THE Penang government today launched an initiative called the FREZH: Top Penang Food and Beverage Industry coffee table book to celebrate the ever-growing and blooming F&B industry in the state.
CHTNetwork president Datuk Ch’ng Huck Theng and team are the brainchild behind the production of this book.
Endorsed and supported by the Penang government, the book showcases some of the finest brands in Penang’s best food and beverage industry.
This one-of-a-kind project features trusted brands, established and emerging businesses and key brand players who are directly in the Farm-to-Table F&B solutions.
It covers areas like agriculture, food manufacturing, food production, food packaging, distribution, retail and many others.
“It gives me great pleasure to be here for this launch today.
“As Penangites, we take great pride in our food, which is an integral part of our daily lives.
“From breakfast to dinner, and even snacks, we are blessed with an array of food options, ranging from our famous local hawker fare to international cuisines, gourmet selections, and even Michelin-starred restaurants.
“There’s no denying that our food is consistently ranked among the best in the world, with Penang’s Assam Laksa ranking No.7 on CNN’s World’s 50 Best Foods list.
“And not forgetting our Char Koay Teow and Nasi Kandar named among the Top 50 World Street Food Masters, and the latest 47 recognitions by the ultimate food expert, Michelin Guide.”
In a related development, Chow also highlighted Malaysia’s growth as a global hub for halal food branding, processing and marketing to the Muslim faithful worldwide.
“In fact, according to the ‘State of the Global Islamic Economy 2022’ report, Malaysia maintains the highest procurement position of halal products compared to 81 other countries.
“To fully harness this potential, the Penang government, through Penang Halal International (PHI), is focused on harnessing halal synergies by adopting digital developments and innovations to drive the growth cycle of the halal industry in the state.
“A grant amounting to RM1.5 million has been provided to PHI through the Penang State 2023 Budget to spearhead this initiative,” Chow said in his speech during the coffee table book launching ceremony at St Giles Hotel in George Town today.
Similarly, while the focus is on promoting the food industry in the state, Chow also commended organisations involved in supplying home-grown produce directly to customers through the Farm-to-Table approach.
This is a system that emphasises quality local food products, while encouraging environmental and economic sustainability.
“This method benefits not only the local economy but also creates new job opportunities.
“It has an undeniable impact on tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions), retail, and the service industries.
“As a result, the state of our economy is also closely intertwined with the performance of our food and beverage industry,” Chow added.
Meanwhile, at today’s event, Chow towards the end of his speech, thanked Datuk Ch’ng and team for their tireless efforts in introducing the world to top Penang F&B industry players in the food trade, manufacturing, F&B entrepreneurship, food safety, technology, export, and tourism through this first-ever industry coffee table book.
F&B industry players present earlier were each given a recognition certificate by Chow.
Later, Chow was also given the honour to participate in the unveiling of Ghee Hiang’s new kurma-flavoured Tau Sar Piah.
Also present during the event were the Chief Minister’s special investment adviser Datuk Seri Lee Kah Choon, CHTNetwork president Datuk Ch’ng Huck Theng, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) Penang director Jonathan Freddy P. Bagang, Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran and PBA Holdings Bhd chief financial officer Dr Mary Ann Harris.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Alissa Thian
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi