Hafidz (third left) and fellow participants seen during their visit to Matrade New York Office to pay courtesy call on its trade commissioner Nyaee Ayup (fourth right).
MIRI (March 9): Malaysian businesses are taking proactive steps to expand their presence in the United States, leveraging on strategic programmes to gain insights into market dynamics and consumer trends.
This was indicated in the ongoing ‘US Market Immersion Programme’ run by ENESCorp International LLC and SME Corp Malaysia there, which involves seven Malaysian companies.
According to one of the participants, Mohammad Hafidz Rohani, this initiative serves to provide them with deeper insights into the US business landscape, focusing on market entry strategies, distribution networks, and consumer preferences.
“We had sessions with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, the New York Office of Matrade (Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation), the Malaysian Agricultural Counsellor’s Office in Washington, D.C., and the Specialty Food Association, among other organisations,” the Mirian told sister daily Utusan Borneo,via WhatsApp today.
Hafidz also said they had the opportunity to meet with wholesalers, food distributors and retail business managers in Pennsylvania and New York, gaining first-hand exposure to competitive market dynamics.
A key highlight of the programme was the session on ‘Current Trends and the Future of Specialty Foods’, where experts from the Specialty Food Association shared with the participants some insights into emerging consumer preferences, particularly in the health-conscious and gluten-free segments.
“With the increasing demand for alternative food products, several Malaysian companies are exploring opportunities to introduce gluten-free and specialty food items to the US market.
“As part of this programme, IANA Corporation Sdn Bhd has partnered with Craun Research Sdn Bhd, a government-linked company (GLC) leading the sago industry in Sarawak, to explore the potential of gluten-free sago biscuits in the US market,” said Hafidz, the managing director of IANA.
“This initiative aligns with the rising demand for innovative and sustainable food products in North America.
“Our itinerary also covers warehouse tours and self-guided market explorations, allowing participants to assess real-time retail operations and distribution strategies.
“This experience provides a valuable learning opportunity for Malaysian businesses looking to enter the US market.”
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