Sabah to hold international food expo
KOTA KINABALU: The second Sabah International Food Expo (SIFEX2024) will be held from March 8 to 10 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here.
Themed ‘Taste for Business’, the event is organized by ESM Exhibitor Relations Malaysia and supported by industry players and major brands nationwide.
ESM Exhibitor Relations Malaysia managing director Datuk Dayang Hajah Khatijah
Datu Haji Bachtiyal said the expo provides a platform to meet with potential suppliers and business partners, as well as to connect with visitors and exhibitors nationwide.
The event also offers the opportunity to sample new products and learn about the latest industry trends.
“In addition, it is a great way for exhibitors to seek exposure for their products and secure new clients.”
She said the event also enables visitors and businesses to explore new partnerships and expand their network with professionals and industry players.
She said there are a total of 300 booths comprising F&B industry players from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Egypt, Turkiye and Philippines, as well as pavilions from Johor, Sarawak, Kedah, Penang and Selangor.
Several state and federal agencies are also participating in the event, such as the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad (PUNB) and Sabah Ministry of Agriculture and Fishery.
“There are 400 brands exhibited by F&B manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, importers, kitchenware and electrical appliances retailers, government agencies, state pavilions, franchise companies and frozen food distributors at the event,” said Dayang Hajah Khatijah.
Among the main exhibitors are Jetsin Sdn Bhd, Hong Seng Importer & Exporter, Bidfood Sdn Bhd, Onaki Sdn Bhd, Consfood, Woo Joo Food, Biz7 Enterprise, Nikudo Seafood, Salam Marketing, Sellmax Sdn Bhd, MT Food, Moh Heng Co, Utea Malaysia, Jadan Food & Beverage, Power Cool Refrigeration, Penampang Enterprise Sdn Bhd, Brave Tristar Sdn Bhd, STF Agriculture Sdn Bhd, Leong Yun Fah Sdn Bhd, Lahad Datu Flour Mill, Sawit Kinabalu, Rich Products Sdn Bhd and Daily Fresh Trading.
More than 50,000 visitors are expected to attend the three-day expo that will take place from 10am to 8pm. Admission is free.
In addition, she said various activities will be held as well, such as free food at 2pm on the first day, free food sampling by exhibitors, cooking demonstrations, cooking workshops, cooking competition, lion dance performance, cultural shows, balloons giveaway, culinary show and lucky draws.
There are also special zones for pastry and bakery, coffee and street food.
Dayang Hajah Khatijah invited hypermarkets, supermarkets, importers, wholesalers, distributors, food enthusiasts, restaurants, cafes, F&B heads, investors and business operators, trade associations and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to visit the expo and support the F&B players in Sabah.
She said the mission of most exhibitors from outside Sabah is to seek distribution partner, wholesalers or supermarkets to distribute their products in order to expand their market in Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Mindanao, Philippines.
SIFEX2024 is expected to be officiated by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Haji Mohamad Sabu at 2pm on March 9.
There are 400 brands exhibited by F&B manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, importers, kitchenware and electrical appliances retailers, government agencies, state pavilions, franchise companies and frozen food distributors at the event.
Datuk Dayang Hajah Khatijah