Malaysian firms clinch RM1.49b in sales at Gulfood 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 80 Malaysian companies recorded sales worth RM1.49 billion at the world’s largest food exhibition, Gulfood 2024, held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates from Feb 19 to 23.
According to Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, the amount was a significant increase of 57.9 per cent from RM943.46 million recorded in 2023.
“The performance was driven by the increased participation of Malaysian companies from 71 to 80, as well as the extension of the exhibition period from four to five days.
“Of the total sales, RM579.1 million were actual sales, while RM916.75 million were potential sales,” said Reezal Merican.
He said the success reflected Malaysian companies’ ability to expand their exports and enter global markets through platforms such as Gulfood.
He was proud to note that most of the companies were micro, small and medium enterprises.
He said Matrade would moni
tor the sales progress every month to ensure the potential sales of RM916.75 million are realised.
Five government agencies were also part of the delegation, namely the Federal Agricultural Marketing
Authority, Majlis Amanah Rakyat, Malaysian Palm Oil Council, SME Bank and Selangor State Development Corporation.
According to Reezal Merican, palm oil products recorded the highest sales with a value of RM877.5 million, followed by beverages (RM289.9 million), condensed milk (RM106.15 million), frozen food (RM85.66 million), agricultural products (RM55.96 million), snacks (RM40.71 million), readyto-eat products (RM20.62 million), biscuits (RM12.6 million) and spices (RM0.46 million).
Furthermore, business matching sessions were conducted with importers and distributors from the Middle East and North Africa region and beyond.
Gulfood 2024 is seen as an effective platform for Malaysian companies to explore export opportunities and collaborations in the global market.
Reezal Merican also witnessed the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Malaysian and international companies at the Malaysia Pavilion.
He said one of the MoUs was an agreement between Agym Nutrition Sdn Bhd, Eureka Drinks Sdn Bhd and an international company to open up new opportunities for the export of Malaysian health products and energy drinks to the Middle Eastern market.