Exposure for brand owners at Tastefully Food Expo
7 October 2024
By AVV
KOTA KINABALU: The Tastefully Food Expo, held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) from October 4 to 6, provided a vibrant platform for over 100 booths and participants throughout the three-day event.
One of the participants was the Sabah Cocoa Board, sited at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP).
Lucy Thomas, the spokesperson in charge of marketing, stated that the chocolates are products of their establishment, which specialises in producing a variety of cocoa-based items.
She mentioned that these chocolates are not yet readily available in the market, such as supermarkets. However, interested buyers can visit the factory or their kiosk directly to make a purchase.
She mentioned that the products were primarily targeted towards entrepreneurs and agents. According to her, the cocoa used in their offerings is sourced locally from Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, ensuring high quality and supporting local agriculture.
She expressed that the Food Expo was particularly commendable, as it provided an excellent platform for them to showcase their products to a wider audience. Notably, they only sell directly to the public during such events, allowing consumers to experience their offerings firsthand.
The other participant was a health drink producer from Penang, represented by their marketing personnel, Low Kai Xin. The company, Lao Huang Ju, specialises in bottled juice made from calamansi and lime. They were promoting two distinct types of juice, each with specific health benefits, as explained by Low.
“Our products are sourced from Penang, where we cultivate our own fruit trees on our land. The drinks are manufactured in our factory, ensuring that we do not add any chemicals; they are entirely natural.
"We offer two different products: one is lime juice, which is particularly beneficial for soothing sore throats and alleviating coughs, while the other is calamansi juice, which is similar to lemon juice and is refreshing, aids digestion, and is rich in vitamin C to enhance immune function.
"Both products are concentrated and should be diluted with water before consumption. We have farms and factories located in Kedah and Perak.
“This is our first time participating in this expo, and we are optimistic about expanding our business here in the future. The expo is excellent, and we look forward to connecting with our fellow exhibitors.”
Seaweed derived jelly was also exhibited at that time. The seaweed had been processed into cube form and packed. Those who wished to consume it has
William Ng, a spokesperson for the Coral Seaweed Jelly Company, based in Taiwan, stated that coral seaweed, scientifically known as Eucheuma cottoni, is commonly referred to as "Sea Bird Nest" due to its numerous health benefits.
This seaweed is 100% organic and is considered a valuable gift from the ocean. It grows naturally without the use of artificial fertilizers or bleaching chemicals. The spokesperson highlighted its health advantages, noting that it is rich in calcium, iron, and a variety of fibers and proteins.
He said he had gone to similar expo in the past and commended the event.
The Expo Organised by Tastefully Malaysia, was Malaysia's largest food extravaganza, showcasing the vibrant culinary landscape of Sabah.
Tastefully Malaysia is dedicated to assisting brand owners in managing their product marketing through innovative campaigns, interactive activities, and strategic advertising, leveraging unified selling channels and partnerships.
The 100 booths representing more than 200 brands, offered visitors an opportunity to indulge in a diverse array of cuisines, from local delicacies to international flavours, all under one roof.
The event was officiated by Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Jeffrey G. Kitingan, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industries of Sabah, represented by Datuk Leonard Poyong, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary.
Tastefully Malaysia was represented by Jin Lee, its Business Development Director, and Event Director Esther Fong.
