Melaka Rebrands Lohan Guava As MelGuv

MELAKA, June 29 (Bernama) -- The Lohan guava (GU16), a fruit synonymous with Melaka, has been rebranded as MelGuv, short for Melaka Guava.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the rebranding marks a transformation and adds value to the state’s agricultural sector, especially with the growing production of MelGuv.

"MelGuv has a distinct flavour that is both sweet and crunchy, setting it apart from guavas grown in other regions. The largest plantation of MelGuv is located in Pulau Gadong.

"Last year, 1,139 metric tonnes of the fruit were produced over 80 hectares in Melaka," he told reporters after closing the Melaka Agrofest 2025.

Also present was the state Rural Development, Agriculture, and Food Security committee chairman, Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh. 

He said commercial guava cultivation in Melaka began in 2023, with annual production now exceeding 1,000 metric tonnes and continuing to grow each year.

In conjunction with the three-day agrofest that began on Friday, 15,000 MelGuv fruits were distributed to visitors.

Ab Rauf also reported RM1.05 million in sales and 41,842 visitors over the first two days, with attendance expected to rise on the final day.

He added that the agrofest remains a vital platform to strengthen the agri-food sector, having evolved from its original form as the Farmers, Livestock Breeders, and Fishermen’s Day, introduced in 1983.

Looking ahead, he added that the state government is committed to enhancing food security through various initiatives, including the expansion of Permanent Food Production Parks.

"Alhamdulillah, last year, the agriculture sector was the third-largest contributor to the state's GDP, reaching RM4.8 billion and achieving the highest growth rate of 6.5 percent. 

"This year, the Federal government allocated RM10.2 million for high-impact agricultural projects, covering agro-tourism, the crop subsector and development of padi fields," he said.

-- BERNAMA