Malaysian and Saudi firms partner to offer cutting edge ready-to-eat products

Saudi-based Mrasi Almamoura Group has partnered with two Malaysian companies, Syed Food Industry, a food service operator and Fario, a technology-driven coffee retail provider for the development and distribution of products. The partnership was firmed during a signing ceremony held at the Jeddah Superdome, in conjunction with the second edition of the Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition 2023. The exhibition was organised by Saudi’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah that gathers global entrepreneurs and innovators to showcase advancements in improving the experience of pilgrims visiting the Two Holy Mosques.

Syed Food Industry would provide solutions for Mrasi Almamoura to offer retort packed meals to pilgrims, offering a diverse range of flavours while Fario Holdings pioneering digital and automated kiosks under the brand of Coffee Star brings convenience by providing freshly brewed coffee and selected beverages to consumers.

Syed Aziz Khan, group CEO of Syed Food Industry, said that in order to cater to the diverse and large number of pilgrims and tourists performing the Hajj and Umrah yearly, it is important to ensure that food safety and quality is maintained at all times, and one way to achieve that is through retort packed food.

“Our forte has been providing large-scale F&B solutions and now we have implemented Industry 4.0 technology in our food production facilities. The hospitality sector will be the initial focus in this collaboration, but in the future, we are considering expanding these cutting-edge services and innovative food services by working with local partners to fulfil the demands of the transportation, education, health care, and defence sectors as well,” he added.

CEO of Coffee Star, Raja Ahmad Fauzan said that the partnership represents the company's maiden step towards bringing its unique business model to the world. “We look forward to contribute effectively to spurring tremendous convenience for pilgrims through our technology,” he said.

The Trade Consul of the Commercial Section (MATRADE) of the Consulate General of Malaysia, Jeddah Mr. Faizalkhan Jaafar, said that retort food technology started to gain traction in the mid 1980s and throughout the years various researches and development has been made to improve the quality, taste and sustainability of retort packed products. "Besides preserving the shelf life of exported food, it also reduces food surplus, especially in the hospitality and food service sector, which is in tandem with Saudi’s Vision 2030 to reduce wastage of agri-food resources”, he added. 

Related articles:
Malaysia Airports showcases hidden food gems in month-long KULinary campaign
Zero Waste Malaysia sheds light on food wastage during festive season
Tiger Beer Malaysia seeks out foodies who changed their lives for the love of food