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Malaysia successfully secured an astounding RM1.67 billion in export sales at Dubai’s Gulfood 2025 – surpassing the initial target of RM680 million – with the help of SMEs that also participated in the exhibition.

Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) said Malaysia’s participation in the food and beverage (F&B) trade exhibition resulted in potential sales of RM1.45 billion and actual sales reaching RM216.23 million, representing a 12.1% increase compared to sales of RM1.49 billion in 2024.

“Notable product categories included palm oil, food seasonings, processed foods, beverages and health supplements, emphasising the growing global demand for high-quality, Halal-certified Malaysian products,” MATRADE said in a statement.

The Dubai World Trade Centre in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) hosted Gulfood 2025 from 17-21 February, with 90 Malaysian companies – including SMEs – under MATRADE, alongside four government agencies, namely the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), Small Medium Enterprise Council (MPOC) and the Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR) Sabah.

According to MATRADE, the event managed to attract more than 5,500 exhibitors from 129 countries and showcased over one million products.

“Malaysian exhibitors effectively leveraged this platform to not only strengthen existing business relationships but also explore new opportunities within UAE and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

“The Malaysian brand is particularly esteemed for its Halal-certified products, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a global leader in the halal F&B sector,” the corporation said.

Additionally, MATRADE pointed out that among the key emerging trends observed at Gulfood 2025 include increasing demand for plant-based and functional foods.

Furthermore, the upcoming edition of Gulfood (31st edition) is scheduled for 26-30 January 2026, with Malaysia planning to strengthen its participation.

Source: https://sme.asia/smes-contributed-to-malaysia-bagging-rm1-67-bil-in-sales-at-dubais-gulfood-2025/