MALAYSIA TAKES A SHINE TO FRESH APPLES OF POLAND

European apples from Poland drew thousands of visitors at the recent Malaysian International Food & Beverage Trade Fair in Kuala Lumpur. The famous orchards of Grojec took centrestage at the beautiful Polish pavilion where a trade mission of Polish fruit growers interacted with trade fair attendees.

President of the Fruit Union Association, Piotr Janota (left) said: “After meeting with representatives of several large fruit importing companies, we are happy to know Malaysians are eager to buy Polish apples. After two years of marketing campaign, we will be able to increase the sales of Polish apples to Malaysia.” 

Poland is the biggest producer of apples in Europe and globally, its production is second only to China and on par with the US and Turkey. Good soil and mild climate make the country conducive for growing apples whilst cultivation technology and the growers’ know-how and experience help to Polish apples stand out in the international marketplace.

 

Co-financed by the European Union campaign “Gift from the Polish Orchards, Apples from the Heart of Europe”, Polish apples entered the Malaysian market last year. Currently, only Gala Apples – medium sized apples with smooth, slightly shiny and yellow-red skin are imported into Malaysia. The sweet taste and delicately crunchy flesh make it popular with locals.

As part of the campaign, an Apple Day event was held at Taman Tugu Park in June with the cooperation of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland. Several hundred kilograms of Polish apples were distributed to park visitors; denoting Polish apples as a great companion for walks and as a travel-friendly snack.

Janota said Polish fruit growers take care of every production stage: from growing, sorting and packing to transportation. Environmental protection and sustainable production methods coupled with a rigorous control system ensure the eating quality and safety of the apples for consumer consumption.

For more information on Polish apples, visit: www.bestapples.eu

MEAT LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIA CHALLENGES CHEFS TO RAISE THEIR GAME

Doubletree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur emerged as the Champion of  the 2019 Golden Bull Culinary Competition at this year’s Culinaire Malaysia 2019 which was held from 24-27 September.

The five-man team beat eight other teams in creating the best beef and lamb dishes, to win a challenge tropy, cash prize of RM6,888 and medals. The 1st Runner-Up Royal Brunei Catering walked away with a challenge tropy, cash prize of RM5,888 and medals. Fudehui Group from China grabbed the 2nd runner-up spot, bagging a challenge tropy, cash prize of RM3,888 and medals.

Held in conjunction with Culinaire Malaysia, Meat Livestock Australia (MLA) is the main sponsor of the Golden Bull Culinary Competition. 

 

 

 

 

A total of nine teams from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, China, Brunei and Taiwan cooked up a storm, pitting their culinary skills and versatility in creating beef and lamb dishes.

 

 

 

 

Judging was based on the teams who displayed best use of secondary cuts of Australian beef and lamb for appetisers and main course. Points were also awarded for cooking temperature, texture, cutting, preparation and seasoning.

 

 

For the MLA Iron Butcher Challenge, Muhamad Adam Yahya from Sama-Sama Hotel KLIA was declared the MLA Iron Butcher champion. He went home with a special knife set, a challenge trophy and a certificate of achievement.

The 1st Runner-Up was Muhammad Faizal Mokhzir from Atlas Gourment Sdn Bhd and 2nd Runner-Up was Mohamad Fauzan Abdul Rahman from Hero Market Sdn Bhd also received similar prizes.

 

This year, 21 butchers from the retail and food-service sectors competed in the preliminary rounds, cutting and portioning out beef carcass and primal cuts of lamb within the allocated 1.5 hours.

 

 

 

 

Judges watched the competitors like hawks, awarding marks for preparation and boning techniques, value-adding ideas (marination), cuts applicable to food service, clean muscle separation, time management, good hygiene practices, orderliness at work, minimisation of food wastage, cost effectiveness and presentation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All the quality Aussie beef and lamb for both MLA competitions were supplied by Stanbroke, Murray Pure and Thomas Foods from Australia.