THE 19th Malaysian International Food & Beverage Trade Fair (MIFB 2018) will be held from June 27 to 29 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and is expected to see participants from more than 50 countries.

Over the past 18 years, the annual trade fair has gathered food and beverage (F&B) industry players from different parts of the world to Malaysia, introducing new offerings and solutions to the fraternity.

This year, it returns with the aim to set a clear direction for SMEs to propel in business, showcase the future of food business as well as position Malaysia as a prime food hub.

On top of the usual Food and Beverage (Natural and Healthy Produce), Food Technology as well as Seafood and Fishery segments, organiser Sphere Exhibits Malaysia is introducing a special segment – Halal Food with the aim of making Malaysia the international halal hub for F&B businesses.

The new segment is specially designed for halal producers, traders and business leaders sourcing for products and looking to expand their business in this area.

“Malaysia will do well as the host of this added segment with proper halal ecosystem, proactive policies as well as the framework in place to develop the industry,” said Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd chairman Chua Wee Phong.

The Natural and Health Produce segment will be an ideal platform for companies looking for innovative ways to improve and upgrade their menus with more natural and healthy choices, meeting the needs of the growing niche of healthy living.

“With the increasing number of consumers understanding the benefits of natural and healthy products, the demand for natural and organic foods has increased significantly over the last few years,” Chua said.

Held alongside the 4th Asian Seafood & Fishery, Raw & Processed Produce, Technology & Supply Chain Solution Trade Fair (S&F Asia 2018), the MIFB 2018 will continue to play a role in helping industry buyers to source live, fresh and frozen seafood from international and local resources.

With the Government identifying food processing sector as one of the critical industries for the country’s economy and as a potential contributor to exports, MIFB 2018 will also be held alongside the 9th International F&B Machinery, Packaging & Service Solutions Exhibition (FoodTech 2018) to play a key role in gathering players from the industry with technological advances under one roof to showcase and foster relationship with the right target market.