Written by Aliyah Ming & Ying Chia
The entry of Mantap food brand is an important step for Brunei’s economy and food security, said Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awg Hj Abdul Manaf bin Hj Metussin, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT), who was present as Guest of Honour at Mantap’s launching ceremony recently.
In an exclusive interview with Borneo Insider’s Guide, the MPRT Minister spoke about the impact that Mantap is hoped to have on the national food market as well as creating the crucial spin-off industries and economies, saying that he hoped that the launching of Mantap would help Brunei’s food companies which are largely mid-tier to small-to-medium businesses, develop further. “When we look at the profile of the industries in Brunei, other than oil and gas the next most advanced industry is food. With this company and the FDI coming in, I hope it will help our micro companies to develop” he said, adding that the onsite testing laboratory by Mantap could also be capitalised on by SMEs rather than sending their products and ingredients to Singapore. He called this facility a “good move” saying he hoped it would act as a catalyst for more FDI’s to take root in the Sultanate. Mantap is a locally-produced sauce and condiments brand that is managed by Indian corporation Atoll Agro, and offers a range of products including tomato ketchup, chilli sauce, soya sauce, Korean Ssamjang, mayonnaise, cheese dressing and thousand island dressing. At present, Mantap is looking to expand its reach to over 400 retail stores nationwide.
Founder of Atoll Agro, Ankit Jayantibhai Patel, said during his opening speech that the company underwent rigorous testing not only for Halal certification but also achieved international food safety and quality standards including Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and ISO 22000. “Our products are ready for the mass and export markets. Going forward, we will also increase our range of products and begin exports to ASEAN countries,” he said. Patel also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) and Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) for facilitating the project, citing the sultanate’s potential for further FDI in Southeast Asia. “As foreign investors, we see the potential in setting up in Brunei to target regional markets, especially with the support that we have received. We also see synergies with working with local SMEs in our ingredients and supply chain to help grow this business further.”
Atoll Agro is part of the Atoll Group, whose operation in Brunei began in 2011 with Patel setting up Atoll Oxygen Sdn Bhd in Belait to supply industrial and medical gases. Atoll as a group is a 50-year old organisation established by his father, Jayantibhai P. Patel. Initially known as Parekh Group of Companies, it originated in India and has a presence in India, Brunei, Africa and Australia
