Key buyers from leading Malaysian retail chain GCH Retail (Malaysia) are among a range of high-profile speakers to confirm their participation in Fresh Produce Malaysia, which takes place on 15-17 March in Kuala Lumpur.
Dairy Farm-owned GCH Retail (Malaysia) is a pioneer of the modern retail trade in Malaysia, operating the Giant hypermarket and Cold Storage supermarket chains across the country. Tham Oi Loon, the food retailer’s general manager – fresh, and its category manager for fruit and vegetables, A Retna Malar, will both be on hand to outline the company’s strategies for developing its fresh produce business – and the opportunities and challenges for local and international suppliers.
Meanwhile, a high-powered panel will discuss Malaysia’s own farm certification schemes and the growing importance of GlobalGAP accreditation in the opening session of Day 2. The panel will feature Norma Othman, director of crop quality control at Malaysia’s Department of Agriculture, Sahbani Saimin, deputy director general of the country’s Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), and Sathianathan Menon, director of consulting and training company QA Plus Asia-Pacific.
The role of innovation in Malaysia’s fresh produce category will also come under the spotlight on Day 2 of the conference. Malaysian Agrifood Corporation’s (MAFC) Sekar Shanmugam and Dr Chan Ying Kwok will talk about the company’s introduction of new products, including the Lushious line of vegetables and its Paiola papaya. Meanwhile, Jan Doldersum of international seed breeding giant Rijk Zwaan will explain how new tomato and lettuce varieties are spicing up Malaysia’s retail offer.
Introducing new varieties that can command a premium price is key to Malaysia’s export development, but utilising new supply chain technologies is also vital to growth. In the final session, delegates will hear from Australian consultant Peter Anderson of AP Horticulture on developments in tropical greenhouse design and fertigation control, while Tracy King of Sinclair International (Asia) will discuss fresh produce branding and the advantages of on-fruit labelling with case study examples from the Malaysian context.
Organised byAsiafruit Magazine, Fresh Produce Malaysia is the must-attend event for anyone looking to explore the exciting procurement and marketing opportunities in one of Asia’s strongest and most vibrant economies. With its eye on the broader issues for regional and international trade, Fresh Produce Malaysia is sure to enable delegates to make the most of their visit to Kuala Lumpur.
Local Malaysian companies will also find lots on offer at the three-day event, which provides a unique opportunity to learn about the latest technologies and marketing tools to help drive their businesses.
Register online atwww.freshproducemalaysia.comand save over 20 per cent on your delegate fee.
Keep up to date with registration, speaker and programme news by joining the mailing list atinfo@freshproducemalaysia.comor visit www.freshproducemalaysia.com.
