Algeria emerges as attractive market for local palm oil, says Malaysian ambassador to Algeria

Algeria has emerged as an attractive market for Malaysian palm oil, due to its vibrant and growing food industry, Malaysia’s ambassador to Algeria said.

Malaysian palm oil exports to Algeria grew almost 82% to reach about 79,000 tonnes in 2024.

Despite palm oil’s share not being large in Algeria’s annual cooking oil imports of 980,000 tonnes, future demand is likely to be fuelled by the country’s expanding processed food industry.

“Algeria offers significant potential for palm oil use in cooking, margarine products, speciality fats, palm-based cheese, confectionery, snacks, and non-dairy creamers,” Ambassador Rizany Irwan Muhamad Mazlan said.

Algeria depends on imports for 75% of its annual cooking oil consumption.

The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) and four Malaysian companies in April participated in Djazagro, Algeria’s largest agriculture industry exhibition, to explore trade and business opportunities.

The trade fair held in Algiers attracted 540 exhibitors from 38 countries.

“Algeria is one of the leading economies in the Middle East and North Africa region, and Malaysia is committed to enhancing trade ties with it,” Rizany told Bernama.

Besides Algeria’s growing palm oil demand in segments such as confectionery and snacks, Malaysia also sees opportunities for collaboration in oleochemicals, refining and product research.

“The participation in Djazagro offered a valuable platform to Malaysian companies to showcase their products and engage with potential buyers from Algeria. More such interaction is needed,” Rizany said.

The Malaysian ambassador recently held discussions with the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACI) president Hamenni Kamel, to grow engagements between the Malaysian and Algerian business communities.

They focused on areas such as digital economy, tourism, halal industry, and mutual investment promotion.