KUALA LUMPUR: The world's largest importer of palm oil, India, is throwing its weight behind Malaysia's efforts to boost the edible oil's image and use.
It is looking at ways to promote palm oil usage and shut down anti palm oil sentiment that is on the rise in the West.
In a trade dialogue with the Malaysian delegation in New Delhi, Indian Vegetable Oil Producers Association president Sudhakar Desai said rapid increase in the anti-palm oil campaign by the West poses a threat to the commodity which is essential for both Malaysia and Indonesia.
The Agricommodity Economic Mission Malaysian delegation was led by Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
India imports 54 per cent or 4.92 million tonnes of palm oil year-to-date.
Sudhakar said the country is expected to import 9.01 million tonnes of palm oil for the years 2023-2024.
India is a main export market for Malaysia's palm oil and Malaysia is working with India to counter anti palm oil sentiment.
The country imported 3.3 million metric tonnes of palm oil worth RM13.3 billion from Malaysia last year.
"If anti-palm oil campaigns are not countered effectively in India, it could lead to a significant decline in demand, adversely affecting the palm sector," noted Sudhakar in his presentation to the delegation.
Furthermore, he said India has witnessed early signs of deterrent to palm oil as some snacks in the country highlighted the absence of palm oil in their list of ingredients.
Sudhakar said targeted campaigns that put emphasis on sustainability and economic benefits are crucial for successfully promoting palm oil.
Other ways that could be used are local research that highlights unbiased studies on palm oil as well as robust marketing campaigns that utilise findings from latest research to build credibility and trust among consumers.
Malaysia is doing its part to counter anti-palm oil sentiment, in May Johari issued a stern warning to retailers, importers and distributors in the country against selling, distributing or importing products which are tied to the boycott campaign against palm oil.
The government will strictly enforce the Trade Description Regulations (Prohibition of the Use of Statements of Expressions or Indications) (Production of Palm Oil and Palm Oil Products) 2022.
Johari is in New Delhi from July 17 to 18, to strengthen bilateral trade relationship and explore new cooperation opportunities.