Latest news with #GlobalFoodSecurityIndex
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Ministry strengthening nation's food security
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's food security remains relatively robust but rising costs, climate risks and dependence on imports continue to test the country's food resilience, said the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry. A ministry spokesman told theSun that while over 90% of domestic demand for poultry and fish is met through local production, the country remains significantly reliant on imported staples, particularly rice, beef and certain vegetables. 'The ministry is intensifying efforts to strengthen Malaysia's food system through infrastructure improvements, technology adoption and coordinated policy measures.' According to the 2023 Global Food Security Index, Malaysia ranks 41st out of 113 countries – behind regional leaders like Singapore and Japan. The ministry cited limited agricultural land and high reliance on imported staples as key vulnerabilities. 'For rice, the self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) stands at 56.2%, meaning that just over half of the national requirement is met locally. The goal is to raise this to 80% by 2030 under the National Agrofood Policy 2.0. 'Vegetables have a lower SSR of 45.4%, though local needs are substantially met through crops like kangkung, sawi and okra. However, temperate vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and cauliflower are import-dependent due to climatic and cost-related constraints. 'In the meat sector, poultry leads with an SSR ratio of 90.2% but beef and mutton lag behind significantly at 15.9% and 10.6%, respectively, while dairy products are at 66.8%.' The ministry said initiatives are in progress to improve these figures with support from both government funding and private investments. It said Malaysia's vulnerability to global disruptions is relatively low but the country remains dependent on imported inputs such as fertilisers, feed and seeds for certain commodities. It added that the country is currently increasing local production of shallots and maize. 'To future-proof Malaysia's food supply system and prepare for an estimated population of 40 to 42 million by 2050, several forward-looking strategies must be adopted. 'These include embracing smart agriculture and precision farming across crops, livestock and fisheries, and promoting sustainable approaches such as regenerative agriculture and the circular economy.' The ministry called on state governments to allocate land for agriculture while the federal government is focusing on providing funding, support and policy direction to reduce imports and increase local production. It added that expanding vertical and urban farming would help maximise yields in limited spaces, and innovation in aquaculture could ensure sustainable protein sources. 'Investing in youth, women and tech-savvy agropreneurs is just as vital, along with establishing strategic food reserves and building a robust agrofood database to enable data-driven policymaking. 'To enhance self-sufficiency and reduce import dependence, Malaysia must modernise farming with smart technology, advance crop and livestock research, expand agroparks and contract farming, encourage youth participation as well as seek alternative animal feed to reduce reliance on imported grain.' The National Agrofood Policy 2.0 and the National Food Security Policy Action Plan (2021–2025) provide a comprehensive framework focused on improving productivity, climate resilience, supply chain efficiency and farmer livelihoods.
Barnama
09-05-2025
- Science
- Barnama
Malaysia Entering Cultured Meat Revolution
S cientist Dr Mohamad Hafizi Abu Bakar poked suspiciously at the shiny light brown substance on the plate. Under the harsh glare of the fluorescent lights in a meeting room, the slice of – for lack of a better word – meat flopped on his fork. It was supposed to be unagi, the Japanese word for freshwater eel. But it looked nothing like the unagi served at his favourite sushi restaurant. First, he sniffed it. It smelt fishy. Good, he thought. Then he eyed the texture of the 'unagi'. It did not look like unagi exactly, he later told Bernama, it looked more like 'plastic made to look like unagi'. This piece of unagi, the Japanese word for freshwater eel, was grown from the stem cells of an eel in a lab at Cell AgriTech Sd Bhd in Perai, Penang. Cultured meat may reduce overfishing. Supplied photo. Still, curiosity won. He popped it in his mouth, his mind fleetingly wondering if his bowels would have an emergency appointment with the toilet later. His tongue told him everything was fine. 'The taste is exactly the same. It's actually exactly the same as unagi. You actually cannot differentiate,' Mohamad Hafizi laughingly said. 'My wife and I go to (Japanese restaurant) Sushi King all the time. So we know the taste.' The positive taste test is a relief for Mohamad Hafizi, a senior lecturer in bioprocess technology at the School of Industrial Technology at Universiti Sains Malaysia, as well as Jason Ng, vice president and founder of Penang-based Cell AgriTech Sdn Bhd, who gave him the 'unagi'. The fuss over that slice of unagi is because it did not come from a river or a fish tank. Instead, scientists grew it from stem cells – taken from an eel – under carefully controlled conditions in a bioreactor in a laboratory at Cell AgriTech, the first Malaysian company to grow lab meat. Taste is one of the early hurdles they need to overcome before they can fully introduce the cultured unagi and others of its ilk to Malaysia, which is desperate to find new ways to feed its people as it faces soaring food imports, climate disruption and overfishing. Acceptance of cultivated meat technology or lab-grown meats could be a game-changer for Malaysia, which has a self-sufficiency food score of 69.9, trailing behind Singapore which scored 73.1, according to the 2022 Global Food Security Index by trade publication 'The Economist'. Dr. Mohamad Hafizi Abu Bakar, senior lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia, telling Bernama about trying cultured unagi for the first time. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED GROWING FOOD CRISIS Malaysia is highly dependent on food imports to meet local demand as imports outpace exports. In 2023, Malaysia imported about RM78.79 billion worth of food products, including beef, wheat flour, dairy products and vegetables, up from RM75.62 billion the year before. The country's rice self-sufficiency rate in 2023 was 56.2 percent, with rice production going down from 2.28 million tonnes in 2022 to 2.18 million tonnes in 2023. Global disruptions – from COVID-19 lockdowns to the war in Ukraine – exposed how easily food supply chains can collapse. While Malaysia imports less than 10 percent of fish and seafood products, according to government data, fish protein is the most important source of protein for Malaysians. Malaysia is one of the top consumers of fish and seafood, most of them from marine and brackish sources rather than freshwater, said Associate Prof Amy Then Yee Hui from the Institute of Biological Sciences at Universiti Malaya (UM). She told Bernama that aquaculture or fish farms are trying to ease the burden of marine fishing, but that has its own sets of problems. Problems include the high cost of production, shortage of land, and environmental damage to rivers and mangroves. 'We have already, kind of, (had) almost 30 years of overfishing happening, right? So, you know, we basically cannot increase (the amount of fish caught in the wild) already, but we're still eating more and more seafood,' she said. Climate change is also another issue that aquaculture operators face. Fisheries Research Institute (in the Department of Fisheries Malaysia) senior director Dr Azhar Hamzah said the extreme temperature fluctuations have caused many fish in farms to get diseases, which require expensive medications and treatments. 'Heat stress weakens the immune system. The high temperatures will affect the water quality,' he said via Google Meet. Extreme flooding and thunderstorms have also caused damage to fish farms, allowing the fish stock to escape into the wild, which can cause havoc in the local ecosystem. CULTURED MEAT AS A SOLUTION Enter cultured meat: real animal protein, grown without the need for traditional livestock farming or fishing. But is it really a solution? Singapore seems to think so. It is the first country in Southeast Asia to approve the sale of cultivated meat in 2020. Malaysia is likely not far behind, with the first research and development (R&D) lab for cultivated meat production having opened in Penang in 2023. Cultured meat production uses DNA technology and starts by extracting a small number of cells from an animal, either alive or freshly slaughtered to meet kosher or halal standards, and placing them in a bioreactor. A lab technician at Cell AgriTech showing a beaker full of unagi stem cells. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED The stem cells are fed nutrients and oxygen, which will produce muscle or fat cells, without any blood or bone to mess with. When it is done, it looks like 'minced meat', Ng from Cell AgriTech told Bernama. 'We've taken the cell from the animal and grown it in a bioreactor. So that's why we can say that the cell in the meat that we grow actually has the same DNA as conventional meat.' Just in case, part of the quality control will have researchers checking on its genomic sequence to make sure no mutation has occurred or contaminants introduced during the growth process. Ng said the company is concentrating on fish for now to circumvent the halal certification requirement, which is only for land animals, adding that they are waiting for the government to make the necessary amendments to current legislation to allow the sale of cultivated meat. The government is currently in the midst of conducting a six-month feasibility study, of which Mohamad Hafizi is a part. Cultured meat can also alleviate safety concerns attached to farmed fish, or even wild fish at times. Cultivated fish – like the unagi Mohamad Hafizi ate – offers an alternative. It requires no hormones and no antibiotics, and there is no risk of pathogens like worms, or microplastics, found in many fish caught in the wild. As for the environmental factor, it eliminates the risk of introducing invasive species or creating abandoned aquaculture ponds. Frozen lab-grown unagi meat, produced by Cell AgriTech Sdn Bhd, before being processed. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED UM's Then was intrigued when she read about cultivated meat, but said it should play a complementary role rather than serve as a replacement for conventional fishing or fish farms. 'I think it is a good alternative so that we're not so totally dependent on aquaculture,' she said. PUBLIC PERCEPTION But the final test, experts say, is acceptance from the public. Knowing consumer psychology and how distrustful Malaysians are when it comes to the marrying of food and technology, the question is: would Malaysians really eat meat grown in a lab? Bernama conducted an unscientific survey to see whether Malaysians would try cultivated or cultured meat. Many answered they would try it, a few refused outright while most had caveats, saying they would try it if it was certified halal. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore has given its green light to cultivated meat as long as the source cells come from a permissible animal slaughtered in the Islamic way and no non-halal materials are used during the cultivation process. Some Islamic scholars elsewhere, including in Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, have issued preliminary endorsements of cultured meat's halal potential, provided strict conditions are met. The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) is still evaluating the matter. Many of the 'no' answers came from the older generation while millennials were mostly curious. Dr Salini Devi Rajendran from Taylor's Culinary Institute at Taylor's University was not surprised, saying the younger generation is usually more environmentally conscious and more scientifically knowledgeable. She also cautioned that the most important thing is to create awareness among the public and be more transparent so as not to kill the technology before it has a chance to leave the gate. 'Labelling (should be) one of the important or compulsory requirements. And through this labelling, it can actually educate consumers (about) the right information before they buy and consume,' she said, adding it would help traceability, which will then increase consumers' confidence. Jason Ng, vice president and founder of Cell AgriTech Sdn Bhd, explaining to Bernama how real fish meat is grown from the animal's stem cells in the lab using a bioreactor. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED Ng is not too worried about whether the public would accept cultured meat or not as there are many applications for the technology that he is confident the public will not mind. One of them is providing cultured meat as an ingredient for pet food, which is allowed under current regulations. He is also planning to supply hybrid plant-based meat products, which contain a small amount of cultured meat. 'Now one of the reasons why we need this meat, right, because … plant-based (foods), they don't have the taste. Cultivated meat or lab-grown meat, we have the taste because it's the same DNA,' he said. Ng and Mohamad Hafizi are both excited about the future of cultivated meat in Malaysia, believing Malaysia's first steps toward lab-grown meat might just be what the country needs in solving its food crisis. To convince people, Mohamad Hafizi has a plan. He wants people to undergo a blind test when they try cultured meat for the first time. 'Blindfold and have them try to guess which one (is cultured meat). It's like the Pepsi test. Yes, that will be more accurate,' he said, grinning.
The Star
09-05-2025
- Science
- The Star
Food security game-changer: Malaysia entering cultured meat revolution
KUALA LUMPUR: Scientist Dr Mohamad Hafizi Abu Bakar poked suspiciously at the shiny light brown substance on the plate. Under the harsh glare of the fluorescent lights in a meeting room, the slice of - for lack of a better word - meat flopped on his fork. It was supposed to be unagi, the Japanese word for freshwater eel. But it looked nothing like the unagi served at his favourite sushi restaurant. First, he sniffed it. It smelt fishy. Good, he thought. Then he eyed the texture of the "unagi'. It did not look like unagi exactly, he later told Bernama, it looked more like "plastic made to look like unagi'. Still, curiosity won. He popped it in his mouth, his mind fleetingly wondering if his bowels would have an emergency appointment with the toilet later. His tongue told him everything was fine. "The taste is exactly the same. It's actually exactly the same as unagi. You actually cannot differentiate,' Hafizi laughingly said. "My wife and I go to (Japanese restaurant) Sushi King all the time. So we know the taste.' The positive taste test is a relief for Hafizi, a senior lecturer in bioprocess technology at the School of Industrial Technology at Universiti Sains Malaysia, as well as Jason Ng, vice-president and founder of Penang-based Cell AgriTech Sdn Bhd, who gave him the "unagi'. The fuss over that slice of unagi is because it did not come from a river or a fish tank. Instead, scientists grew it from stem cells - taken from an eel - under carefully controlled conditions in a bioreactor in a laboratory at Cell AgriTech, the first Malaysian company to grow lab meat. Taste is one of the early hurdles they need to overcome before they can fully introduce the cultured unagi and others of its ilk to Malaysia, which is desperate to find new ways to feed its people as it faces soaring food imports, climate disruption and overfishing. Acceptance of cultivated meat technology or lab-grown meats could be a game-changer for Malaysia, which has a self-sufficiency food score of 69.9, trailing behind Singapore which scored 73.1, according to the 2022 Global Food Security Index by trade publication 'The Economist'. Growing food crisis Malaysia is highly dependent on food imports to meet local demand as imports outpace exports. In 2023, Malaysia imported about RM78.79bil worth of food products, including beef, wheat flour, dairy products and vegetables, up from RM75.62bil the year before. The country's rice self-sufficiency rate in 2023 was 56.2 per cent, with rice production going down from 2.28 million tonnes in 2022 to 2.18 million tonnes in 2023. Global disruptions - from Covid-19 lockdowns to the war in Ukraine - exposed how easily food supply chains can collapse. While Malaysia imports less than 10 per cent of fish and seafood products, according to government data, fish protein is the most important source of protein for Malaysians. Malaysia is one of the top consumers of fish and seafood, mostly from marine and brackish sources rather than freshwater, said Associate Prof Amy Then Yee Hui from the Institute of Biological Sciences at Universiti Malaya (UM). She told Bernama that aquaculture or fish farms are trying to ease the burden of marine fishing, but that has its own set of problems. Problems include the high cost of production, shortage of land, and environmental damage to rivers and mangroves. "We have already, kind of, (had) almost 30 years of overfishing happening, right? So, you know, we basically cannot increase (the amount of fish caught in the wild) already, but we're still eating more and more seafood,' she said. Climate change is also another issue that aquaculture operators face. Fisheries Research Institute (in the Department of Fisheries Malaysia) senior director Dr Azhar Hamzah said the extreme temperature fluctuations have caused many fish in farms to get diseases, which require expensive medications and treatments. "Heat stress weakens the immune system. The high temperatures will affect the water quality,' he said via Google Meet. Extreme flooding and thunderstorms have also caused damage to fish farms, allowing the fish stock to escape into the wild, which can cause havoc in the local ecosystem. Cultured meat as a solution Enter cultured meat: real animal protein, grown without the need for traditional livestock farming or fishing. But is it really a solution? Singapore seems to think so. It is the first country in Southeast Asia to approve the sale of cultivated meat in 2020. Malaysia is likely not far behind, with the first research and development (R&D) lab for cultivated meat production having opened in Penang in 2023. Cultured meat production uses DNA technology and starts by extracting a small number of cells from an animal, either alive or freshly slaughtered to meet kosher or halal standards, and placing them in a bioreactor. The stem cells are fed nutrients and oxygen, which will produce muscle or fat cells, without any blood or bone to mess with. When it is done, it looks like "minced meat', Ng from Cell AgriTech told Bernama. "We've taken the cell from the animal and grown it in a bioreactor. So that's why we can say that the cell in the meat that we grow actually has the same DNA as conventional meat.' Just in case, part of the quality control will have researchers checking on its genomic sequence to make sure no mutation has occurred or contaminants introduced during the growth process. Ng said the company is concentrating on fish to circumvent the halal certification requirement, which is only for land animals, adding that they are waiting for the government to make the necessary amendments to current legislation to allow the sale of cultivated meat. The government is currently in the midst of conducting a six-month feasibility study, of which Hafizi is a part. Cultured meat can also alleviate safety concerns attached to farmed fish, or even wild fish at times. Cultivated fish - like the unagi Hafizi ate - offers an alternative. It requires no hormones and no antibiotics, and there is no risk of pathogens like worms or microplastics, found in many fish caught in the wild. As for the environmental factor, it eliminates the risk of introducing invasive species or creating abandoned aquaculture ponds. UM's Then was intrigued when she read about cultivated meat, but said it should play a complementary role rather than serve as a replacement for conventional fishing or fish farms. "I think it is a good alternative so that we're not so totally dependent on aquaculture,' she said. Public reception But the final test, experts say, is acceptance from the public. Knowing consumer psychology and how distrustful Malaysians are when it comes to the marrying of food and technology, the question is: would Malaysians really eat meat grown in a lab? Bernama conducted an unscientific survey to see whether Malaysians would try cultivated or cultured meat. Many answered they would try it, a few refused outright while most had caveats, saying they would try it if it was certified halal. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore has given its green light to cultivated meat as long as the source cells come from a permissible animal slaughtered in the Islamic way and no non-halal materials are used during the cultivation process. Some Islamic scholars elsewhere, including in Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, have issued preliminary endorsements of cultured meat's halal potential, provided strict conditions are met. The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) is still evaluating the matter. Many of the 'no' answers came from the older generation while millennials were mostly curious. Dr Salini Devi Rajendran from Taylor's Culinary Institute at Taylor's University was not surprised, saying the younger generation is usually more environmentally conscious and more scientifically knowledgeable. She also cautioned that the most important thing is to create awareness among the public and be more transparent so as not to kill the technology before it has a chance to get out of the gate. "Labelling (should be) one of the important or compulsory requirements. And through this labelling, it can actually educate consumers (about) the right information before they buy and consume,' she said, adding it would help traceability, which will then increase consumers' confidence. Ng is not too worried about whether the public would accept cultured meat or not as there are many applications for the technology that he is confident the public will not mind. One of them is providing cultured meat as an ingredient for pet food, which is allowed under current regulations. He is also planning to supply hybrid plant-based meat products, which contain a small amount of cultured meat. "Now, one of the reasons why we need this meat, right, because … plant-based (foods), they don't have the taste. Cultivated meat or lab-grown meat, we have the taste because it's the same DNA,' he said. Ng and Mohamad Hafizi are both excited about the future of cultivated meat in Malaysia, believing Malaysia's first steps toward lab-grown meat might just be what the country needs to solve its food crisis. To convince people, Hafizi has a plan. He wants people to undergo a blind test when they try cultured meat for the first time. "Blindfold and have them try to guess which one (is cultured meat). It's like the Pepsi test. Yes, that will be more accurate,' he said, grinning.- Bernama
Iraq Business
20-02-2025
- Business
- Iraq Business
UAE Minister of Economy delivers Keynote Address at Gulfood
H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy delivers keynote address at Gulfood Gulfood 2025, the largest global food business event opened its doors for a second day at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) ahead of an impressive schedule. Ministerial Opening: Food500 Summit H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy officiated the Food500 Summit with his keynote address providing a perspective on Gulfood's economic impact and the UAE's pivotal role as a trade gateway between east and west. Commenting on the parallels between the F&B industry's influence on the UAE, regional and global economies, His Excellency credited strategic government and industry alliances for their unwavering commitment securing Gulfood's position as the largest arena of global food trade and innovation globally. ' For three decades Gulfood has been at the forefront of shaping global food trends, fostering partnerships and driving innovation which has not only strengthened the UAE's positioning as a global food hub but also played a big role as a strategic platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to address the most pressing issues that the industry and the world around it faces. Food security, innovation and resilience in the global digital economy are critical issues. These are not just priorities for the UAE but the entire world as we navigate rapidly in the evolving food basket. The food sector is a cornerstone of the UAE's economic growth and our diversification efforts. We import 95% of our food and as the food sector is a lead contributor to our GDP, the sector in its expansion has attracted global and regional investments in food production, processing and technology.' Dubai Chamber of Commerce Briefing Members and industry contacts explored how international businesses can utilise avenues such as Gulfood towards driving innovation and economic progress. The Chambers also touched upon its strategic vision and tailored services and initiatives. Salem Al Shamsi, Vice President of International Relations Sector at Dubai Chambers opened the morning briefing, and shared critical insights with exhibitors and key decision-makers in the room. 'Between 2020 and 2024, Dubai's F&B sector attracted USD 370 million in greenfield investments. These investments further cement Dubai's reputation as a prime destination for businesses and investors in the food industry. The UAE remains to be the top-ranked country in the GCC on the UN's Global Food Security Index, highlighting our nation's commitment to resilience and innovation. The UAE is also the leading destination in the MENA region for venture capital investments in restaurant tech with more than USD 932 million invested between 2020 and 2024. In addition, 27% of all imported food was re-exported during the first three quarters of 2024, reflecting the UAE's vital role in global supply chains,' said Salem Al Shamsi. Massive F&B Product Trading Floor Visitors continue to explore 24 enormous exhibition halls covering over 1.3 million square feet while interacting with companies launching new products, ingredients, and flavours, showcasing their culinary expertise and engaging in commercial trade deals. Sharif Chacoff, ProChile's Trade Commissioner for the GCC, emphasised the significance of this event: ' Gulfood is an important platform to diversify markets for Chilean exporters and we have already seen results. Gulfood 2025 will facilitate efforts towards a new exportable offer, where Faenacar (Chilean Meat Association) will participate for the first time, supporting our strategic direction to expand the range of Chilean products available in the market" Top Table: The Stars Ignite on Day 2 Dubai-based Michelin Star chefs Solemann Haddad, Moonrise and Mohamed Orfali, Orfali Bros held masterclasses elevating traditional Arabic fare and putting Japanese seafood centre stage, respectively. Chef Fredrik Berselius, Aska (New York) explored flavours of the wilderness and Chef Vladimir Mukhin, Krasota and The White Rabbit (Moscow) delved into futuristic techniques.
19-02-2025
- Business
H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy delivers keynote address at Gulfood
Gulfood 2025, the largest global food business event opened its doors for a second day at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) ahead of an impressive schedule. Ministerial Opening: Food500 Summit H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy officiated the Food500 Summit with his keynote address providing a perspective on Gulfood's economic impact and the UAE's pivotal role as a trade gateway between East and west. Commenting on the parallels between the F&B industry's influence on the UAE, regional and global economies, His Excellency credited strategic government and industry alliances for their unwavering commitment securing Gulfood's position as the largest arena of global food trade and innovation globally. For three decades Gulfood has been at the forefront of shaping global food trends, fostering partnerships and driving innovation which has not only strengthened the UAE's positioning as a global food hub but also played a big role as a strategic platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to address the most pressing issues that the industry and the world around it faces. Food security, innovation and resilience in the global digital economy are critical issues. These are not just priorities for the UAE but the entire world as we navigate rapidly in the evolving food basket. The food sector is a cornerstone of the UAE's economic growth and our diversification efforts. We import 95% of our food and as the food sector is a lead contributor to our GDP, the sector in its expansion has attracted global and regional investments in food production, processing and technology.' Dubai Chamber of Commerce Briefing Members and industry contacts explored how international businesses can utilise avenues such as Gulfood towards driving innovation and economic progress. The Chambers also touched upon its strategic vision and tailored services and initiatives. Salem Al Shamsi, Vice President of International Relations Sector at Dubai Chambers opened the morning briefing, and shared critical insights with exhibitors and key decision-makers in the room. Between 2020 and 2024, Dubai's F&B sector attracted USD 370 million in greenfield investments. These investments further cement Dubai's reputation as a prime destination for businesses and investors in the food industry. The UAE remains to be the top-ranked country in the GCC on the UN's Global Food Security Index, highlighting our nation's commitment to resilience and innovation. The UAE is also the leading destination in the MENA region for venture capital investments in restaurant tech with more than USD 932 million invested between 2020 and 2024. In addition, 27% of all imported food was re-exported during the first three quarters of 2024, reflecting the UAE's vital role in global supply chains,' said Salem Al Shamsi. Massive F&B Product Trading Floor Visitors continue to explore 24 enormous exhibition halls covering over 1.3 million square feet while interacting with companies launching new products, ingredients, and flavours, showcasing their culinary expertise and engaging in commercial trade deals. Sharif Chacoff, ProChile's Trade Commissioner for the GCC, emphasised the significance of this event: Gulfood is an important platform to diversify markets for Chilean exporters and we have already seen results. Gulfood 2025 will facilitate efforts towards a new exportable offer, where Faenacar (Chilean Meat Association) will participate for the first time, supporting our strategic direction to expand the range of Chilean products available in the market Top Table: The Stars Ignite on Day 2 Dubai-based Michelin Star chefs Solemann Haddad, Moonrise and Mohamed Orfali, Orfali Bros held masterclasses elevating traditional Arabic fare and putting Japanese seafood centre stage, respectively. Chef Fredrik Berselius, Aska (New York) explored flavours of the wilderness and Chef Vladimir Mukhin, Krasota and The White Rabbit (Moscow) delved into futuristic techniques News Source: Pop Comms
