PETALING JAYA, 26th February 2013

As Malaysians prioritise healthy and convenient food to fit in with their busy lifestyle, consumers are turning to tasty and nutritious New Zealand food and beverage products.

Malaysian consumers spent up to 24 percent of their household budget on food and beverage products, a 2012 market report by DE International indicates.

Food for nutrition and long-term healthcare is top of mind for Malaysian shoppers, with Malaysia’s food and beverage sector expected to grow 10 percent per annum over the next three to five years.

Shoppers can find a wide range of New Zealand products at AEON’s upcoming New Zealand Food Fair at selected AEON supermarkets between 28 February ? 13 March 2013. New Zealand is known for its high-quality, great tasting products with a focus on sustainability.

“Malaysians are living busy lives, and are looking to buy food that’s convenient and healthy for their families without sacrificing quality or taste,” says Fiona Acheson, New Zealand’s Trade Commissioner to Malaysia. “In a world where modern food is changing so rapidly, New Zealand offers consumers a hundred-year track record of food innovation, producing products that are nutritious and safe to eat.”

“Malaysian consumers already love New Zealand products such as Greenshell mussels, lamb and kiwifruit. With exciting products such as Hubbards cereal and Hansells pancakes in a flash, Malaysians can look forward to facing their day the New Zealand way at AEON supermarkets,” says Hiroko Yamada, Assistant General Manager of Foodline Merchandising Division, AEON Co. (M) Bhd.

Highlights of the Food Fair include Manuka-smoked New Zealand King Salmon. Considered a premium eating salmon, New Zealand King Salmon is raised in the pristine, clear waters of the South Island and boasts high levels of omega 3 ? vital for brain and eye health.

Popular Anlene yogurts and milk will also be featured. Anlene yogurt contains vitamins and minerals shown to support bone health, including vitamin K. Most Malaysian women receive only 50 percent of their recommended daily calcium intake from their current diets. New Zealand-produced Anlene is the only clinically tested hi-cal milk in Malaysia that protects bone strength in four weeks.

David Ross, Managing Director of Fonterra Brands (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd said: “The Bone Health Check is one of our ongoing initiatives to help Malaysians understand how simple changes to diet and lifestyle can go a long way towards maintaining healthy bones. Anlene? will continue to run a nationwide campaign to highlight the growing issue of poor bone health in an effort to educate consumers on the importance of taking care of their bones.

“As a ‘silent disease’ people often don’t feel the effects of osteoporosis until it’s too late. Many people aren’t aware that bones can start breaking down when they are in their 30s and that they need to make sure they’re getting enough exercise and essential nutrients and vitamins from a young age to maintain healthy bones later in life,” says Ross.

Customers who spend more than RM50 in one receipt on New Zealand food and beverage products featured in selected AEON supermarkets* will win a reusable New Zealand grocery bag (while stocks last). Required products featured at the AEON New Zealand Food Fair are halal certified.

*AEON Bandar Utama, AEON Mid Valley and AEON Taman Maluri.

The New Zealand Food Fair themed ‘Face your Day the New Zealand Way” is part of a series of initiatives promoting products and services from New Zealand, organised by the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.