Matrade Promotes Local Food Industry In Peru

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) is organising a specialised marketing mission on processed food to Lima, Peru, on Wednesday. The mission is in conjunction with ExpoAlimentaria 2014, one of South America's largest trade fair on food and beverages (F&B), from Aug 27-29. In a statement Tuesday, the national trade promotion agency said local companies joining the expo include manufacturers of snacks and confectionery, health supplements, food ingredients as well as equipment and logistics providers for the food industry. Malaysian Trade Commissioner in Chile, Ezzwanee Ahmad said F&B products from Asia are gaining acceptance in the market with consumers opening their palates to new flavours. She said importers are seeking new products from other countries to be introduced to the market in tandem with this consumer trend. "This is a good opportunity for Malaysian F&B companies to tap into the market," she added. Ezzwanee said Peru had shown signs of economic recovery since 2010, with all import sectors recording growth of more than 30 per cent. Consumer goods had the highest recovery at 40 per cent followed by raw materials and intermediate products at 38 per cent. Malaysia's trade with Peru in 2013 was US$192.21 million (RM607.4 million, US$1 = RM3.16) with exports valued at RM370.3 million and imports at RM237.1 million. Major exports were electrical and electric products, rubber products, palm oil, wood products, textiles, clothing and footwear as well as processed food. --BERNAMA