NEW READY-TO-EAT RANGE MARKS MALAYAN FLOUR MILLS BERHAD’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY

 

The debut of ready-to-eat (RTE) Sate Ayam, Ayam Masak Merah, Ayam Kicap and Ayam Kam Heong mark the 60th anniversary of Malayan Flour Mills Berhad (MFM).

 
Established in 1966, MFM began as Malaysia’s first modern flour mill in Lumut, Perak. Today, MFM’s vast business interests span flour milling, poultry integration and aquaculture. Its foray into the RTE product segment is part of the company’s focus on innovation, sustainability and maintenance of product quality.

 
Executive Deputy Chairman and Managing Director Teh Wee Chye said MFM’s forward-looking venture is in sync with its commitment in supporting the country’s food security through resilient, safe and dependable food production.

At the recent 60^th Anniversary and RTE launch event, chef Fikree Aznan demonstrated the ease and convenience of MFM’s RTE product range.
Designed for modern, time-constrained consumers, the RTE products are protein-rich, and can be prepared within minutes using oven, microwave or airfryer.

The charcoal-grilled Sate Ayam (chicken satay) tastes delicious; richly marinated with turmeric, lemongrass and spices leaving the chicken pieces tender and juicy. Each RTE pack contains 20 skewers and includes the quintessential peanut gravy.

 
We also like the Malay-inspired Ayam Masak Merah and Ayam Kicap. Both boast bright, punchy flavours and should emerge as surefire crowd-pleasers. Likewise, the Chinese-inspired Ayam Kam Heong flaunts big, bold and tantalising accents. All the RTE offerings are also Halal-compliant.

TASTE THE WONDERS OF AUSTRALIA SHOWCASE

 

Food & beverage retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, buyers and local media were treated to an immersive experience of Australian horticulture, dairy, meat, seafood and wine at the “Taste The Wonders of Australia” showcase recently

Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Malaysia, the “Taste the Wonders of Australia” event was initiated by the Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group comprising Hort Innovation Australia, Dairy Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia, Seafood Industry Australia and Wine Australia.

 
A strategic, concerted effort to advance bilateral trade and improve market access for Australian food and wine producers through interactive workshops and tastings, the event was supported by well-known chefs, wine and industry experts.

 
Malaysia is Australia’s 11th largest trading partner for Australian agriculture in 2024-25 with exports worth AUD1.8 billion. Malaysia’s rising affluence coupled with a growing middle class and increasing demand for premium imported goods, the market has strong growth potential for Australia’s food and wine sectors.

Horticulture Innovation Australia General Manager, Trade and Biosecurity R&D and Hort Innovation Australia’s Dr Mila Bristow said “we aim to create better understanding of why we grow the premium food and wine. Hopefully it’d lead to greater opportunities and desire for our customers wanting to buy more.”

Dr Bristow continued, “Malaysia is Australia’s 13th largest horticultural export market by value, making it not only an important market for Australian growers but also a big growth opportunity. From avocados and citrus to cherries and almonds, our products are well-represented in premium Malaysian supermarkets, which we hope to see grow even further in the future.”

Chief Executive Officer of Seafood Industry Australia, Veronica Papacosta stated that "Malaysia is a growing destination for Australia's premium seafood exports, especially rock lobster, salmon and sea cucumber. The Food and Wine Collaboration Group offers the opportunity to showcase Australia's high-quality seafood, developing awareness of our unique products and their compatibility with Malaysian cuisine.”

A series of mini seminars such as Understanding Australian Dairy, Cream Cheese and Yogurt; Australia’s Premium Horticulture; Australia’s Seafood Industry: A Sustainable Future; Classic and Contemporary Australian Wine and Aussie Beef and Lamb: Latest Trends and Insights gave attendees better insights into the various Australian products highlighted.

 
Renowned chefs such as Victor Siow, Richard Tay and Peter Rollinson among others were also invited to demonstrate the versatility and attributes of the different products.

EQUATORIAL KUALA LUMPUR CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Opened in December 1973, Hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur is celebrating its 50^th Anniversary this year.

Equatorial Group CEO Donald Lim (pix above) said: “Over the past five decades, the Equatorial brand has built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional service and excellent hospitality; its restaurants: the Kampachi, Chalet, Nipah Coffeeshop, Golden Phoenix, Étoile Bistro and Blue Moon lounge were household names.

 

“We’ll be celebrating our golden anniversary with our loyal customers, partners, and employees who have supported us throughout the years. Starting 5 July 2023, we will have a series of 50 commemorative events spanning a whole year, each offering a distinctive take against the historical backdrop or with an eye toward the future.”

The old Chalet restaurant remains fondly remembered by loyal guests

Highlights will include pop-ups of the famed Chalet and Golden Phoenix restaurants in August 2023 and January 2024 respectively, and a Blue Moon Night on 31 August 2023, evoking a playlist of the era. Also, in the pipeline are visiting guest chefs, winemakers, sake masters and even specially commissioned products — stay tuned for updates at www.equatorial.com/equatorial-50

 

Boxing great Joe Bugner was a guest of Hotel Equatorial KL for his fight with the legendary Muhammad Ali in 1975

A memory wall will be created in the lobby of EQ where guests can view photos of memorable events involving Equatorial since 1973. Guests can share their own memories on Facebook and Instagram as well.

According to Lim, Equatorial has redefined the hospitality landscape; its well-regarded restaurants has successfully gain mindshare and familiarity with the many birthdays and weddings held at the Hotel.

 

He also cited some of the groundbreaking trends set by Hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur: it’s the first hotel to have electronic key cards and fire sprinklers, and WiFi connectivity — things people take for granted now.

Kampachi, the oldest Japanese restaurant in Malaysia, remains famed for its Sunday buffet. During its heydays, reservations has to be made months in advance. The brand’s endurance is unmatched and remains one of the best Japanese restaurants today.

Equatorial Group's Chief Commercial Officer Charles Lim (left), CEO Donald Lim (centre) and EQKL GM, Gerard Walker (right)

In the four years since opening in 2019, EQ has become the standard bearer among hotels in the city, having won a slew of local and international accolades, including being ranked #1 hotel in the city by Tripadvisor since August 2019. Just last month, EQ was named Hotel of the Year Asia Pacific by Preferred Hotels group, the first time any hotel from Malaysia has won the title.

 

The new 440-room property is the first and only 5-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur with a Green Building Index Gold certification. Lim explained EQ’s sustainability measures in place means a night’s stay at EQ uses far fewer resources and has less environmental impact compared to other hotel rooms. For example, the carbon output which is equivalent to a return drive from KL to Ipoh can save up to 1500 trees.

Hotel Equatorial Penang will reopen in 2 years' time

Lim said the newer EQ brand is more stylish and innovative; its premium positioning aimed at attracting today’s younger clientele whilst the Equatorial Hotel brand - recognisable among the older generation - will retain its ‘business class’ offerings. 

The Equatorial Penang is currently under renovation and is anticipated to open in 2 years’ time. He affirms should the opportunity arises, the group will consider expanding EQ and Equatorial branded properties in Malaysia or even overseas. 

For more information on EQ 50^th Anniversary, visit www.equatorial.com/equatorial-50

SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD CONSUMPTION ON THE RISE SAYS NORWEGIAN SEAFOOD COUNCIL

Seafood consumption, driven by a shift towards a more sustainable diet, is on the rise according to a recent study* of more than 25,000 consumers across 20 markets performed by Kantar on behalf of the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC). *the study is the largest seafood consumer study of its kind

At a recent Virtual Luncheon of Norwegian Salmon and Fjord Trout hosted by the NSC, NSC Regional Director Asbjorn Warvik Rortveit (pix above), shared the following Seafood Consumer Insights: 

• 78% Malaysians rank sustainability as important when choosing to buy seafood

• 65% Malaysians state country of origin is important when buying seafood

• 60% Malaysians state country of origin is an indicator of quality when it comes to buying seafood

• 63% picks Salmon as their first choice of Sushi

• 50% eats Sushi at least once a month

• 35% picks Norway as the most preferred country of origin for salmon and 43% for fjord trout

He also said many markets in this region are reporting increased demand for processed and pre-packed seafood. “The Norwegian seafood industry is adapting to these shifts in buyer preference, and is turning its production to meet these needs. It continues its efforts to provide safe, sustainable, and nutritious seafood as keeping safe, and eating safe and healthy is the way to go during this pandemic and beyond.”

Joining the virtual event was Lars Fredrik Martinussen (pix above), Head of Communication of Nordlaks Group, who spoke about efforts undertaken by his family-owned aquaculture company to develop the sustainable aquaculture industry in the north of Norway.

Also present was Phyllis Teh, co-founder of Art of Salmó, who highlighted how her online store succeeded in “Adapting to Consumer Needs in Covid-19 Times” by delivering the finest and freshest Norwegian fjord trout with its special seasoning sachets to their doorstep.

Participating media members were treated to sumptuous “When East Meets West, Norwegian Seafood Tasting Menu” set lunches prepared by Chefs Jordash DeCruz (pix above) and Steve Chua too to complete the virtual media event experience. Calling on his experience working on the Norwegian Cruise Line and Viking Ocean Cruise, Chef Jordash DeCruz presented the following 3-course menu with inspiration from the Land of the Midnight Sun.

His starter of cured beetroot with Norwegian salmon, lemon essence and pickled daikon was accompanied by the main course of seared fjord trout with roasted vegetable and sandefjordmor (Norwegian butter sauce). Wrapping up the meal was Norwegian success cake with fresh berries.

 

Founder of Two Chefs Lab, Chef Steve Chua (pix below) who represented Malaysia as a Norwegian Seafood Council’s sponsored participant at the World Sushi Cup 2018, also rendered his Japanese starter, sushi platter and dessert. 

Seared sliced Norwegian fjord trout with truffle and grated onion dressing sprinkled with cured egg yolks was the tantalising starter, complemented by six assorted nigiri sushi creations. Azuki crepe with red beans with green tea sauce was the dessert to finish with.

The distinct finale came from the Art of Salmó, in the form of a Smoked Salmó Cheese Cake. A rather unusual sweet-savoury combo of crushed Oreo, smoked salmon, cream cheese, butter, whipping cream, ikura and smoked salmon which you either love or loathe. I’m ambivalent about this but I'm willing to give it another go should I have the chance to sample it again in future.

Interestingly, one of the key concerns arising from the seafood study is to encourage more children to increase their intake of seafood. Chef Jordash DeCruz and NSC Regional Director Asbjorn Warvik Rortveit suggested getting children involved in food preparation and getting the young ones to try eating fish and seafood early. "Get your child involved in the kitchen. Let them touch, feel and taste fresh seafood like salmon and fjord trout."

Phyllis Teh echoed similar sentiments as the popularity of her Art of Salmó products bear testament to urban consumers who seek convenience and willing to pay for quality ready-to-eat seafood like fresh Norwegian salmon and fjord trout.