Frequently Asked Questions
What, Who, Where, When, Why?
What is the iFOODex? The iFOODex is Malaysia’s largest
international consumer food exhibition since 1999. The event allows food manufacturers,
distributors and retailers to reach their end-customers all under one-roof for product
launch, product introduction or product promotion. Exhibitors can also organize
stage activities for extended brand exposure. Who attends the iFOODex?
The iFOODex attract food lovers mainly from Penang, Kedah and Perak. Our past shows
have consistently attracts more than 50,000 food lovers with numbers exceeding 60,000
in 2005 and 95,000 in 2009. We are expecting to hit at least 75,000 visitors in
2010. Where is the iFOODex organized? The iFOODex is held
at the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA) in Relau, Penang, Malaysia. PISA
is the main exhibition venue in Penang and is located only 5 minutes from the Penang
International Airport, Bayan Baru and Relau and only 10 minutes from Island Glades
and Jelutong and only a short 20 minutes drive from Butterworth and Georgetown.
When is the iFOODex held? The iFOODex is usually a mid-year
event held either in June or July. iFOODex 2010 is scheduled for June 4-6, 2010
and will be held in conjunction with the 2nd Penang International Food Festival
and the King’s Birthday. Why is there the iFOODex? The
iFOODex plays a very important role for the food industry. Usually companies find
it hard to get new products into the hands of customers while sitting passively
on hypermarket shelves. They also find that traditional media such as newspaper,
radio or television do not allow consumers to experience their product with all
their senses, especially taste and smell. Thus the iFOODex exist to fulfill a demand
where manufacturers, distributors and retailers can interact face to face with end-customers,
to introduce food products, get them to try their new items, and more importantly
to get their products into the hands of consumers. They can also get feedback on
their products from existing users and to generate immediate increase in their sales.
Established brands usually use this event to strengthen brand awareness via various
stage activities.
Visiting the Event
What is the registration fee? The iFOODex is opened FREE
for all individuals. How do I register for this event?
Since this is a consumer show, there is no registration needed for entrance. However,
if you would like to receive updates on the events, coupons or new activity listing,
do feel free to register your email at www.intrenasionale.com.
Can I bring my children for the event? The iFOODex is a family event, thus
parent can bring their children to this fun event. There are also specific interactive
stage events that are organized for children. Also there will be a new section focused
on children and baby food. What are the opening hours for the iFOODex?
The event will open daily from 11 am to 9 pm daily. How do I get
updates on the iFOODex? All registered email users from our main website
– www.intrenasionale.com will receive frequent updates on the event, such as the
latest list of exhibitors, product highlights, and the breaking news on the event.
What can I expect by visiting the iFOODex? Visitors can
expect to see a wide range of food products. Many exhibitors will be launching new
food items – thus you might be the first to actually sample these food items – even
before it reaches the mass consumers. Visitors can interact with exhibitors and
to learn new recipes. There will also be plenty of stage activities where great
prizes are offered or given for participation. On top of that, most exhibitors will
also offer special exhibition-only prices on their products, thus you might be able
to get some great savings on your purchases made on site. Also look out for the
organizer’s Crazy Sales where prices of products will be offered at ridiculously
low at specific time. Do you have Celebrity Chef Appearances at
iFOODex? We have had great celebrity chefs at our previous iFOODex. Chefs
such as Chef Wan, Chef Florence and Chef Amy Beh have graced our past events; however,
please check back with us to see who will be at iFOODex 2010. What’s
New for iFOODex 2010? Although iFOODex has been a great hit among visitors
for the past ten shows, we constantly look for new ideas and improvement for the
event. One drastic change that can be expected for iFOODex 2010 is the Penang International
Food Festival. The Penang International Food Festival (PIFF) will host two major
events, namely the iFOODex, and the 4th International Penang Chef Challenge. Apart
from the PIFF, iFOODex 2010 will also see an expanded Healthy Food Section to further
emphasize on the importance of healthy eating as well as an all-new Halal Section.
There will also be a host of new “exciting” interactive stage events that will keep
visitors entertained for the whole day. Event Highlight for iFOODex
2010 The 4th International Penang Chef Challenge as well as the appearance
of celebrity chefs will be some of the key highlight of the iFOODex and the Penang
Chef Challenge at the 2nd Penang International Food Festival.
Exhibiting in the Event
How can my company exhibit in the iFOODex? Those interested
in exhibiting in the iFOODex can contact our marketing team at 604 6467866 or submit
a request for proposal (RFP) via email at andrew@intrenasionale.com
What is the cost of participation at the iFOODex? Standard 3m x 3m booth
for the iFOODex cost RM 3,700 each or US$ 1,200 (for non-Malaysian companies). Companies
can also choose a smaller space called the Entrepreneur’s Space for only RM 1,500.
There are also limited sponsorship opportunities available for iFOODex which ranges
from RM 20,000 to RM 30,000. What can I expect to gain by participating
at the iFOODex? We understand that getting food products into the hands
of consumers can be very costly and sometimes impossible. However, by participating
at iFOODex you are able to reach the consumers on a face to face basis as they come
to sample and purchase your products. With an open-mind, they are open to your sales
pitch, learn new recipes, adopt new brands and try new items. This is also the best
time to have them take your product home for the first time, or to further enhance
your brand identity within your existing users. At iFOODex, your products can also
appeal to all their senses, especially smell and taste – something you cannot achieve
with any other media. To top it off, all these can be done at a very much lower
cost compared to traditional media. Exhibitions provide you with a “permissive-based”
advertisement, thus making it much more effective compared to the usual “disruptive”
advertisements. iFOODex also allows company to get into the market at a much faster
speed compared to other form of media. What is the Pre-event Promotion
for iFOODex? To achieve our high-visitorship, we deploy an assortment of
pre-event promotions. Some of our pre-event promotions include television advertisements,
promotional flyers, billboards, magazines, radio, road streamers, major newspapers
and road-shows. Can companies tap into your Pre-event Promotions?
Yes, exhibitors are encouraged to participate in our promotional flyers. In this
flyer, we will work with exhibitors to create special retail packages only for the
event and we will list them at no charge. This will allow additional exposure to
product branding. Is there other promotional avenue during the
show? Exhibitors are always encouraged to take up active participation
role at our exhibition. We believe this is the foundation for exhibiting success
at our exhibition as this will further enhance their brand image and brand recognition
among our visitors. We work with exhibitors to sponsor stage events that give them
at least 30 minutes of undivided attention among visitors that builds lasting impression.
We also offer banner space around the exhibition hall that can capture visitors’
interest by advertising on standing streamers at the entrances and the walkway to
the exhibition hall. What about online advertising avenue?
With the www.ifoodex.com getting frequent hits from buyers in the region, we have
allowed exhibitors to do pre-show advertisement on our webpage. Please contact Mr
Andrew CHAN at 604 6467 866 for more details. Are there any pre-show
promotional activities that exhibitors can participate in? We will send
out at least four e-pre-show previews to our database of over 20,000. There will
be limited advertisement space in each of these e-pre-show previews that exhibitors
can ride on. We can also do customized on-request e-mailers for individual exhibitors
at minimal fee. Are there other sponsorship opportunities at the
iFOODex? iFOODex happens because of the strong sponsorship received over
the years. We offer limited cash sponsorship opportunities for companies who wants
additional brand exposure – pre and during event. We also offer customized on-site
sponsorship opportunities such as Entrance Arch, Goodie Bags, and Anchor Stage Events.
Companies that are interested to gain additional exposure through this event can
contact Mr Andrew CHAN at 604 6467866 or email at andrew@intrenasionale.com Is there any government support to the iFOODex? The iFOODex
is fully supported by the Penang State Government, Tourism Penang and Tourism Malaysia.
The event is listed on the Tourism Malaysia tourism calendar under the Penang International
Food Festival (PIFF 2010). Will there be a chance for me to network
with my peers? iFOODex definitely provides you a way to meet face-to-face
with your peers in the industry, and increase your value as a professional. Whether
you plan to establish new relationships, or catch up with old friends, these are
opportunities you can't miss and something you can expect at every Intrenasionale
event.
Hotel and Travel
What is the Official Hotel of iFOODex? The Krystal Suites
is our Preferred Official Hotel for the iFOODex.
International Visitors
Do I need VISA to enter Malaysia? Visitors from certain
countries do not require VISA for entry into Malaysia. However, for an updated list
please visit
http://www.kln.gov.my/files/Visa_Requirement_for_Malaysian.pdf.
What is there for me to do in Penang? Penang is known as the Pearl of
the Orient, famous for its beaches, heritage sites and food. For more information
about Penang, please visit the TourismPenang website at http://www.tourismpenang.gov.my. What are the
languages used in Penang? Most people in Penang are fluent in English,
Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese (Hokkien, Mandarin and Cantonese dialect)
What is the weather like in Penang? Penang enjoys tropical climate with
warm and balmy weather all year round. Temperatures range from 21C to 32C. Annual
rainfall varies from 2000mm to 2500 mm. Humidity level is at an average of 80% throughout
the year.