MALAYSIAN PRODUCT RECEIVES RECOGNITION FOR EXCELLENCE AT THE SAUDI FOOD SHOW 2024

MATRADE Jeddah, the Commercial Section of the Consulate General of Malaysia in Jeddah recently organized the participation of 33 Malaysian exhibitors in the Saudi Food Show 2024, a prestigious international exhibition dedicated to the food and beverage industry held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 21-23 May 2024.

Regarded as the largest F&B sourcing event in the region, the Saudi Food Show featured over 1,000 exhibitors from 97 countries. Among them were Malaysian exhibitors, including Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs) and Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs), promoting a diverse range of products such as ready-to-eat meals, plant-based food, health beverages, premium confectioneries, food ingredients, and flavorings. The Malaysian pavilions, represented by Malaysia's Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), Halal Development Corporation (HDC), and the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), played a significant role in showcasing Malaysia’s capabilities and offerings.

During the event, the Saudi Food Excellence Awards 2024 was held to recognize outstanding and innovative brands in the industry, in which 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.

According to a statement by MATRADE Jeddah that is facilitating the participation of Malaysian companies at the exhibition via business matching and introduction sessions, the Kingdom is seen as a key and dynamic market for diversification and growth in the food industry, offering Malaysian exporters renewed opportunities and platforms to expand their reach in a market valued at USD 45 billion, the largest in the Middle East.

On Wednesday evening, the Ambassador of Malaysia to Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah toured the exhibition grounds and highlighted that the participation of Malaysian companies will empower exporters and promote economic growth between both countries.

“The Saudi market holds significant potential, as several Malaysian companies have already established a strong presence here and achieved remarkable success with their Saudi partners. We look forward to showcasing Malaysia's capabilities as a prominent supplier to contribute to the Kingdom's remarkable expansion in the food manufacturing and food service industry as well”, he added.

In 2023, bilateral trade between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia reached a significant value of USD 11.06 billion. The Kingdom received goods worth USD 1.49 billion from Malaysia, while Saudi Arabia valued its exports to Malaysia at USD 9.56 billion. This thriving trade relationship positions Saudi Arabia as Malaysia's largest trading partner and the primary source of imports among West Asian countries.

Saudi Arabian companies are also invited to participate at the upcoming 20th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) to be held from 17-20 September 2024, in Kuala Lumpur to explore 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 Commercial Section of the Consulate is responsible for promoting trade between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, including facilitating business linkages by leveraging on the recently established Saudi-Malaysian Business Council (SMBC). The Section serves as a valuable resource for companies in the Kingdom keen on exploring trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.