Report from Tribunnews Journalist, Choirul Arifin
TRIBUNNEWS.COM, JAKARTA – Rendang made in Indonesia has proven to be popular in Europe. A total of one ton of rendang seasoning made by the Women’s Association of Catering Experts Cooperative (IKABOGA) has successfully penetrated the Norwegian market.
IKABOGA has also made 1,000 packs of ready-to-consume 250 gram rendang to Norway.
The rendang made by this cooperative has succeeded in winning the hearts of customers who make their products often served at various gatherings.
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In the meeting which was attended by guests from Norway and Germany, the rendang made by the women’s cooperative assisted by Askrindo was so popular that it had the opportunity to expand its market share to Europe.
Chairman of IKABOGA, Ida Nusanti, said that his cooperative now has a golden opportunity to appear at the Umami Arena Exhibition exhibition which will be held at Nova Spektrum, Lillestrom, Norway.
Ida explained that Umami Arena is a prestigious festival for Food and Beverage (FnB) entrepreneurs from all over the world. A total of 405 exhibitors from 17 countries attended Nova Spektrum, Norway, to show off their superior products.
This festival is held every 3 years on 14 – 17 February 2023 and has succeeded in attracting 25,000 visitors.
Ida Nusanti said that the journey to penetrate the European market in early 2023 will not be easy.
“We have to ensure that the spices are durable and the packaging is safe, and adapt to the taste of the European tongue, which is not too spicy but still maintains the authentic taste of West Sumatra, which is an export requirement in the European region,” said Ida.
As Askrindo’s fostered partner, IKABOGA obtains easy credit or capital from Askrindo. Their business has grown rapidly since joining Askrindo in 2018.
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Priyastomo, Main Director of Askrindo, said that access to capital like this is really needed by MSME players in Indonesia.
“Not all MSMEs are bankable so they still have difficulty accessing capital from banking institutions,” he said in a press statement quoted Thursday, February 23 2023
He explained that the Askrindo Micro and Small Business Development (PUMK) program apart from helping with access to capital, also helps with marketing aspects, training and mentoring so that their business can go up in class.
At the Umami Arena activity, Askrindo provided direct assistance by Nur Aini, Head of Askrindo’s Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) Section.
“This assistance is a form of Askrindo’s support for the MSMEs it has managed to advance to class,” said Nur Aini.
