11/03/2014 (Bernama) - Gulfood, one of the biggest annual food and hospitality trade show in Dubai saw Malaysia's largest participation with 70 companies, including 29 companies making inroads into the market for the first time.

This year's participation generated sales of RM638.9 million and received a total of 19,856 trade enquiries throughout the five day event.

"Malaysian food products are well accepted and widely available in all major supermarkets in the region.

"Among the products promoted by companies during the annual event were palm oil based products, beverages, food ingredients, confectionery, sauces and paste, frozen food and bakery products," Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) said in a statement today.

The agency said Malaysia's exports of processed foodstuff to the United Arab Emirates increased from US$ 95 million in 2012 to US$ 104.5 million in 2013.

Matrade expects the growth to continue in the coming years due to the improving acceptance of Malaysian food products, it added.