Malaysian firm seeks partners

MANILA, Philippines–Malaysian food producer Hua Huat Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. is seeking Filipino partners who can distribute its snack products in the country.

In a statement, Hua Huat export development and marketing manager Kelvin Ong said the company was in talks with five possible distributors that can sell its products under the brand name Bika.

“We wanted to start distributing our food products in Manila and eventually in the entire country. We’re hoping that within the year, we can get a partner in the Philippines,” Ong said.

Hua Huat has been manufacturing over the past 30 years some of Malaysia’s favorite snacks including tapioca chips, seafood crackers, prawn crackers, chocolate cream filled wafers, non-GMO cheese corn sticks and candies.

The company has been producing healthy baked products and non-fried products.

“We ensure that our products are free from preservatives and harmful chemicals. All of our products are certified Halal and are safe to be consumed by Muslims and non-Muslims as well,” Ong explained.

Anthony Rivera, marketing manager at the Trade Office of the Malaysian Embassy in Manila (Matrade Manila), said in a statement that the office was delighted with the aggressive expansion plans of Malaysian companies in the Philippines.

“We at Matrade Manila are pushing to bring Malaysian food products closer to the Philippine market. We are grateful for Bika’s interest in bringing Malaysia’s famous snack brand in the Philippines,” Rivera said.

“Malaysia has a lot of palatable food to offer and one of them is Bika products. Consumers must be snack-smart and most importantly, choose to eat products that are manufactured through high-quality standards,” he added.