The 9th MIHAS showcase 2012, Malaysia International Halal Showcase, was held from April 4 to 7 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. MIHAS is the world’s flagship Halal trade fair with over 500 exhibition booths from over 30 countries. The event incorporated the notion of halal in all aspects right from halal food and drinks, cosmetics & health care, herbal products & pharmaceuticals to halal logistic. Themed “Embracing the Global Halal Market”, MIHAS 2012 presented good opportunities for French businesses to tap into the growing halal market. Based on the statistics from the International Halal SME Report Directory 2011/12, the average French Muslim household has one of the highest disposable incomes in Europe, spending approximately US$19.5 billion a year on food and non-alcoholic beverages, with only the Muslims in Germany spending higher at US$20.5 billion a year, while Muslims in the UK spend US$8 billion a year on Halal food. Since inception in 2004, MIHAS has registered over US$2 billion in total sales, drawing over 20,000 trade visitors from 70 countries annually. A French Pavilion with seven companies had taken place for the third time in the 9 th MIHAS edition. Amongst these companies, Maison Honoré de faubourg with its non-alcoholic drinks «1688»; Terroir Halal, which provides a wide variety of artisan fine cold cuts; Cargo-Partner, international and independent halal logistics supplier; SVA Jean rozé Group, one of the biggest market leader in the French meat industry; Bayle, manufacturer of equipment for the Poultry Processing Industry; Port of Marseille Fos, one of the leader in the halal logistic and Amand Bianic SA, famous French seafood terrines producer.   The French Pavillon, at the entrance of the exhibition, received the visit from many Malaysian and international professionals. The Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, and his vice-minister Dato’ Mukhriz’ Tun Mahathir, appreciated the mobilization and the quality of the French representation on this International Halal showcase.  

Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Chua Tee Yong said the ministry was working with countries in the European Union to locate pig farmers and slaughterhouses that export pork to Malaysia. “With this measure, we can do a systematic audit and inspect the suppliers to make sure that the pork supplied to Malaysia is of good quality,” he said here yesterday. “We also hope the import of pork can be done directly through the supplier. This is to ensure that if there are any problems, we can locate the source of the pork.” Chua said the ministry’s efforts to scrutinise the supply source of pork importers started in April this year. “In May, we asked importers to reveal the details of their imports, including the source country, pig farms and slaughterhouses. “However, we have not received enough details from most of them even after our deadline on July 1,” he said. Instead, the ministry noticed a big jump in imports. Last year, Malaysia had imported about 17,000 tonnes of pork. “But by June this year, Malaysia had imported over 14,000 tonnes, said Chua. “This has caused a drop in the price of pork,” he said. “That is why we want to have a system that ensures that pork prices do not fluctuate too much, and consumers can have quality pork at an affordable price.” Chua said he does not foresee an increase in the price of pork as the supply in the country will be sufficient when Chinese New Year comes around. “If everything goes well, we expect pork prices to be a little lower next year,” he said. On another matter, Chua said the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry was currently working with the Health Ministry in negotiations with the Chinese authorities to decide on a mutually acceptable level of nitrite in bird’s nests. From The Star

PUTRAJAYA: European pork suppliers will be “pre-listed” starting next year to ensure the quality of pork imported to Malaysia. Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Chua Tee Yong said the ministry was working with countries in the European Union to locate pig farmers and slaughterhouses that export pork to Malaysia. “With this measure, we can do a systematic audit and inspect the suppliers to make sure that the pork supplied to Malaysia is of good quality,” he said here yesterday. “We also hope the import of pork can be done directly through the supplier. This is to ensure that if there are any problems, we can locate the source of the pork.” Chua said the ministry’s efforts to scrutinise the supply source of pork importers started in April this year. “In May, we asked importers to reveal the details of their imports, including the source country, pig farms and slaughterhouses. “However, we have not received enough details from most of them even after our deadline on July 1,” he said. Instead, the ministry noticed a big jump in imports. Last year, Malaysia had imported about 17,000 tonnes of pork. “But by June this year, Malaysia had imported over 14,000 tonnes, said Chua. “This has caused a drop in the price of pork,” he said. “That is why we want to have a system that ensures that pork prices do not fluctuate too much, and consumers can have quality pork at an affordable price.” Chua said he does not foresee an increase in the price of pork as the supply in the country will be sufficient when Chinese New Year comes around. “If everything goes well, we expect pork prices to be a little lower next year,” he said. On another matter, Chua said the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry was currently working with the Health Ministry in negotiations with the Chinese authorities to decide on a mutually acceptable level of nitrite in bird’s nests. From thestar.com.my  

Millesime, which means "good vintage" in French, will offer you authentic and classic French cuisine. Located at the ground floor of Menara Kencana Petroleum at Solaris Dutamas, Chef Max Chin performs daily (except Sundays) to hungry and highly expectant customers. The open kitchen concept is very dear to Chef Max’s heart as it allows him to interact with his customers. There is no menu.  Regardless of where the ingredients originate from, Chief Max is adamant that Millesime serves authentic French food - he employs skills based on what he was taught in cooking.

Chef Wan, the famous food ambassador of Malaysia expressed his happiness to join the Paris Cookbook fair in next march.  Chef Wan has entertained extensively in various cooking programs on television, delighting audiences with his wit and humour while demonstrating his cooking skills. His most recent accolade is the selection of his cookbook as one of the top 5 celebrity chef cookbooks in the world by the Gourmand World Media Award 2008. For more info: www.cookbookfair.com