Taiwanese F&B producers to improve confidence

Taiwanese food and beverage producers are seeking to regain consumer confidence in Malaysia through the 2011 Malaysia International Food and Beverage Trade Fair (MIFB 2011). The three-day event begins tomorrow at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC)here. The Deputy Representative (Economic Affairs) at the Taipei Economic and Culture Office in Malaysia, Lin Min-Li said, Taiwanese food products have always been known for their natural production, safety, freshness and delicious taste. "The recent food safety incident has prompted Taiwanese food and beverage industry players to be even more cautious with their production and products have to undergo rigorous checks before being exported," he told a media briefing today. Lin stressed that Taiwanese exhibitors participating in the MIFB 2011 have sent their products for inspection and also obtained certification from the health authority in Malaysia and Taiwan for safety and quality assurance. He stressed that the recent food safety concern was due to two food additive producers in Taiwan having used plasticisers instead of palm oil to cut costs in producing a clouding agent. The clouding agent was sold to downstream companies, including major Taiwanese processed food producers, he said. Lin said this year's Taiwan Pavilion will also feature the Taichung City government. The Taiwan Pavilion covers 928 square meters of space, of which the Taichung Pavilion will take up 246 sq meters and features lychee, taro, pears, rice and other agriculture produce. Meanwhile, Malaysia's first Taiwanese food website, jalantaiwan.com, is scheduled to be launched on July 14 to allow Malaysians to shop for quality food products that carry safety certificates. The website is the brainchild of the largest Taiwanese food importer in Malaysia, Jimrosa (M) Sdn Bhd and an e-commerce company.