ABOUT THE 51ST ANNUAL SESSIONS AND MEETINGS OF THE IPC AND INTERNATIONAL SPICE EXHIBITION
IPC holds regular Session and Meetings every year which is hosted by the IPC member country on a rotation basis. Each member country is represented by a delegate with plenipotentiary authority to the Session. This year, the 51st Annual Session and Meetings of IPC and International Spice Exhibition (51st IPC ASM ISE) will be hosted by the Government of Malaysia and organized jointly by The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK), Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB) and the International Pepper Community (IPC) in Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia from 6 - 9 November 2023.
Following the peak of pepper price in 2015/2016, the global pepper production has continuously reported with a steady increasing trend which has caused the scale to greatly tip to one side. On average, in the past 5 years, the global pepper production has exceeded 500 KMT while the excess stock brought over balance for a 5-year calculation (2017 – 2021) averaging around 175 KMT. As result of the global oversupply of pepper, pepper price has fluctuated with a tendency of decreasing and has prolonged the unfavourable low prices of pepper. The imbalance of global pepper supply and demand has put pressure to the economy of the stakeholder of the pepper industry, especially pepper smallholders as they are burdened with a significant high cost of production and relatively low selling prices. In this regard, the need for increasing the global demand of pepper has been of great importance and ought to be seriously taken up by all the stakeholders of the pepper industry by encouraging more promotional campaign to increase the consumption of pepper both domestically and internationally as well as penetrating more unconventional consuming market to expand the pepper market. Thus, creating more opportunities for the advancement and sustainability of the global pepper industry.
As such, IPC take upon the theme of "Balancing the Global Pepper Supply and Demand – Alleviating Pressure on Prices" for the 51st Annual Sessions and Meetings of the International Pepper Community. The 51st Annual Sessions and Meetings of the IPC is expected to be one of the largest ever conferences of the International Pepper Community.
Where
Pullman Hotel, Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia
When
Monday to Thursday
6 - 9 November 2023
Event Speakers
Here are some of our speakers

Mr. Cheah Chee Fong
Undersecretary of Cocoa and Pepper Industries Development Division
Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, Malaysia

Ms. Firna Azura Ekaputri Hj. Marzuki
Executive Director
International Pepper Community

Mrs. Jenny George
Director General
Malaysian Pepper Board

Mr. Jasvinder Singh Sethi
Director
Namagro

Mr. Juliano Camara
Managing Director
COREIMEX Representacoes Ltda

Mr. Van Vannal
Executive Director
Cambodia Pepper and Spice Federation

Ms. Laura Shumow
Executive Director
American Spices Trade Association

Mr. Gabriel Sarasin
Director Sustainability and Technology
McCormick Global Ingredients Ltd

Mr. Vijay Karunakaran
Vice President
Olam Food Ingredients

Dr. Sidi Rana Menggala
Agriculture Researcher
Ghent University, Belgium

Mr. Giridhar Rao
Vice President Operations
Terova Inc (A subsidiary of Griffith Foods Inc)

Mr. Dickens Mambu
Managing Director
MDF GLOBAL SDN. BHD.

Mr. D Sathiyan IFS
Secretary
Spices Board India

Mr. Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono
Director General of International Trade Negotiations
Ministry of Trade, Indonesia

Ms. A. P. P. Disna
Director General
Dept. of Export Agriculture ,Sri Lanka

Mr. To Viet Chau
Deputy Director General of International Cooperation Department
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Viet Nam

Ms. Vivi Widyana
Founder, Director, CEO
PT. Billiton Rempah Indonesia

Ms. Quyen Nguyen
Program Manager, Spices
IDH The Sustainable Trade Initiative

Mrs. Hoang Thi Lien
Chairwoman
Viet Nam Pepper and Spice Association

Mr. William Yii Sin Choung
Managing Director
NGUONG AIK (KUCHING) SDN BHD

Ms. Li Yi
Secretary General
China Spices Association

Mr. Zehnder Jarroop Augustine Mercer
Director
Malaysian Pepper Board
Event Schedule
Here is our event schedule
Please select a date to find out more about the schedule

51st Executive Meeting of Heads of Delegations - (by invitation)
Venue: Pullman Hotel
The 51st Executive Meeting of the Heads of Delegations of the International Pepper Community.
This is a closed meeting of the Plenipotentiary representatives of IPC member countries to discuss in details and consider the proposed work programmes and activities recommended by the different committee meetings of IPC and at the same time also consider and approve the proposed budget of IPC for implementing its work programme.

Arrival of Delegates and Registration
Venue: Lobby Pullman Hotel

The 51st Dinner of Heads of Delegations of the IPC hosted by the Ministry of Plantation and Commodity of Malaysia (MPC) - (by invitation)
Venue: Sarawak River Cruise, Waterfront Kuching

Registration of Delegates (Continued)
Venue: Foyer Ballroom Colosseum 1

Opening Ceremony
Venue: Ballroom Colosseum 1
Opening Ceremony of the 51st Annual Sessions and Meetings of the International Pepper Community
- Arrival of participants
- Arrival of HODs
- Arrival of VVIP
- Negaraku National Anthem of Malaysia
- Ibu Pertiwiku State Anthem of Sarawak
- Doa Recital
- Cultural Performance
- Welcome Address by Ms. Firna Azura Ekaputri Binti Haji Marzuki, Executive Director of IPC
- Keynote address by the Honourable Dato' Sri Haji Fadillah Bin Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Malaysia
- Launching of the 51st IPC ASM ISE and IPC Award Ceremony 2023 by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Malaysia
- Photo Session with Awardees
- Photo Session VVIPs with IPC HODs
- Opening of the International Pepper Exhibition by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Malaysia
- Press Conference

International Spice Exhibition Day 1
Venue: Petra 1 & Petra 2

The 11th Business Sessions
Venue: Ballroom Colosseum 1
To discusses business related issues, with paper presentation by speakers from both producing and consuming countries.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Pepper Industry: Recovering from the Post Global Pandemic
Mr. Giridhar Rao (Vice President Operations)Terova Inc (A subsidiary of Griffith Foods Inc)
Global Pepper Market: Supply & Demand and Price Stability
Mr. Jasvinder Singh Sethi (Director)Namagro
Sustainable Pepper- An Initiative by Small Medium Enterprises : Journey by MDF Global Sdn Bhd
Mr. Dickens Mambu (Managing Director)MDF GLOBAL SDN. BHD.
Value Added Pepper Products for SMEs: the Value Chain
Ms. Vivi Widyana (Founder, Director, CEO )PT. Billiton Rempah Indonesia
Sarawak Pepper Industry: Exporter Perspective
Mr. William Yii Sin Choung (Managing Director)NGUONG AIK (KUCHING) SDN BHD
Fair Living Wage Spices Farmers: Sustainable Living - Wage Strategy in the Case of Pepper Farmers
Dr. Sidi Rana Menggala (Agriculture Researcher )Ghent University, Belgium
Vote of Thanks and Token of Appreciation
Ms. Firna Azura Ekaputri Hj. Marzuki (Executive Director)International Pepper Community

Lunch
Venue: Puzzle Restaurant Pullman

The 45th Pepper Tech Meeting
Venue: Ballroom Colosseum 1
This technical forum designs the blueprint for the Community's operational agenda. The purpose of the meeting is to study, identify and evolve solutions for problems faced by the Pepper industry in the areas of production, processing, marketing and product development. The meeting also examines papers highlighting the new technologies and practices followed by the member countries. It finalizes the figures on the world Pepper production, consumption, imports, exports and stock carry over for the last year (actual), estimates for the current year and projection for the coming year.
USA Pepper Trade Regulations Update and How Does it Affect the Industry
Ms. Laura Shumow (Executive Director)American Spices Trade Association
Global Pepper Sustainability: Challenges and Opportunities for the Pepper Stakeholders
Ms. Quyen Nguyen (Program Manager, Spices)IDH The Sustainable Trade Initiative
Pepper Traceability: Future Directions for the Industry
Mr. Gabriel Sarasin (Director Sustainability and Technology)McCormick Global Ingredients Ltd
Smart Farming for Future Pepper Cultivation
Mr. Vijay Karunakaran (Vice President)Olam Food Ingredients
The usage of pesticides from the perspective of pepper industry in Malaysia
Mr. Zehnder Jarroop Augustine Mercer (Director)Malaysian Pepper Board
Vote of Thanks and Token of Appreciation
Ms. Firna Azura Ekaputri Hj. Marzuki (Executive Director)International Pepper Community

Welcome Dinner hosted by MPC
Venue: Ballroom Colosseum 2
Dress code: Formal

Free Time (Networking)
Venue: Pullman Hotel

International Spice Exhibition Day 2
Venue: Petra 1 & Petra 2

The 28th Pepper Exim Meeting
Venue: Ballroom Colosseum 1
This is a gathering of producers, exporters, importers, traders and grinders of pepper to expedite the exchange of information and a forum for dialogue between the producing and consuming countries. The meeting discusses various facets of Pepper such as supply and demand situation in each producing and importing country, quality improvements & quality control, possible use of technology in improving Pepper quality and information exchange.
India's Country Report
Mr. D Sathiyan IFS (Secretary)Spices Board India
Indonesia's Country Report
Mr. Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono (Director General of International Trade Negotiations)Ministry of Trade, Indonesia
Malaysia's Country Report
Mrs. Jenny George (Director General)Malaysian Pepper Board
Sri Lanka's Country Report
Ms. A. P. P. Disna (Director General)Dept. of Export Agriculture ,Sri Lanka
Viet Nam's Country Report
Mr. To Viet Chau (Deputy Director General of International Cooperation Department )Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Viet Nam
Viet Nam's Country Report
Mrs. Hoang Thi Lien (Chairwoman)Viet Nam Pepper and Spice Association
Brazilian Pepper Outlook
Mr. Juliano Camara (Managing Director)COREIMEX Representacoes Ltda
Cambodian Pepper Outlook
Mr. Van Vannal (Executive Director)Cambodia Pepper and Spice Federation
China Pepper Outlook
Ms. Li Yi (Secretary General)China Spices Association
Vote of Thanks and Token of Appreciation
Ms. Firna Azura Ekaputri Hj. Marzuki (Executive Director)International Pepper Community

Lunch
Venue: Pullman Hotel

Panel Discussion on Country Report
Venue: Ballroom Colosseum 1
Panelists : Country Representatives Moderator: Mr. Jasvinder Singh Sethi, Namagro
Moderator
Mr. Jasvinder Singh Sethi (Director)Namagro
Mr. D Sathiyan IFS (Secretary)
Spices Board India
Mr. Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono (Director General of International Trade Negotiations)
Ministry of Trade, Indonesia
Mrs. Jenny George (Director General)
Malaysian Pepper Board
Ms. A. P. P. Disna (Director General)
Dept. of Export Agriculture ,Sri Lanka
Mr. To Viet Chau (Deputy Director General of International Cooperation Department )
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Viet Nam
Mrs. Hoang Thi Lien (Chairwoman)
Viet Nam Pepper and Spice Association
Mr. Juliano Camara (Managing Director)
COREIMEX Representacoes Ltda
Mr. Van Vannal (Executive Director)
Cambodia Pepper and Spice Federation
Ms. Li Yi (Secretary General)
China Spices Association
Vote of Thanks and Token of Appreciation
Ms. Firna Azura Ekaputri Hj. Marzuki (Executive Director)International Pepper Community

The 51st Plenary Meeting
Venue: Ballroom Colosseum 1
Opening Remarks by the Executive Director of the IPC.
Ms. Firna Azura Ekaputri Hj. Marzuki (Executive Director)International Pepper Community
Country Statements: India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Viet Nam
Report of the IPC Committee Meetings
By Chairman of IPC Committee Meetings
12th Meeting of the IPC Committee Meeting on R & D
9th Meeting of the IPC Committee on Marketing
29th Meeting of the IPC Committee on quality
Report of the Business Sessions, Pepper-Tech and Pepper Exim Meeting by the Executive Director of IPC
Token of Appreciation to Dr. H.M.P.A. Subasinghe for his contribution toward IPC Committee on Research and Development and IPC Programme
Ms. Firna Azura Ekaputri Hj. Marzuki
(Executive Director)International Pepper Community
Global Consolidated Crop Report Release
Ms. Firna Azura Ekaputri Hj. Marzuki (Executive Director)International Pepper Community
Closing Remarks by Undersecretary of Cocoa and Pepper Industries Development Division, Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, Malaysia
Mr. Cheah Chee Fong (Undersecretary of Cocoa and Pepper Industries Development Division)Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, Malaysia
Handing Over IPC Chairmanship from Malaysia to Sri Lanka
Mr. Cheah Chee Fong (Undersecretary of Cocoa and Pepper Industries Development Division)Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, Malaysia
Keynote Remarks of Sri Lanka as the next hosting country
Ms. A. P. P. Disna (Director General)Dept. of Export Agriculture ,Sri Lanka
Vote of Thanks and Token of Appreciation
Ms. Firna Azura Ekaputri Hj. Marzuki (Executive Director)International Pepper Community

Free Time (Networking)
Venue: Pullman Hotel

Gala Dinner hosted by the International Pepper Community (IPC)
Venue: Ballroom Colosseum 2
Dress Code: Casual

Cultural Excursion
Tentative Program
8:30 am - Meet at Pullman Hotel Kuching lobby
9:00 am - Short Briefing to all participants
9:30 am - Depart Pullman Hotel Kuching to Sarawak Cultural Village
10:30 am - Arrive at Sarawak Cultural Village
10:30 am – 2:00 pm - Visit to ethnic houses, watch cultural show and lunch at ethnic houses
2:00 pm - Leave Sarawak Cultural Village
3:00 pm - Arrive at Borneo Cultures Museum
3:00 – 5:00 pm - Tour Borneo Cultures Museum
5:00 pm - Leave Borneo Cultures Museum to Pullman Hotel Kuching
6:00 pm - Arrive at Pullman Hotel Kuching
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Borneo Cultures Museum
Registration
Delegates from IPC member countries are India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam as a full member countries, and Papua New Guinea and the Philippines is associate member countries. Delegates from non member countries (other than the above IPC countries), Every delegate will gets: Regular Seating, Coffee Break, Custom Badge, Community Access, Conference Access, Lunch, Dinner, Merchandise.
8 Sep - 5 Nov 2023 (Normal Price) | 6 Nov 2023 (On Site) | |
---|---|---|
Member Country | USD 350 | USD 500 |
Non-Member Country | USD 450 | USD 600 |
Spouse | USD 150 | USD 200 |
Hotel Venue
PULLMAN HOTEL KUCHING
PULLMAN HOTEL KUCHING
Positive vibes from the stunning panoramic views of Kuching City and Sarawak River, Pullman Kuching offers spacious and contemporary interiors, creating a 5 star luxury and comfortable atmosphere for an escapade or business.
Featuring a selection of outstanding facilities, restaurants and bar, Pullman Kuching also boost 389 rooms with uniqueness in mind that are designed to enrich guests with precious and exclusive comfort since inception in 2010.
Hotels
Here are some nearby hotels

Hilton Hotel Kuching
600 meters from the Venue, 2 minutes by car.
We’re in central Kuching, next to the Sarawak River. Jalan Main Bazaar and Kuching Waterfront are one kilometer away and we’re less than five minutes from Tua Pek Kong Temple. Kuching International Airport is a 10 km drive, and we’re 30 minutes from Bako National Park. Enjoy our outdoor pool, sun terrace, and fitness center.
Address:
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuching 93100, Serawak, Malaysia
Tel : +60 82-223 888
Email : kuching.info@hilton.com
web site: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/kuchitw-hilton-kuching/

Riverside Majestic Hotel
750 meters from the Venue, 3 minutes by car.
In the Riverside Majestic Hotel's premier Astana wing, rest assured that you will be treated like royalty. Right next to our Riverside Majestic Hotel Puteri Wing and overlooking the winding beauty of the scenic Sarawak River, enjoy a panoramic view of the Kuching Waterfront from the Darul Hana Bridge or take in the splendour of the iconic State Assembly Building. Cross over easily to the other parts of Riverside Majestic Hotel Puteri Wing via the connected pedestrian bridge. Not to forget, it is strategically located in the heart of Kuching’s business entertainment, dining and shopping district.
Address:
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, P.O.Box 2928, 93756, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
Tel: +60 82-532 222
Email: contact@rmh.my
Website: https://astana.riversidemajestic.com/

Grand Margherita Hotel
850 meters from the Venue, 3 minutes by car.
Grand Margherita Hotel, where you will be treated like royalty, is Sarawak's first international hotel. Situated along our backyard is the 1.7km stretch of scenic Kuching Waterfront where fitness enthusiasts enjoy their morning jogs and evening strolls.
Address:
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
Tel: 60 82 532 111
Email: contact@gmh.my
Website: https://www.grandmargherita.com/
Transportation
Transportation from Kuching International Airport to Pullman Hotel Kuching
Transportation from Kuching International Airport to Pullman Hotel Kuching
Travel distance from Kuching International Airport to Pullman Kuching is only about 10 Km. From Kuching International Airport to Pullman Kuching you can travel by Taxi (USD 8-10) or Shuttle Bus (USD3 )
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