Contributed by Kenny Phang.
In collaboration with Defy Media
Kuala Lumpur, 12 July 2023 — The 2023 Malaysian International Food & Beverage Trade Fair (MIFB) welcomed a record-breaking 9,000 visitors on its opening day today, and expecting 20,000 over the next three days. Running till 14 July 2023 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), this 22nd edition of Malaysia’s leading F&B trade event is bringing together over 400 exhibitors from over 60 countries with a special focus on innovating solutions for a more resilient food ecosystem in the region.
“As a go-between organisation that represents the F&B industry in sustainability conversations with wider stakeholders and the Malaysian government, MAREA is looking forward to actively participating in this year’s MIFB. We believe that through collective effort, we can create a greener and more sustainable future not only for the environment, but for the long-term health of the industry as well,” says Robert Benetello, CEO of MAREA.
Mirte Gosker, Managing Director of the Good Food Institute APAC, Asia’s leading alternative protein think tank shares: “Part of the Institute’s core values is to share knowledge freely. We look to bring our expertise in alternative protein solutions to the F&B regulators, stakeholders, and innovators in MIFB’s global network and ultimately contribute our research data to policy conversations about developing sustainable production practices across the board.”
Additionally, to reduce food wastage in the HORECA (hotels, restaurants, and cafes) market, MIFB is now also partnering with Malaysian procurement specialists Supplybunny and The Food Market Hub. Under this initiative, HORECA establishments can flexibly order goods in smaller quantities and pay via installment rather than upfront.
Held alongside the 20th China-ASEAN Expo 2023 Roadshow (Malaysia) & Guangxi Export Fair, producers, manufacturers, and suppliers from across the world’s food map are showcasing their technology at MIFB. The exhibits span eight key segments: meat and poultry, fish and seafood, dairy, drinks, confectionery and snacks, halal food, naturally healthy foods, and packaging.
Notable guests at the opening ceremony include the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, who highlighted MIFB’s role as a platform for joint industry innovation.
“In 2022, agrifood activities as a whole contributed a substantial RM173.9 billion to our economy or 11.5% of Malaysia’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This comprises the added value derived across subsectors throughout the supply chain including agrifood production, food manufacturing and processing, wholesale, retail, and F&B services. Without a doubt, the potential is huge and trade events such as MIFB serve as an essential platform in broadening market access and facilitating cross-border networking that will ultimately benefit local agrifood players. As industry experts around the globe congregate in Kuala Lumpur for MIFB and turn their attention towards initiatives that drive food sustainability, we hope this event will further propel Malaysia forward as a global leader in food,” shares YB Tuan Chan Foong Hin, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.
