KUALA LUMPUR, (Bernama) — A marketing mission for halal products and services to South Africa recently, successfully generated sales of RM21.9 million from the 175 business meetings arranged, said the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade).
Matrade said 12 Malaysian companies participated under the specialised marketing mission in conjunction with the 12th Africa’s Big Seven event which is regarded as the continent’s largest food and beverages (F&B) industry trade exhibition.
Products that generated sales included palm oil products, edible gelatin, pre-mixed coffee & dried fruits and frozen & fruits cake, Matrade said in a statement today.
Trade Commissioner of Matrade Johannesburg Norhaliza Halid said South Africa had emerged as a leader in the halal food industry in Africa due to its advanced halal certification programme despite the small percentage of Muslims.
“Consumer preference towards halal products from both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers in the country provides good opportunities for Malaysian manufacturers.
“This is because 60 per cent of all products sold at retail outlets in South Africa are halal certified,” she added.
Malaysia’s export of halal products to South Africa in 2013 totaled RM261.6 million, according to the Halal Industry Development Corporation.
The top halal products exported to South Africa are F&B (31.3 per cent), followed by palm oil derivatives (28 per cent), halal ingredients (18.4 per cent) and cosmetics and personal care (17.3 per cent).