| Danial Norjidi |
THE new line of bruneihalal products was officially unveiled by Ghanim International Corporation during a launch yesterday at The Airport Mall.
Ghanim International Corporation is a wholly-owned government company that manages the bruneihalal brand, developing, marketing and promoting bruneihalal products across the world.
At the event, 25 new bruneihalal products were launched ranging from breaded chicken and daily needs products to crackers, purified oxygenated water and cordials.
Attending the launch as the guest of honour to officiate the event was Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar.
In a speech, the minister said, “As I am made to understand we are launching 25 products today through Ghanim.
Deputy Minister of Finance Dato Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah presenting the agreements to Jasmadi bin Haji Jamudin from Sabli Food Industries witnessed by Pehin Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin. PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI
“Ghanim, however does not stand alone – these products have been made with the collaboration and partnership with our proud and determined local companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which are already part of this food value chain here in Brunei,” he added.
These companies and SMEs include Sabli Food Industries Sdn Bhd, Sahamada Corporation Sdn Bhd, Hana Soy & World (B) Sdn Bhd and Superwater Marketing Sdn Bhd.
Dato Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Finance and Chairman of Ghanim International Corporation, handed over agreements to these local partners during the launch.
“These companies are ready to learn and take on the challenges to get the products locally ready and export ready,” Pehin Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin said.
The minister went on to highlight that Ghanim has pushed forward within its means, working to strengthen institutional structures, maximising current resources, developing its marketing and export potential, as well as pursuing the adaptation and adoption of technology, evidenced with the products that bruneihalal has its stamp on such as its sweetener and sodium-reduced salt.
“Ghanim’s UK facility is operating at a higher potential to deliver products across the UK. Products traded out of Brunei will see itself making a stamp on supermarkets and industries in our neighbouring countries.
“What was once thought of as difficult or impossible to achieve; investments and international collaborations are having a notable impact. Previously our local brands, such as that of bruneihalal, had gained little consumer awareness and the penetration of our local brand in the international market has been a long and difficult journey,” he said.
He encouraged Ghanim to continue to work closely with all relevant government authorities and agencies to fulfil its mission, underlining the importance for Ghanim to be innovative and sustainable.
“I would also like to urge our local population and local retailers to support our local products under the bruneihalal brand as this would not only encourage the growth of our local food industry and businesses, but also efforts to diversify our economy as a whole.”
Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar viewing the newly-launched local products from bruneihalal
Pehin Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin observes a cooking demonstration by Chef Hakeem and Chef Mari of Ricardos
The minister was later led on a tour of a showcase displaying the various food and beverage products, as well as a cooking demonstration by Chefs Hakeem and Mari from Ricardo’s using bruneihalal products. Attendees were then served a meal cooked with bruneihalal products to give them the opportunity to try the food.
Dr Nur Rahman, the CEO of Ghanim International Corporation, also delivered a speech, in which he said, “As someone who just came to Brunei a few months ago, the relaunching of a new product range under the glorious brand that has always been envisioned to be an iconic Halal brand in the world is truly a privilege and honour.
“We want to be the iconic and respected Halal brand in the world. We want to provide solutions for Halal products for the Muslim community around the world, thereby performing our obligations of Fardhu Kifayah towards Muslims. Obviously non-Muslims will can also benefit and enjoy our products,” he said.
He shared that in aligning their objectives with the Brunei Vision 2035 and with the aspiration to move ahead and create a sustainable, profitable organisation, Ghanim International Corporation made significant changes over the last few months.
“These include creating a number of innovative, wholesome and trustworthy products, moving into a new office in Brunei that will enable the consumers of our products to come and interact with us directly by touching, feeling and tasting our products at the outlet of our new office in Mata-Mata and bringing in a new range of delicious products to the retail outlets in the UK.
“We have also introduced our product range to a number of customers including retail, HORECA and food service outlets. We have also formally introduced our finished products to several food service organisations, including RBC,” he said.
He noted that their products had been well received at the Consumer Fair last week, and that consumers themselves have been enquiring as to when the products will be available in retail outlet.
“We have also received serious interest for our products from international markets including Europe, the Middle East and South Asian countries. In fact, we have commenced exporting products to the Middle Eastern market as of this week.
“Our shipment from the UK arrived in Brunei two days ago. Insya Allah, Bruneians will be able to enjoy our value-added chicken and lamb products from the United Kingdom in Brunei as soon as of next week.
“We strongly believe that our products will be our best ambassador. As such, we have and will continue to do market research and identify the needs and demands of consumers. We have been collaborating with research partners to come up with a number health and wellbeing products that are equally tasty, good quality and price competitive.
“We also acknowledge the support from our local partners in delivering these products now and in the future. Our strategy will continue to strengthen the capabilities of our SMEs that we are and will be by opening the opportunity of marketing products to local and international markets. We will continue to work with local SMEs to use the bruneihalal platform for growing the business together.”
He shared that while 25 products were launched yesterday, more will be coming over the next weeks and months.
“I strongly believe that the new product range and the upcoming range of products will realise the objectives of the company,” he added.
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