The recent Malaysia International Halal Showcase MIHAS 2015 saw total sales of RM 443.16 million (USD 122.17 million) through its incoming buying mission. The four-day event on 1-4 April 2015 also witnessed the participation of at least 300 companies.
Here is a brief overview of what’s hot at MIHAS 2015.
Coconut Water
Linaco and Kara Marketing (M) showcased their respective Cowa and Karta coconut water. Apparently, Linaco is one of the eight coconut water suppliers to US-based Vita Coco. Both Cowa and Karta coconut water is sourced from Indonesia. Linaco is tapping into the China market and has sent shipments to China and is working to get an online presence there. According to Linaco, there is a market for coconut water in Malaysia as Malaysians grow up drinking fresh coconut water but the challenge is getting them to drink packaged coconut water. The company is promoting coconut water as a hydrating drink in gyms and other sports venues.
Energy Drink
XL Energy Drink from Poland is looking for exclusive distributors in Southeast Asia including for Malaysia and Indonesia.
Energy Bars
See the following posts for more information:
DASTO energy bar wins Gulfood Award, using local ingredients to help manage weight
Moolabar energy bar gets a more exciting look
Instant Noodle:
See the following post for more information:
Penang White Curry now with ramen version.
Also available at the Vit’s booth were Vit’s Fresh Ramen and Fresh Udon.
Sauces and Seasonings:
This year’s MIHAS saw the participation of South African sauces makers including HQ Foods, Fynbos Fine Foods and All Joy. For local players, Delifea Pasta Sauce with Italian mix herb is interesting. The packaging looks great but its availability is only limited to Presto Supermarket, Sahara Supermarket, highway rest and service areas and in several other locations.
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| Delifea halal pasta sauce |
Chilled food
Froyo frozen yogurt by Snogurt was featured at the fair. Froyo is low in fat, high in calcium, low in calories and rich in probiotics. The price was RM 4.90 per cup.
Ready-to-eat
D’Era Pouch Industries Sdn Bhd revealed Malaysia’s first sardine in a pouch. The range includes sardine in tomato sauce and sardine in chilli tomato sauce. Apart from sardines, the company also has tomato puree in a pouch, baked beans, Mamak chicken curry and other ready-to-eat food such as Nyonya chicken curry and fish sambal.
Snack
The Poco gourmet popcorn will be introduced into the market in 2015.
Beverage
The Sun Blast Hello Kitty and Barney juices by Mega Success Marketing Sdn Bhd were showcased at the exhibition. The two products are already in supermarkets. The company has other products that have not been launched including Sun Blast Recharge and Rehydrate sports drink in pouch, Sun Blast Organic juice in pouch and Sun Blast 100% pure juice in 1L carton.
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| New isotonic drink from Mofaz and is available at Circle K Malaysia |
Cocosong Food Industries Sdn Bhd showcased their new Magic Pot drink, which comprises three products Apple and Pear Fruit Drink with Vitamins (Energy Supply), Mixed Berries Fruit Drink with Grape Seed Extract (Anti-Aging) and Soursop and Mangosteen Fruit Drink with Dietary Fiber (Weight Management). The interesting thing about Magic Pot is the drink packaging contains some Korean characters on the packaging to make it as if it comes from Korea.
Felda Wellness Corporation will be introducing Vita 500, a South Korean vitamin drink, in Malaysia. Vita 500 is manufactured by Kwangdong Pharm Co., Ltd.
Tritonic isotonic drink by Life Water Industries Sdn Bhd, a Sabah-based company, saw an appearance at MIHAS. This isotonic drink is only available in East Malaysia.
Dairy
Camel milk-based milk powder, flavoured milk and coffee from the Middle East were part of the exhibition.Camel milk does have a potential in Malaysia as many Muslims do believe in the high nutritional value of camel milk. The key problem is price and the challenge is to reduce the price so that more people can afford to consume it.
That’s all from this year’s MIHAS.
