Asia
Halal Logo Makes It Extra Sweet For Sweetkiss
By BERNAMA
Apr 19, 2007, 15:20

GUANGZHOU (China), April 19 (Bernama) -- If all goes well, Malaysian confectioner Sweetkiss Food Industry Sdn Bhd will ship its first container load of chocolates to Morocco after the Canton Fair here.

It will be the start of a new business link with Africa for the Semenyih, Selangor-based manufacturer which has exported its products to South Africa and largely South-East Asia so far.

"The response from African and Arab buyers is unexpected. Initially, I thought the target would be more of the Chinese market and in fact, we will be attending the Central China Expo in Henan province next week," said Sweetkiss managing director Tee Kok Leong.

Yet again, Malaysia's world-recognised halal standard is proving to be a boost for exporters to penetrate the markets of emerging Muslim economies.

Tee said Sweetkiss has been a halal confectioner for 10 years now and international buyers were quick to recognise Malaysia's halal logo.

The company has also taken up two booths at next month's Malaysia International Halal Showcase, the world's largest halal expo.

"Malaysia has a good reputation in the food industry and with the halal logo, the buyers have added confidence. They are more interested in our premium range Royal de Dolton chocolates," he said.

Potential deals are estimated at RM700,000 or five container loads, according to Tee.

More could be in the pipeline as some of the buyers, including big importers, want to visit the Sweetkiss manufacturing facilities located in Taman Industri Mega, Semenyih, first to convince themselves that it has the capacity to meet their orders.

"These are serious buyers and they want to make sure we can supply. If confirmed, the first container will be to Morocco," Tee said.

Sweetkiss is also eyeing the China market as tariffs for chocolates have been slashed to five per cent under the Asean-China Free Trade Area, he said.

Sweetkiss is among the 35 Malaysian companies which are exhibiting at the ongoing Canton Fair for the first time after the trade show is opened for foreign products from this year.

-- BERNAMA


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