized name in the halal and organic product industries. Our prospects are bright, and the future is full of opportunity.”

Through its participation in MIHAS, Zimbabwe is not only expanding its market reach but also positioning itself as a significant player in the global halal economy. With a growing consumer base that prioritizes wellness, sustainability, and ethical sourcing, Zimbabwe is well on its way to securing a strong foothold in the international marketplace. The path ahead is one of growth, collaboration, and success for Zimbabwean businesses, confirming that Zim’s Prospects are Bright for the future.