Food Production Chain - Strong and Weak Links Identification

What holds true for every chain also applies to the food production chain. Every chain must be dependable. All of its links must be strong. We know too well that this is not the case for the food production chain. There are links that render it weak enough to cause us some concern.
These links can be seen in this food production chain diagram provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The diagram here has been slightly augmented with additional point descriptions for a total of 11 identified points or links.

Are you able to identify the strong and the weak links in this diagram? Where in the supply and consumption chain you see your role and how does the aspect you are involved in contribute to the strength of the chain? Is it a strong or a weak link? Everyone is at least a consumer and personal food preparation or consumption habits contribute to the weakness or strength of the supply and consumption chain.

You may follow your criteria for identifying the links except for this small hint: The strength and weakness of the links have something to do with the points where things are adequately or inadequately regulated and monitored for hazards - biological (including allergens), chemical and physical contaminants.

Socialwalk is the official business matching partner at more than 260 events across 24 industries.

In 2012, we have facilitated more than USD$432 million dollars worth of trade. We help companies with their buying requirements as well as sales and expansion requirements all year round.  Our platform features about 50,000 companies currently. If you are interested in connecting with the buyers, click here.

Source: http://gcse-food-health-protection.blogspot.ca/2012/08/food-production-chain-strong-and-weak.html?goback=%2Egde_4027142_member_198838685

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Supplier Guidance and Benefits from Socialwalk

Look at what some of them have to say about our quality buyers.

"We feel that the business matching service was useful and necessary for both buyers and suppliers. It was the right thing for the organizer to engage Socialwalk to organize this session. We're happy with their service."
Dr. Arh. Shawki Salman, Chairman 
Star International Med, Romania

 (MENOPE 2012)

"Socialwalk has been of great help. The business matchmakers were friendly and very helpful. The team is also very prompt in replying to my enquiries. Excellent!"Ms. PoojaRavinath, Director
Shea Butter Trading LLC, UAE 
(MENOPE 2012)

"Good matching system and service!"
JackHou, Oversea Sales & Sales Manager
Boxin Bio-Tech., Ltd 
(Food Ingredients Asia)

"We had quality professional trade buyers coming to our booth to meet us. Your business matching service was good."
Maurice Martin, Director
MitraMandiri Lestari 
(Food Ingredients Asia)

"Socialwalk business matching service is very useful. They introduced relevant buyers and distributors to us. They also helped us set up meetings at B2B trade show. I am willing to pay for this service again!"
Mr. Lu Guibin, General Manager
Kasser International Co., Ltd, Taiwan

Click Here for more testimonials for Socialwalk.

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What Every Buyer Needs to Know

Issue	Response
What can I do if my goods are not delivered after full payment and how do I avoid this problem next time?	In the opinion of Sophie Mao of www.chibridge.net, lawyer in China, "The best way to protect yourself is to structure your payment terms so that payment and quality of the goods are linked. Make sure to keep the deposit as small as possible and do not make the remaining payments until you or a third party inspection agent has checked the goods." If you have the following items in place, then there is a decent chance of negotiating a resolution that is acceptable: A signed or chopped contract that defines clearly the acceptable level of quality. A clear paper trailing showing proof of payment. The seller named on the contract matches the receiver of the payments. (With so many trading companies out there it is a common mistake to have a contract with a supplier but pay a trading company). Your supplier has physical and financial assets (small "one-man-bands" disappear as soon as they feel a lawsuit is on the way). The jurisdiction on the contract matches the location of the supplier's assets at a city, province or country level. It is always nice to have future orders you can leverage as well.
How do I make sure the quality of goods received is according to contract?	1.      Ensure the supplier can actually achieve your desired level of quality in the first place: ·         Physical inspection of the factories and a review of actual production samples ·         Recruit independent agents that can assist with this qualification and analysis process. 2.      Always see an actual production sample from the actual supplier. 3.      Ask the supplier to provide their internal QC documentation.
How do I pick a supplier?	1.      First, identify the qualities of your ideal supplier would look like: ·         access to a certain raw material, ·         are they ISO-certified, ·         are they verified suppliers, ·         do they have X number of employees, ·         do they produce X amount of goods per year and so on ·         their product country of origin 2.      Compare the website or brochures from your list of potential suppliers against the attributes of this "ideal supplier" and create three piles: "No way," "Maybe" and "Looks good." Generally speaking, the websites and brochures offer you a best case scenario in terms of capability and experience of the factory. Sales and marketing people anywhere in the world tend to overpromise and under-deliver. 3.      Only at the final stage of choice do we bring in a key factor: price. Knowing the tendency to favour a cheaper option, price should only come into consideration once a handful of quality choices are available for choice. *Thankfully for you dear buyer, the hassle and pain of going through a pile of brochures and endless websites can be eliminated with Socialwalk’s business matching service.  Not only do we save you precious time, we reduce the risk of undependable and unreliable suppliers Through us, you will meet serious buyers, quality suppliers and credible partners.
How do I know if a supplier is legitimate?	You should contact the suppliers and conduct the RFQ or request for quotation. Their feedback should allow you to narrow down the list further to only the top two or three based on pricing and non-price attributes. There are professional service providers available that conduct these types of verifications at very reasonable prices. Contact us for free one-to-one session at kelly@socialwalk.com

Source: Answers written by Mike Bellamy, an Advisory Board Member & Featured Blogger at the not-for-profit China Sourcing Information Center. Mike is also the author of "The Essential Reference Guide to China Sourcing" and founder of PassageMaker Sourcing Solutions

Feeling ready to start your supplier search now? Well, there’s nowhere better to start than with Socialwalk.

Do you know that Socialwalk have more than 50,000 suppliers from 132 countries?

Click here to check out our suppliers in Food Industry today.

If you have any other questions, feel free to share with our Industry specialist at Socialwalk

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Tesco Malaysia sales up 12%

PETALING JAYA: Tesco Malaysia has recorded a sales growth of 12% in its 2011/2012 financial year (FY11/12) over the previous year, supported by contribution from new stores as well as aggressive promotions. 

In FY11/12, the hypermarket chain opened eight new stores and its first 3,000-sq-m superstore in Bukit Beruntung, bringing the total number of stores in Peninsular Malaysia to 45.“The market outlook is positive and we see continued confidence in the Malaysian retail market,” chief executive officer SungHwan Do said in statement.The local associate of UK-based Tesco also said it had successfully modernised 120 mall retailers and neighbourhood provision shops into modern retailers under the Economic Transformation Programme’s TUKAR scheme.

We can bring the business opportunity to you, Click Here.
Source : The Star news.

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Giant Hypermarket remains as shoppers’ favourite

In Malaysia, the mention of Giant hypermarket (Giant) evokes vibrancy, comfort and a complete shopping environment.

Having pioneered the concept of modern supermarket shopping, Giant now sets the standards in the industry with innovative marketing and promotions, efficient store designs and attractive product pricing.
Owned by GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (GCH Retail), the chain currently comprises 128 Giant hypermarket and supermarkets throughout the country.

For the record, GCH Retail is Malaysia’s leading retailer and it owns the Giant hypermarkets, Cold Storage supermarkets and Guardian pharmaceutical retail businesses in Malaysia.
BizHive Weekly recently contacted the marketing department of Giant hypermarket headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and was updated on Giant corporate profile by its marketing director, Ho Mun Hao.
In the exclusive email interview, Ho said that Giant would continuously invest in its logistics and supply chain management in line with its philosophy of growing with its business partners and promoting the development of the retail industry.

“One such strategic plan is the RM260 million state of- the-art distribution centre (DC) in Sepang, Selangor,” he revealed adding that the DC would help reduce logistics costs for its suppliers and reflected its commitment to continue to invest and help the retail sector grow.
GCH Retail, which has a 22 per cent share of the country’s modern retail trade market plans to add two satellite DCs and one fresh food DC at strategic locations this year, with estimated investment amounting to RM260 million.

As one of the largest employers in the country, with 17,000 employees currently, Giant has been serving Malaysians with its unrivalled promise of low prices everyday, big variety and great value.
Having been in the retail industry for 68 years dealing with fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) product, Giant is a true blue Malaysian brand and the company is looking sharp into the future as it has spread its wings regionally to Indonesia, Vietnam and Brunei as well.

Are you looking for business connection with GCH Retail Malaysia? Click Here

Reference: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/19/giant-hypermarket-remains-as-shoppers-favourite/

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Malaysia International Halal Showcase

Event Name : 10th International Halal Showcase

Date : 3 April - 6 April 2013

Venue : Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, KLCC, Malaysia

Organizer : Matrade, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation

Website : http://www.mihas.com.my/

No. Exhibitors       : 300 +

Event Profile

Malaysia’s central position in Asia makes it an ideal trading platform to draw the world’s halal players in facilitating the sourcing and selling of global quality halal products through the 10th International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) held for 4 days.

Organised under the auspices of the Malaysian government, MIHAS is hosted by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and is organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

The event highlights on this show which is the two-day Incoming Buying Mission organised by MATRADE is aimed at providing personal, one-to-one discussions and business negotiations between buyers and sellers. Throughout the years, IBM has proven to be the most anticipated MIHAS event and it is the main reason international businesses keep coming back to MIHAS.

For more info last year's event, click here

Source:

1. http://www.biztradeshows.com

2. http://www.mihas.com.my/

3. http://apps.socialwalk.com/events/612-9th-malaysia-international-halal-showcase

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MIA International Food Show

Event Name : Mia International Food Show (Mostra Internazionale Dell'alimentazione)

Date : 16 Feb - 19 Feb 2013

Venue : Rimini Fiera, Italy

Organizer : Rimini Fiera S.p.A.

Website : http://en.rhex.it

No. Exhibitors   : 1500 +

Event Profile

Held at Rimini Expo Centre, Italy, the Mia International Food Show is 39th international food show will offer viable platform for showcasing food processing and packaging machines, materials, systems and product under one platform. Leading expo in catering world, the show specifically addresses the eating out trade. Organized by Rimini Fiera S.p.A., it is a vital appointment for the food trade.

The  exhibitor for exhibit include:

1. Food Processing Machinery & Equipment

2. Assorted Food & Beverage Processing Equipment

3. Drink / Juice Equipment

4. Food Sterilizing Machinery / Equipment

5. Bakery & Confectionery Equipment

6. Food and Beverage such as: Poultry / Meat / Halal Meat, Dairy Products, Chilled & Frozen Foods, Fresh Produce.

7. Seafood: Fresh Seafood Products, Seafood Processing.

8. Food Ingredients: Aromas, Flavours & Fragrances, Food Additives / Raw Material.

Source:

1. http://www.biztradeshows.com
2. http://en.rhex.it

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SM Cologne

Event Name : SM Cologne
Date : 27 Jan - 30 Jan 2013
Venue : Cologne Exhibition Centre, Cologne, Germany
Organizer : Koelnmesse GmbH
Website : http://www.ism-cologne.com
No. Exhibitors : 300 +

Event Profile

SM Cologne is a biggest confectionery trade fair. ISM refers to International Sweets World. The event will provide assistance in the penetration of new products and services in global market. Attendees coming to this event will find new ideas, new technology and a wide variety of food manufacturing solutions for their operations. Exhibitors will get an opportunity to get you touch with existing or new customers.

ISM Cologne is a home to numerous variety of candies and different kind of biscuits. The show will showcase all the innovative and latest trends in confectionery sector. The show will attract more and more visitors every year in the show.

Source:
1. http://www.biztradeshows.com
2. http://www.ism-cologne.com

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Winter Fancy Food Show

Event Name : Winter Fancy Food Show
Date : 20 Jan - 22 Jan 2013
Venue : Mascone Center, San Francisco, United States of America
Organizer : The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc.
Website : http://www.specialtyfood.com
No. Exhibitors : 1100 +

Event Profile

Winter Fancy Food Show is one of the top notch events for the food and beverage industry. It will be the 38th international food show and in this show exhibitors will exhibit around 250,000 varieties of food products.

In Winter Fancy Food Show more than 1200 exhibitors from 81 countries will be participating and over 24,000 trade visitors are expected to visit the exhibition for food and beverages. The exhibitors like retailers, departmental stores managers, dieticians, nutritionists, food technologists, architects, designers, restaurant management will be gathering in this show to find the target customer. The exhibition leads out to be a meeting point for producers and manufacturers as well.

The main highlights of Winter Fancy Food Show are:

• This show will have buying teams in every major channel includes supermarkets, mass merchants plus experts buyers
• The show will makes easy for the media to have access to the latest news.
  
  
  
  
  

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Food Hospitality World - Mumbai

Event Name : Food Hospitality World - Mumbai
Date : 10 Jan - 12 Jan 2013

Venue : MMRDA Exhibition Center, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Organizer : Global Fairs & MEdia Private Limited
Website : http://www.fhwexpo.com
No. Exhibitors : 150 +

Event Profile

Food Hospitality World is combination of the two world’s leading organisers - Hannover Milan Fairs and The India Express Limited Group. India’s biggest professional trade shows for the food and beverage as well as for the hospitality sector combining international and local expertise.

On 2012, it seen that 6127 attendees have come up to visit this show. Seminars, conferences, wine tasting sessions, culinary sessions and workshops are part of this show and have been the prime entertainment medium for the attendees as well. Reputed chefs will perform onsite cooking which will also help the guests to learn and know about new dishes.

Food Hospitality World 2013 would be held over three days. The chief highlights of FHW are Seminars and Conferences, Workshops, Wine Testing Session, Live Culinary Programs which has approximately 150 participating chefs from leading hotels in the country.

The product categories comprise of:

1. Specialty and Fine Food.

2. Sweets, Snacks and Confectionery.

3. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.

4. Provision and Staple Foods.

5. Bread and Bakery.

6. Conserves and Spices.

7. Food Additives and Ingredients.

8. Grocery Products.

9. Seafood.

10. Non Alcoholic Drinks.

11. Wines, Spirits and Beer.

12. Coffee and Tea.

13. Olive and Edible Oils.

14. Gourmet Food.

15. Frozen Food.

16. Ready to Eat Food.

17. Dry Foods including Pasta and Rice.

18. Organic Produce.

19. Meat and Poultry.

20. Commercial Kitchen Equipment.

21. Cutlery and Art Table Products.

22. Hospitality Technology.

23. Furniture and Fit Out Solutions.

24. Commercial Refrigeration Equipment.

25. Bakery Equipment.

26. Food and Beverage Service Products.

27. Glass and Glassware.

28. Bar, Wine Accessories and Equipment.

29. Commercial Coffee Machines.

30. Lighting and Controls.

31. Food and Drink Vending Solutions.

32. EPOS and booking systems.

33. Fast Food Kitchen Equipment.

34. Food Decoration Products.

35. Food Display Equipment.

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Are you interested to expand you business in Food Industry?

Countries across the globe, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, have boosted income from food exports by joining a growing consumer market force particularly Muslim and those who needs extra guarantees on food safety and quality products. Introducing a halal standard in 2004, Malaysia has managed to secure a market share of billions worldwide. Seeing the potential, even non-Muslim countries have started to take important steps to produce food and non-food in conformity with the standard. The halal standard does not cover just food. It also has rules regarding the transporting, packaging, labeling and logistics of foods; preparation procedures are also analyzed to ensure their accordance with halal standards, HACCP, GMP and other recognized safety/quality standards and compliance.  These standards are applied to food processing plant, hotel operations, pharmacies, cosmetics, medical and many other businesses.

The growth of Halal food market represents a significant potential for international companies, not only in Muslim countries but also, in western markets with significant and growing Muslim populations among whom Halal observance is on the increase.

The concept of halal is not confined to food itself. Halal products and services also include cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, clothing, financial services, and even tour packages. With so many to offer, the trade in halal products and services could potentially hit trillions of US dollars annually.

Contact us for free one-to-one industry expert at kelly@socialwalk.com

How to apply Halal Certification in Malaysia

Local Certification

You may apply online through www.halal.gov.my and send the relevant documents to the Halal Hub Division Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM). 

JAKIM contact details are as follows:

Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM)
(Halal Hub Division),
Ground Floor, Block 2200,
Enterprise 3 Building,
Persiaran APEC,
63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor

Tel :  +6(03) - 8315 0200
Fax : +6(03) - 8318 7044
Hotline :  1800 - 880 - 555 (within Malaysia),  +603 8313 7280 (outside Malaysia)
Email : refcentre@hdcglobal.com

 International Certification 

JAKIM also provides certification services to international companies. This certification is only applicable for product and premise. The certification process is similar to local certification, except that it is currently available for manual application. Any interested international party is welcome to apply by contacting:

Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM)

(Halal Hub Division),

Ground Floor, Block 2200,

Enterprise 3 Building,

Persiaran APEC,

63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor

Tel :  +6(03) - 8315 0200

Fax : +6(03) - 8318 7044

Hotline :  1800 - 880 - 555 (within Malaysia),  +603 8313 7280 (outside Malaysia)

Email : refcentre@hdcglobal.com 

Key Halal Muslim Markets - 652 million

Algeria	Iran	Lebanon	Qatar	Turkey
Bahrain	Iraq	Malaysia	Saudi Arabia	United Arab Emirates
Egypt	Jordan	Morocco	Syria	Yemen
Indonesia	Kuwait	Oman	Tunisia

Purchasing Power of the Muslim Countries

	Muslim Population (Million, 2005)	Per capital food expenditure (p/a US$)	Halal Food Market (Millions US$)
Africa	461.77	250	115,443
West Asia	195	570	111,150
South Central Asia	584.8	300	175,440
Southeast Asia	266.37	350	93,230
China	39.1	175	5,865
Europe (incl Russia)	51.19	1,250	63,988
North America	8.26	1,750	14,455
South America	1.64	500	820
Oceania	0.35	1,500	525
Total	1,565		580,915

Source: http://www.islamicpopulation.com, Euromonitor. 

World Muslim Population (Millions)

Continent	World Population in 2006	Muslim Population in 2006	Muslim Percentage
Africa	923.2	442.88	47.97
West Asia	3970.5	1060.65	26.71
Europe	731.7	50.7	6.93
North America	331.7	7.13	2.15
South America	566.05	3.08	0.54
Oceania	33.54	0.60	1.79
Total	6313.78	1565.28	24.79

Click here to check out our suppliers in Food Industry today.

Internationally, Halal certification is currently carried out by a large number of certification bodies throughout the world with multiple, overlapping and inconsistent requirements. Information shared at the recent World Halal Forum 2007 in Malaysia described problems in the certification of Halal products as the key issue in the development of the world market for Halal foods. There are an ever growing number of certification bodies, differing standards and open challenges to competing standards in the name of business gains, not quality assurance. Discussions during the World Halal Forum presented a wide variety of views on certification, especially regarding certification of slaughter practices and facilities.

• Prohibition of stunning
• Prohibition of mechanical slaughtering
• Humane treatment of animals required before and during slaughter
• Prohibition of cannibalistic feeding practices
• Islamic financing required

Sources : http://www.hdcglobal.com

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