CEO: Considering Establishing Storage Hubs in a GCC Country
Dubai, 28 January 2026 – Malaysian global company FGV Holdings Berhad (FGV) is returning to participate in Gulfood 2026, the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade exhibition, reaffirming its position as Malaysia’s trusted culinary partner in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The company continues to implement its regional growth strategy by strengthening commercial partnerships, expanding distribution networks, and consolidating its presence in key markets across the region.
FGV is participating in Gulfood 2026 through two strategic sectors: the Fats and Oils sector at the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Grocery Trade sector at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai. This dual-sector presence allows the group to engage with a wide spectrum of buyers and trade partners across retail, foodservice, and industrial procurement sectors.
At its exhibition pavilion, FGV is hosting live cooking demonstrations, hands-on product applications, and tasting sessions, enabling visitors and trade partners to experience the diversity and quality of its products, as well as their suitability for regional cuisines and consumer preferences.
Strong focus on Halal Compliance
FGV’s participation in Gulfood 2026 highlights its product portfolio and operational capabilities tailored to the needs of regional markets, with a strong focus on halal compliance, comprehensive supply chain traceability, and reliable supply. The company also offers value-added solutions in later stages, including the ability to customize product formulations to meet the specific requirements of particular markets and clients. This underscores the group’s commitment to supporting regional priorities in diversifying supply sources and enhancing food security, while reinforcing Malaysia’s reputation as a reliable long-term food partner.
In a private interview with the media at FGV’s platform, Group CEO (GCEO), Dato’ Fakhrunniam Othman responded to a question from journalists, saying: FGV is committed to meeting this growing demand through its various consumer food brands such as SAJI, SERI PELANGI, ADELA, PREMEO and GULA PRAI. The Group supports Malaysia’s national food security agenda by ensuring the availability of high-quality and nutritious food products at affordable prices, in line with its vision in delivering sustainable foods and agriproducts to the world.
A leading global agribusiness company based in Malaysia, FGV is one of the largest producers of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) in the world. The Group is the biggest off-taker of smallholders’ fresh fruit bunches (FFB) in Malaysia, sourcing significantly from Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) settlers and independent smallholders, contributing to 70 percent of its total processed FFB. Beyond commercial performance, FGV continues to fulfil its social responsibilities by supporting local communities and contributing to nation-building.
FGV operates in Asia, the Middle East, North America and Europe, supported by a workforce of over 45,000 across its Plantation, Sugar, Oils & Fats, Consumer Products, as well as Logistics & Support divisions.
He added: “The Middle East and North Africa are a cornerstone of FGV Group’s international growth strategy, giving us the opportunity at Gulfood to turn market demand into long-term partnerships, deepen our distribution footprint, and showcase our capabilities as Malaysia’s trusted food partner. Our focus is on building sustainable business relationships that support food security, create added value, and contribute to sustainable regional growth.”
Future Expectations
When asked about his future expectations for strengthening relationships with existing clients, Dato’ Fakhrulnizam Osman said: “I expect to build stronger relationships with our customers, business partners, and local authorities who work closely with us and demonstrate strong loyalty. Additionally, we want to listen to their suggestions and feedback regarding the quality of our products and services, particularly in terms of quality compliance and other standards.”
He continued: “We ask ourselves: how can we improve our services and diversify our products with them? We also want to understand their future plans — whether they intend to expand into African or North African markets — so we can work alongside them and support their future growth strategies.”
Regarding the plan agreed upon for 2026, he said: “We aim to strengthen our presence in key markets such as the Middle East this year. We know that population growth drives consumption, and the market is evolving to include greater use of our oils in confectionery. While listening closely to their demands, we are exploring ways to expand our presence, whether through trade, investment, collaboration, or participation in the full value chain of shipping and storage. Since we are part of Malaysia’s palm oil value chain, we aim to leverage our expertise there in some of our key markets.”
Strongly Committed to Sustainability
Answering a question about how FGV’s products align with sustainability principles, the CEO said: “As you know, Dubai and the UAE promote sustainability and organic products, and so do ours. We are strongly committed to sustainability. If you follow us, you would see that we recently, about a month ago, had sanctions lifted for entering the U.S. market, enabling us now to export our products worldwide.”
He added: “We provide an excellent tracking system through our platform, FGVTOP Talk, which allows tracing our products from refineries to meals and farms. Our product system is therefore highly transparent. We follow a responsible employment policy, ensuring our workers’ wages comply with Malaysian law and that working conditions are fair and equitable, including housing, logistics, access to communication, and other facilities.”
GCC Storage & Packing & Office in the Middle East
The CEO also revealed future plans, stating that FGV is exploring the possibility of participating in a storage facility in a GCC country, as well as opportunities to establish packing plants in a GCC country. However, he noted that details cannot yet be disclosed as these plans are still under study, and information will be shared once concrete evidence is available.
When asked whether there are plans to open a representative office in the Middle East by the end of 2026 to represent the company’s activities, products, and services, the CEO responded: “That’s an interesting question. It has been part of our plans since last year, as the Middle East is a very important market. Currently, we are working with partners and monitoring developments. Once we make a final decision, we will share it. However, it is always important for us to have a presence in the Middle East, both directly and through partnerships.”
He added: “The Middle East and North Africa are significant markets for us, and we export our products monthly and annually. So far, we do not have a permanent office here, but we are always open to the idea. We currently collaborate with several local partners with whom we have good, long-term relationships. Therefore, the possibility of opening an office is always on the table. We will study it seriously and take the necessary steps.”