MATRADE To Lead Malaysian Contingent To Gulfood 2025 To Boost F&B Exports
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) will lead 90 local companies and four government agencies’ participation in Gulfood 2025, held from Feb 17-21 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
In a statement today, MATRADE said the move underscores Malaysia’s strategic focus on expanding its food and beverages (F&B) exports and solidifying its presence in the global halal market.
Being the world’s largest annual F&B trade exhibition, Gulfood provides an unparalleled platform for Malaysian businesses to connect with international buyers, establish strategic partnerships and showcase their diverse range of high-quality products and services.
MATRADE chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the companies’ participation in the event will help to expand their reach and contribute to the nation’s export targets.
He noted that Malaysia’s processed food exports to the Middle East and North African (MENA) region continued their upward trajectory in 2024, rising by 3.8 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM2.32 billion from RM2.23 billion in 2023.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) remained Malaysia’s top export destination in the region, accounting for 33.3 per cent of total MENA exports.
Exports to the UAE surged 37.3 per cent y-o-y to RM773.2 million in 2024 from RM563.3 million the previous year.
“This upward trend and the UAE’s role as a strategic hub highlight the increasing global demand for Malaysian processed food and our stronger position in the international F&B market.
“We are confident that our participation in Gulfood 2025 will significantly boost Malaysia's F&B presence on the global stage and drive growth in this vital sector,” he said.
Meanwhile, MATRADE chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said the event offers Malaysian exhibitors direct access to key decision-makers and potential partners.
“With MATRADE's support through tailored business matching programmes and market intelligence briefings, the companies can maximise their exposure, build strategic connections and achieve significant export growth,” he added.
The Malaysian exhibitors will showcase a wide variety of F&B products, including sauces and pastes, spices and condiments, frozen food, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, beverages, dairy products, Halal-certified products and organic products.
MATRADE added that the participation of four government agencies will provide valuable resources and expertise to Malaysian exporters, facilitating their access to international markets and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
-- BERNAMA
