LEBARAN MOMENTUM BOOST PERFORMANCE OF THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY

Every time before Idul Fitri, demand trends in staple goods will increase sharply, including on food and beverage commodities. This momentum is believed to be able to boost the performance of the food and beverage industry which has consistently grown on average above 7 percent.

"In the first quarter of 2018, the growth of the food and beverage industry reached 12.7 percent and contributed to the non-oil and gas processing industry of 35.4 percent," said Director General of Agro Industry at the Ministry of Industry, Panggah Susanto, at the opening of Bazaar Lebaran Year 2018 at Gedung Kemenperin, Jakarta, Tuesday (5/6).

According to Panggah, the Ministry of Industry regularly holds Idul Fitri Bazaar to facilitate the provision of basic needs of the community, especially industrial processed products such as food, beverages, and clothing at affordable prices. "To meet the increase in demand, it is not enough just rely on the availability of market stocks, but also need to be supported appropriate distribution of targets," he said.

Therefore, Bazaar Lebaran is aimed to distribute various basic needs to the community. However, Panggah ensures, despite being sold at a low price, the products in the bazaar remain to have a quality that is maintained.

"As in previous years, when Ramadan arrives, Idul Fitri will become an activity eagerly awaited by the wider community, especially Muslims in preparation to welcome Idul Fitri," he explained.

Lebaran Bazaar can also encourage industry players to introduce or promote their products. "This effort is expected that domestic products can be known in their own country. By introducing our own products, we believe people will be moved to consume local products so that the industry is more productive and competitive, "he said.

Bazaar of Lebaran this year was attended by 100 companies, both large scale and small and medium industries (IKM) .Products featured, such as cooking oil, sugar, wheat flour, biscuits, noodles, processed meat, syrup, milk, soft drinks, clothes, sarongs, and electronics. On the first day, the sale of cheap cooking oil from PT. Sinar Mas 4000 liters.

Panggah is optimistic that the national food and beverage industry will continue to grow positively in 2018. Moreover, there is a momentum of regional head elections held this year in various regions in Indonesia, potentially increasing the consumption of food and beverage products.

Therefore, he added, it is absolutely necessary to synergy the programs and activities between the government and stakeholders in the development of the food and beverage industry, from facilitating access to raw materials, logistics and distribution systems, and research and development activities to create innovation. "This effort also supports in the application of Industry 4.0," he added.