Latest news with #NationalPineappleDay
The Sun
19 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
LPNM introduces 22 pineapple-based products to boost downstream industry
JOHOR BAHRU: The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) has introduced 22 new pineapple-based products developed in partnership with local entrepreneurs between 2021 and 2024. This initiative aligns with efforts to strengthen Malaysia's downstream pineapple industry ahead of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Elmie Adha Ismail, Director of LPNM's Product Development and Biotechnology Division, stated that the board targets 25 innovative products by the end of 2024, reflecting the 13MP's emphasis on innovation and downstream industry growth. The new products span food and non-food categories, including pineapple vinegar, pickles, energy drinks, livestock feed pellets, pineapple fibre threads, and items made from pinapeat (dried pineapple residue). 'The development of these products is a collaborative effort between LPNM, researchers, and entrepreneurs to create innovative, competitive, and marketable goods,' Elmie Adha told Bernama during an interview at the National Pineapple Day event. Currently, the division is engaged in 18 research collaborations with agencies under the 12MP, focusing on marketability, industry suitability, and benefits for entrepreneurs. Elmie Adha highlighted that these criteria ensure research outcomes positively impact pineapple entrepreneurs, potentially expanding their income opportunities along the value chain. Technology transfer initiatives have also played a key role, with over 1,000 participants nationwide involved in expanding downstream pineapple applications. The National Pineapple Day event showcased 78 pineapple-based products, including 27 food items, 32 non-food products, 11 health-related goods, and eight cosmetic and personal care items derived from pineapple fruit, leaves, stems, and waste. This year's theme, *Nanas Kita, Kebanggaan Negara*, underscores pineapple's versatility as a multi-purpose commodity driving rural economic growth. The 'three harvests' strategy (Plant Once, Harvest Thrice) further supports income generation for farmers and entrepreneurs by maximising farm yields. 'We promote the use of pineapple waste for bromelain enzymes, textile fibres, organic fertilisers, health supplements, and personal care products, transforming agricultural waste into valuable resources,' Elmie Adha added.
Barnama
19 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
LPNM Unveils Innovative Pineapple-Based Products
JOHOR BAHRU, June 28 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) has developed 22 pineapple-based products in collaboration with local entrepreneurs between 2021 and 2024 as part of efforts to boost the country's downstream pineapple industry ahead of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). LPNM Product Development and Biotechnology Division director Elmie Adha Ismail said the board aims to develop 25 innovative products by the end of this year, in line with the 13MP's focus on innovation and empowering downstream industries. He said these innovative products include a variety of food and non-food items such as pineapple vinegar, pickles, energy drinks, livestock feed pellets, pineapple fibre threads, as well as various products made from pinapeat (dried pineapple residue). 'The development of downstream pineapple products is a joint effort and initiative by LPNM, researchers, and entrepreneurs to create products that are innovative, unique, creative, and competitive,' he told Bernama during an interview in conjunction with the National Pineapple Day here today. Elmie Adha noted that the division is currently conducting 18 research collaborations with research agencies until the end of the 12MP, focusing on set criteria such as marketability, industry suitability, and benefits to entrepreneurs. He said the prescribed criteria are aimed at ensuring the research delivers a significant impact to pineapple entrepreneurs, which can also be expanded along the industry value chain to allow them to generate higher income. According to Elmie Adha, the expansion of downstream pineapple products is also being driven through the division's transfer of technology, which has engaged over 1,000 participants nationwide. He said the initiative demonstrates the agricultural sector's capability to produce highly innovative and competitive products, redefining pineapple as more than just a fruit but a dynamic income-generating resource. On the National Pineapple Day event, he said the inaugural programme showcases 78 pineapple-based products, including 27 food items, 32 non-food products, 11 health-related items, and eight cosmetic and personal care products created from the fruit, leaves, stems, and agricultural waste.
New Straits Times
21 hours ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Thousands flock to Jom Heboh X National Pineapple Day carnival despite rain
JOHOR BARU: Overcast skies and light rain failed to dampen the spirit of thousands who thronged the Jom Heboh X National Pineapple Day Carnival site here today. For the first time, National Pineapple Day is being celebrated on a grand scale, with vibrant festivities held in conjunction with the Jom Heboh Carnival (KJH), elevating the status of the tropical fruit as a national pride. The carnival, organised by Media Prima Berhad (MPB) and brought exclusively by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM), kicked off as early as 9am. It runs from yesterday until tomorrow, featuring a wide range of engaging activities, exhibitions and attractive prizes. A check by NSTP found that the Padang B grounds at Angsana Johor Baru mall were packed with visitors from as early as 9am. One of the most eye-catching attractions was the "Pineapple Mountain" display by LPNM, built from over 30,000 pineapples stacked in a mountain-like formation next to the agency's main booth. Visitors eagerly took the opportunity to snap photos at the unique display, which was complemented by landscaped decorations featuring various ornamental bromeliads, a pineapple species known for their colourful and uniquely patterned leaves. The LPNM pavilion drew a strong crowd with its engaging exhibits showcasing a wide variety of pineapple-based food products, health items and downstream innovations. LPNM Corporate Communications Unit head Ary Putra Tajuddin said the LPNM booth aimed to highlight the diverse benefits of pineapples, with a strong focus on educating the public, especially younger generations. "In addition to food-based products, we are also showcasing a variety of non-food pineapple uses. "For example, we have 'pinapeat', dried pineapple waste that can be turned into animal feed pellets for cattle, goats, chickens, rabbits and fish. It can also be used to grow mushroom blocks. "We're also showing examples of silage, which is pineapple waste processed into compost fertiliser. This kind of information is not widely known, and our exhibition serves to educate and inspire innovation among the public," he said. LPNM is also distributing free publications, including Hana dan Dunia Nanas, a children's storybook, and a pineapple recipe book tailored for women and cooking enthusiasts. Public servant Mohd Faizal Junaidi, 38, from Kluang, said he and his family have never missed the Johor Baru edition of the Jom Heboh Carnival. He, his wife and their four children have long been fans of KJH, and were especially excited this year as the carnival coincides with National Pineapple Day for the first time. "My wife was thrilled by the beautiful pineapple plant arrangements, as she enjoys gardening. We're also looking forward to the pineapple and pineapple tart giveaway this evening, which is set to enter the Malaysia Book of Records. "Besides spending our weekend together as a family, we're also here to check out the interesting booths and sample the variety of food on offer before heading home tonight," he said.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Mat Sabu: Pineapple Day, a national recognition of 'extraordinary' fruit
JOHOR BARU: For the first time ever, Malaysia has celebrated National Pineapple Day at the federal level, marking a significant step in recognising the fruit as a national agricultural symbol. Held in conjunction with World Pineapple Day, which falls on June 27 each year, the three-day celebration kicked off yesterday. Organised by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) in collaboration with Media Prima Berhad through the Jom Heboh Carnival, the event was hosted here in Johor Baru. Carrying the theme "Our Pineapple, Our National Pride", the celebration aims to position the pineapple as a modern agricultural icon and a symbol of rural success. LPNM chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali said that although Pineapple Day has been recognised internationally, Malaysia had yet to commemorate it officially until now. "As such, LPNM has decided to organise National Pineapple Day biennially, starting in 2025, with June 27 designated as the official national celebration," he said at the launch ceremony. The event was officiated by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, with Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup also in attendance. Held at the Angsana Johor Baru mall, the pineapple-themed Jom Heboh Carnival was expected to draw between 300,000 and 400,000 visitors. While the carnival maintained its traditional format, it featured a strong pineapple focus, including LPNM's main booth, an enclosed interactive pavilion, 50 entrepreneurial tents for pineapple product promotions and sales, and pineapple-themed decorations throughout the venue. A key highlight of the celebration was the Pineapple Seminar held today at the Thistle Johor Bahru hotel, attended by 400 participants. A total of 12 papers were presented by local and international experts from Indonesia and the Philippines. Sheikh Umar said National Pineapple Day aimed to elevate the status of pineapples beyond being an agricultural product, portraying it as a national identity that reflects quality and capability. "This is not just a festive occasion; it's a national recognition of a tropical fruit that is often seen as ordinary, but is in fact extraordinary," he said. He said that Malaysia's pineapple industry is growing rapidly and has become a key contributor to the agrofood sector. In recent years, the export value of fresh pineapples and pineapple-based products has shown an encouraging upward trend. "This progress is the result of tireless efforts by smallholders, agro-entrepreneurs, industry investors, and continuous support from the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and related agencies," he said. Mohamad, meanwhile, lauded the inaugural carnival-style celebration of National Pineapple Day. "Congratulations to LPNM for organising this inaugural celebration in such a lively manner. It will leave a lasting impression on the local community and beyond, particularly among Singaporeans. It will further boost awareness and demand for Malaysian pineapples," he said. Thirteen awards were presented during the celebration to industry players who have demonstrated excellence in developing the sector. Among the accolades were the Seed Pineapple Supplier Award (Datuk Mohd Hashrizal Zainol Haris), Pineapple Heroine Award (Salis Cemerlang), Pineapple Profile Champion Award (Mass Food Industries Sdn Bhd), Pineapple Innovation Award (Ensu Lifesciences Sdn Bhd), and Agrotourism Pineapple Award (Saudagar Nanas Agrofarm). Other recipients included the Community Pioneer Award (Achik Gold Cafe), Pro Farmer Youth Award (Mohd Nasry Mohd Nasir), Individual Pro Farmer Award (Khairill Anuar Mohamad), Company Pro Farmer Award (Awana Asia Sdn Bhd), and Group Pro Farmer Award (Koperasi Penanam Nanas Kedah Berhad). Also recognised were Aqina Fruits for the Glocal Pineapple Award and Pineapple Icon Award, and the National Stem Association for the Special School Innovation Award. Nur Firzana Suhana @ Husin, the founder of Ensutouch and recipient of the Pineapple Innovation Award through her company Ensu Lifesciences Sdn Bhd, expressed her appreciation for the recognition. "We are still a young company, so this award from LPNM during National Pineapple Day means a great deal. "Our skincare products use the pineapple's core, crown, and skin—developed in collaboration with SIRIM. I hope this recognition inspires more efforts to promote these enzyme-based beauty products, both locally and internationally," she said.
