Since 2016, for four years we have been engaged with negotiation with Malaysia to export Hanwoo beef to Malaysia.  In 2020, the negotiation is concluded. It took another 3 years to have the slaughterhouse designated for the halal certification. The certification process was completed in March this year. And today we are going to have the first contract for the export of halal Hanwoo beef to Malaysia. This year also marks the 40th year anniversary of the 'Look East Policy' between South Korea-Malaysia.

The Halal Korean Beef Export Contract signing ceremony of Korean premium beef, Hanwoo had been officially poised for export to Malaysia. In the presence of Malaysian and Korean Ministers accompanied by the ambassador of Korea, the launching event held at Mandarin Oriental Hotel on May 12th, 2023. Korean beef exporters and importers, restaurants and more parties were invited to join and witness the first export of Korean beef to Malaysia with Halal certificate.

According to Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of South Korea Mr. Chung Hwang Keun said that Hanwoo is a breed of cattle indigenous to South Korea. It has fatty fibers, called the ‘marbling’ evenly distributed throughout the meat. It is very soft due to the fat, and it has a very distinctive and rich flavours. It is already known for its disinctive and exceptional tastes by various international media and Youtubers. When a Hanwoo cattle is born, we attach an ICT chip on the ear for traceability, from borth to sluaghter. Before the meat is shipped, we will do the safety check and graded with 5 different levels quality. Therefore, we are able to guarantee the best taste of our Hanwoo beef!

“Currently Korea importing Hanwoo beef to Hong Kong, Macao and Cambodia at the moment. Today, we will be exporting it to Malaysia. There are many countries that are interested in the Hanwoo beef such as UAE and Indonesia. Malaysia will be the centre of the Halal Hanwoo beef. In one year, we slaughter about 1 million cattle in it would amount to 6-7 billion dollars. For export, it is  around 15 million dollars. ” He said.

“Since Hanwoo beef has a great taste and we can guarantee the best safety management, we are confident about the product. In June, Malaysia consumers will be able to taste it and if they love it, the demand will go up. We will have to wait and see. Nova Innovation is importer of the halal Hanwoo beef in Malaysia and it will be distributed by large distribution company and made available in supermarkets and restaurants. We are expecting to expand the supply in the future.  The Hanwoo beef can be used in many dishes such as steak, fry and soup. It can be consumed in many different ways For example, in movie Parasite, Hanwoo beef is used to top the Ram-Don instant noodles.  Malaysian can use Hanwoo beef just like that in the nasi or mi goreng.’’

Chung is in Kuala Lumpur for a three-day visit to meet government officials and import-related companies to further promote Korean Hanwoo beef export. “Malaysia could be the entrance or bridge for the halal Hanwoo beef market. If we have success in Malaysia, we can expand the export to Indonesia and UAE. We think Malaysia is a very good and big market. Since this is the first time South Korea is exporting Hanwoo beef to Malaysia, promotion is very important. So, we would need all the help from the Malaysian media to promote it! ”  he said.

Hanwoo is a safe premium beef raised in Korea under strict management by the Animal Products Traceability system, HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) and thorough hygiene and safety management. The system records and manages all information from breeding to production and sales to prevent hygiene and safety advance and implements a beef history system to immediately respond to problems by tracking the history. Furthermore, Hanwoo is rich in coenzyme Q10 which possesses anticancer effects and also high in L-carnitine which helps in reducing blood cholesterol. Its tenderness of marbling and richness of texture provide consumers the perfect balance of palate pleasing experience. For more information of Hanwoo, kindly log on to www.halalhanwoo.com.