Malaysian link in meat exporting?

Press, 8 September 1982, Page 5

Malaysian link in meat exporting?

PA Hong Kong NZPA Two New Zealand companies may become involved in a venture to process canned meat in Malaysia for the Middle East market. The venture would use New Zealand mutton, killed by the halal process as required by Muslim consumers, according to the managing director of Watties Industries. Mr John Haworth. He says a trade mission of Wattie and associated companies to Southeast Asia may have identified some opportunities for adding value in Malaysia, particularly for

halal-killed meat. They exist mainly for Waitaki N.Z. Refrigerating. Ltd. and "to some extent" for J. Watties Canneries, Ltd, he says. Both Waitaki and Watties were represented on the mission, which also visited Singapore and Thailand. Mr Haworth emphasises that no detailed negotiations for the venture have yet started and says there is more than one form it could take. Mr Haworth says that halal procedures have to be observed at all stages of processing, not only during

slaughter. Malaysia, as a J Muslim country, has the : necessary expertise. At present. New Zealand cannot competitively produce canned mutton for Middle East markets, he says. There are extreme differences between the three markets which were visited and lessons learnt have in- i eluded how to avoid prob- : lems. Mr Haworth says. ! There is already talk of a . further mission in the future, ■ and while he is confident one ' will be organised, the first ' priority is to build on the opportunities identified this : time.