India and Malaysia Launch Collaborative Initiative to Boost Palm Oil Awareness

India and Malaysia are strengthening their palm oil trade relations with a new awareness campaign to promote the nutritional and health values of Malaysian palm oil. The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) and the Oil Technologists Association of India (OTAI) have entered into an agreement to promote sustainable development in the palm oil industry by focusing on misconceptions in the Indian market.

India, being one of the major markets for Malaysian palm oil, will be the beneficiary of an extensive campaign aimed at highlighting the position of palm oil in health, nutrition and industrial uses. The campaign will center on consumer education, industry outreach and scientific studies to enhance the acceptance of palm oil across India’s food and non-food industries.

MPOC CEO Belvinder Sron highlighted the significance of science based initiatives in promoting awareness. “Partnerships with organizations such as OTAI enable us to reach stakeholders effectively, counter misinformation and establish consumer confidence” he said.

Palm oil is a good source of vitamin E antioxidants tocopherols and tocotrienols and contains no trans fats. It has a balance of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and natural ingredients that promote cardiovascular health.
According to the accord, MPOC and OTAI will provide seminars, conferences and lectures to educate stakeholders. Joint research efforts with Indian universities will also confirm palm oil’s nutritional value, with results published in scientific forums and media outlets.