KUALA LUMPUR: Gone were the days where local products were marketed in boring, old-school packaging.
Believe it or not, the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) has opened the Mardi Artisan Grocer stores and elevated the products sold here to a whole new level.
Through collaboration between Mardi and Mardi Artisan Grocer Sdn Bhd, the first concept store opened in Hartamas Shopping Centre in March 2018 followed by its second branch in Sungei Wang Plaza, Bukit Bintang in August.
From invisible dodol packaging to the innovative salted egg fish skin tidbits, the line of products available at the stores appear to be somewhat unique and classy, which seem lacking in local products nowadays.
Mardi Youth Agropreneur Programme deputy director Ahmad Safuan Bujang said the stores were established to help market a plethora of agro-based products developed by local young entrepreneurs.
“We started out as an idea when many of our entrepreneurs endured setbacks when it came to marketing their products…they produced, marketed, went to fairs and exhibitions, and sold their products from house to house all on their own. This actually drained a lot of their resources and time.
“So, our (Mardi) role here is to provide them with technological input, training, consultancy, grants and financial assistance before we select the products to be sold at these artisan grocer stores,” he told Bernama in an exclusive interview recently.
Then, he said, Mardi Artisan Grocer Sdn Bhd would provide assistance to these entrepreneurs in terms of marketing and branding of their products.
Ahmad Safuan pointed out that the other idea that brought them to open the first store was to have a premium product line or brand that could represent Malaysia internationally, especially for gifting purposes.
“It is rather difficult to find authentic premium Malaysian food products, especially at any airport or other places, because the market here is already saturated with the same products and packaging designs.
“We want to ensure that our products stand out from the rest. That is why when you see our packaging, they look interesting and contemporary, so you can be proud of giving these products to your friends overseas,” he said, adding that response from customers had been positive from day one.
On the criteria needed for the entrepreneurs to place their products at these grocer stores, Ahmad Safuan said one must use the best of natural and healthy ingredients, and produce clean and high-quality items.
Apart from dodol and salted egg fish skin tidbits, the products available at the stores include serunding, acar, cookies, pastes for making dishes like rendang and asam pedas, and kelulut (stingless bee) honey, with prices ranging from as low as RM10 to RM600.
Asked on the best-selling products there, he said dodol was a favourite among customers, especially tourists.
“Not only the dodol is kept in invisible packaging, the texture is soft and the taste is absolutely delish. It’s like an entry point into the Malaysian food experience for these tourists,” he quipped. – Bernama
