MALAYSIAN FOOD PRODUCT SECTOR SECURES IMMEDIATE SALES IN UK MISSION

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian food product sector has secured
immediate sales worth RM1.1 million in a recent marketing mission to the United
Kingdom with further sales worth RM13.9 million identified. (US$1=RM3.09)

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) led the mission
comprising 10 Malaysian food and beverages manufacturers to London and
Birmingham from Sept 28 to Oct 1.

Products such as bakery ingredients, curry spices, frozen food, ready-to-eat
meals, instant coffee and health drinks were promoted.

"Beyond the securing of immediate and potential sales, the mission succeeded in
further opening up the UK's food market to Malaysian products," said Matrade's
director of Europe section, Abu Bakar Koyakutty, in a statement Monday.

"The UK consumer market's sentiment towards Malaysian food products is
increasing promisingly. A number of key supermarket and retail outlets now
allocate special areas for Malaysian food displays and promotions," he said.

Abu Bakar said besides increasing market access to the UK, the mission also
succeeded in tapping the country's growing demand for halal food products.

"The UK's halal food sector has been identified as a potentially lucrative one
due to increasing demand from its Muslim population, as well as non-Muslim
consumers," he said.

Abu Bakar said during the mission, 156 business meetings were held between
representatives of the Malaysian companies and 35 UK buyers in London and
Birmingham.

"A number of UK buyers stated that they have plans to visit the
manufacturing facilities of selected Malaysian companies and participating in the
incoming buying mission which will be held in conjunction with International Trade
Malaysia 2010 this November," he said.

Last year, Malaysia's export of processed food to the UK amounted to RM235.29
million and during the first six months of this year, the UK imported RM104.57
million worth of processed food from Malaysia. (US$RM3.09)
-- BERNAMA