Malaysian Pepper Aims To Penetrate Middle East Market

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB) is showcasing its sustainable initiatives and pepper products at Expo 2020 Dubai, aiming to penetrate the Middle East market and expand into new markets across the region. MPB assistant director Asmah Morshidi said the agency is also seeking opportunities to expand its presence in current markets like Japan, China and Korea. "This, in turn, will increase Malaysian pepper’s value, thus benefiting the country’s pepper industry and the economy as a whole,” said Asmah in a statement Friday. During its participation in Malaysia Pavilion’s Sustainable Agricommodities (Food Agricommodities) Week at Expo 2020 Dubai, the MPB will hold pocket talks where industry players would share discoveries, innovations and challenges in the global pepper industry. Its participation will also increase the global visibility and availability of the high-quality Sarawak Pepper, and ultimately boost demand for the product, said Asmah. Meanwhile, MPB researcher Dr Khew Choy Yuen said Expo 2020 Dubai provides an opportunity for MPB to discuss new products, import regulations, consumption trends, quality control and offer trade deals to existing and prospective buyers. MPB researchers will also speak on various new technologies developed, including new research and development products to enhance flowering in black pepper, sustainable organic pepper farming practices and crop improvement to increase the economic value of black pepper. The black pepper industry is one of the main pillars of Malaysia’s economy, contributing US$581 million (US$1 = RM4.18) to the nation's gross domestic product in 2020, said MPB. Nearly 98 per cent of Malaysian pepper is produced in Sarawak, with whole black pepper accounting for nearly 70 per cent of its export, while the remaining 30 per cent consists of white pepper, green pepper in brine, and value-added pepper which are pepper products that have higher value than normal pepper. -- BERNAMA