Food Technology – Palm Oil Products

Palm oil, the predominant global vegetable oil, constitutes over 35% of total production. Despite global challenges, crude palm oil (CPO) achieved remarkable performance, sustaining prices above RM5,000 per tonne throughout 2022. This not only signifies acceptance but also the success of the Government’s long-term initiatives and countering negative campaigns. High CPO prices incentivised Malaysian palm oil plantations to invest in R&D, focusing on precision agriculture, genomic technologies, breeding programmes, and mechanisation to enhance CPO yield per hectare.

In the midstream, improved milling processes reduce environmental impact. Palm oil’s versatility and nutritional value make it a valuable contributor to global food security. Amidst recovery in the tourism and hospitality sector, demand for refined palm oil products is expected to rise, along with concerns stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict leading to a shortage of alternative vegetable oils. Malaysia’s commitment to value-added palm oil products and incorporating palm-oil-based phytonutrients in food items opens new segments in global food security.

Among approved projects are cocoa butter production, nutrient-enriched cooking oils, and non-dairy creamers. The palm oil industry in Malaysia is embracing ESG principles, evident through the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil Certification (MSPO), covering over 90% of the country’s oil palm areas. Ongoing efforts aim to raise ESG awareness among consumers and encourage producers to enhance compliance.