TAIWAN SELECT, AEON COLLABORATION BRINGS TAIWANESE FOOD TO MALAYSIAN CONSUMERS

KLANG, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- The collaboration between Malaysia's premier retailer AEON and TAIWAN SELECT has provided the ideal platform for Taiwanese food to reach more Malaysian consumers.

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia Economic Division director James Chang said the TAIWAN SELECT zones were created in August this year to promote Taiwanese mochi and sauces across selected AEON supermarkets in Malaysia.

“TAIWAN SELECT is a global branding initiative created to promote Taiwanese food and is heavily advocated by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).

“Taiwan has long been committed to creating not only innovative and delicious food but also food safety and quality,” he told Bernama after the TAIWAN SELECT opening ceremony at the AEON Mall Bukit Tinggi, here, today.

He added that the selected products not only cater to local taste but provide an excellent snapshot of Taiwan's rich food culture.

“Currently, over 1,000 Taiwanese companies have received halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and other JAKIM-authorised organisations. We hope that this halal certification will help Taiwanese products reach the Malay community,” he added.

Meanwhile, Taiwan Trade Center of Kuala Lumpur director Eva Peng said Malaysian consumers have responded positively, praising the high quality and flavors of Taiwanese food that align with local preferences.

"I think it's increased by about 15 per cent of the volume since the TAIWAN SELECT was set up in August,” she said.

Building on this success, TAIWAN SELECT is now hosting a five-day promotional event from Nov 22 to 26 in AEON outlets at Mid Valley, Cheras Selatan, and Bukit Tinggi branches to promote more than 160 selected products from 45 Taiwanese food companies.

As part of the promotional campaign, the International Trade Administration (TITA) and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) have invited renowned Malaysian cake artist Shaun Teo to create a towering Taiwanese inspired fondant cake that stands at over 100 centimeters tall.

To increase the global presence of TAIWAN SELECT, TITA and TAITRA also plan to expand its reach next year (2025) to the United States, Japan, Singapore and other regions. 

TITA and TAITRA will work with international food distributors to procure products suitable for each market and help put Taiwanese products on shelves around the world. 

For more information on promotional activities related to Taiwanese food, kindly visit the website: https://taiwanfoods.taiwantrade.com/en-us/.

-- BERNAMA