Latest news with #INFRA
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia to train 60 govt officers from Asian-African nations
LANGKAWI: Malaysia has been entrusted with training 60 government officers from member countries of the Asian-African Rural Development Organisation (AARDO) over three years starting this year. Rural and Regional Development Ministry secretary-general Datuk Muhd Khair Razman Mohd Annuar said the responsibility would be undertaken by the Institute for Rural Advancement (INFRA). "INFRA has been assigned to train 20 AARDO officers annually from 2025 to 2027 under the theme 'Inclusive Rural and Regional Development in Malaysia'. "This is an exclusive training programme that features modules that highlight Malaysia's rural development success stories," he told reporters after closing the AARDO International Training Programme at Park Royal Langkawi last night. Present was INFRA director Abd Jalil Ismail. The eight-day programme hosted 20 participants from 16 countries — Bangladesh, Egypt, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Liberia, South Korea, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Zambia and Jordan. Khair said this year's programme aligned with Malaysia's upcoming Asean chairmanship in 2025, which will see the rollout of several collective regional cooperation initiatives. "In response, INFRA has crafted a more dynamic and inclusive training module. "Next year's edition is expected to support the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign directly. "That's why Langkawi was chosen (as the venue) this year. Participants stayed at rural homestays to experience firsthand the lifestyle and development of local communities," he said.
New Straits Times
20-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Traditional Malay wedding charms AARDO international civil servants
LANGKAWI: A group of 20 civil servants from 17 member countries of the African-Asian Rural Development Organisation (AARDO) were captivated by the vibrant traditions of a Malay wedding ceremony in Kampung Sungai Itau today. The delegates, who are in Malaysia for an eight-day international training programme organised by the Institute of Rural Advancement (INFRA) with the support of the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, took part in various aspects of the ceremony, including customary games and traditional food preparations. Participants in the programme included representatives from Bangladesh, Egypt, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Liberia, Korea, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Zambia and Jordan. Alagie Gaye from Gambia said the opportunity to witness a Malay wedding was a valuable experience that offered clear insight into the traditions and way of life in Malaysian villages. "I learned a lot about traditional Malay attire, local games, and the very warm way guests are welcomed. I'm so happy to have been part of this and will bring these memories home to Gambia. "You can only truly appreciate a culture when you live among the people and learn from them directly," he said. Gautam Singh from India echoed a similar sentiment, saying the opportunity to live with a host family provided invaluable insights into Malaysian village life. "Langkawi is a beautiful island, and programmes like this allow us to gain a deeper understanding of cultures beyond our own. I hope more initiatives like this continue," he said. INFRA director Abd Jalil Ismail said the programme was designed to deepen the participants' understanding of Malaysia's rural development policies and approaches. "They are not only learning about our policies but are also seeing the results for themselves, such as in Kampung Sungai Itau, which previously received the Madani Village Award," he said. Malaysia was recently chosen to host the AARDO International Training Programme aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable regional development. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said that since joining AARDO in 1962, Malaysia has actively contributed to capacity-building and training through INFRA.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Edna's Selected to Exhibit at INFRA's 2025 Tabletop Show—Raising the Bar on Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Cocktails
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 17, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Coming off a successful rotation with Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST) in Western Canada and strong sales across over 700 Target Corporation (NASDAQ: TGT) stores nationally, Edna's Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Co. is proud to announce its selection for the 2025 INFRA Tabletop Buying Show. Hosted by the Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA), the Tabletop Show brings together hundreds of independent natural food retailers from across the U.S., making it one of the most sought-after events in the natural food industry. Edna's will be exhibiting at Booth #803, sharing its line of non-alcoholic, sparkling cocktails crafted with premium, all-natural ingredients and a deep respect for traditional mixology. "We're honored to have been selected for the INFRA Tabletop Show," said Nick Devine, Co-Founder and COO at Edna's. "It's a meaningful opportunity to connect with like-minded independent retailers who share our passion for the non-alcoholic space." "Edna's brings something truly refreshing to our 2025 Tabletop Show, both in product and in purpose," says INFRA Category Manager Kim Route, "their dedication to quality, craft, and the growing non-alcoholic space is evident in every sip. We're excited to welcome them to this year's show and introduce their thoughtfully made sparkling cocktails to the INFRA community." The 2025 INFRA Tabletop Buying Show will take place in St. Paul, MN, USA on July 23, 2025. About Edna's Edna's Cocktails are a line of non-alcoholic, sparkling cocktails that deliver a superior taste, balance, and flavor—with a touch of old-fashioned charm. Inspired by recognizable classics, each small-batch recipe is thoughtfully crafted using natural juices, shrubs, extracts, and oils to create structured, characterful adaptations of their alcoholic counterparts. Crafted for Complexity: Edna's is more than a mocktail—each recipe is built with layers of flavour, complexity, and balance. Clean, Real Ingredients: Free from artificial flavours, additives, and preservatives. Versatile Enjoyment: Designed to be sipped as a stand-alone virgin cocktail or used as a premium mixer. About INFRA The Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA) is a cooperative of independent natural food and wellness retailers serving hundreds of communities across the United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. INFRA offers independent natural food retailers the purchasing power, operational excellence, and peer support they need to thrive in today's competitive grocery landscape. By making day-to-day operations easier, we empower retailers to focus on what really matters – making healthy, sustainable foods accessible to all. The INFRA Annual Conference and Tabletop Buying Show is a premier event where independent natural food retailers and innovative brands converge for a week of education, deals, and connection. About Edna's Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Co: Edna's Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Co is a Vancouver-based company that produces all-natural, award winning non-alcoholic beverages that combine top quality ingredients with innovative flavours. With a commitment to quality and taste, Edna's offers a range of sophisticated cocktails designed to elevate any occasion without the need for alcohol. Edna's is made to be enjoyed alcohol-free, cold, over ice, but with the versatility to be used seamlessly, as a mixer. Edna's core mission is to provide delicious, inclusive, and viable cocktail options to a world, rethinking its relationship with alcohol. Retailers and attendees are invited to visit Booth #803 to taste the "Edna's difference", meet the team, and explore wholesale opportunities. View source version on Contacts For media inquiries, please contact: Nick Devine, Co-FounderEmail: nickd@ Phone: 6045055248Social media: @ednascocktails Online Stores: (CA) or (US)
Business Wire
17-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Edna's Selected to Exhibit at INFRA's 2025 Tabletop Show—Raising the Bar on Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Cocktails
VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Coming off a successful rotation with Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST) in Western Canada and strong sales across over 700 Target Corporation (NASDAQ: TGT) stores nationally, Edna's Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Co. is proud to announce its selection for the 2025 INFRA Tabletop Buying Show. Hosted by the Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA), the Tabletop Show brings together hundreds of independent natural food retailers from across the U.S., making it one of the most sought-after events in the natural food industry. 'Edna's brings something truly refreshing to our 2025 Tabletop Show, both in product and in purpose,' says INFRA Category Manager Kim Route, 'their dedication to quality, craft, and the growing non-alcoholic space is evident in every sip..." Share Edna's will be exhibiting at Booth #803, sharing its line of non-alcoholic, sparkling cocktails crafted with premium, all-natural ingredients and a deep respect for traditional mixology. 'We're honored to have been selected for the INFRA Tabletop Show,' said Nick Devine, Co-Founder and COO at Edna's. 'It's a meaningful opportunity to connect with like-minded independent retailers who share our passion for the non-alcoholic space.' 'Edna's brings something truly refreshing to our 2025 Tabletop Show, both in product and in purpose,' says INFRA Category Manager Kim Route, 'their dedication to quality, craft, and the growing non-alcoholic space is evident in every sip. We're excited to welcome them to this year's show and introduce their thoughtfully made sparkling cocktails to the INFRA community.' The 2025 INFRA Tabletop Buying Show will take place in St. Paul, MN, USA on July 23, 2025. About Edna's Edna's Cocktails are a line of non-alcoholic, sparkling cocktails that deliver a superior taste, balance, and flavor—with a touch of old-fashioned charm. Inspired by recognizable classics, each small-batch recipe is thoughtfully crafted using natural juices, shrubs, extracts, and oils to create structured, characterful adaptations of their alcoholic counterparts. Crafted for Complexity: Edna's is more than a mocktail—each recipe is built with layers of flavour, complexity, and balance. Clean, Real Ingredients: Free from artificial flavours, additives, and preservatives. Versatile Enjoyment: Designed to be sipped as a stand-alone virgin cocktail or used as a premium mixer. About INFRA The Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA) is a cooperative of independent natural food and wellness retailers serving hundreds of communities across the United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. INFRA offers independent natural food retailers the purchasing power, operational excellence, and peer support they need to thrive in today's competitive grocery landscape. By making day-to-day operations easier, we empower retailers to focus on what really matters – making healthy, sustainable foods accessible to all. The INFRA Annual Conference and Tabletop Buying Show is a premier event where independent natural food retailers and innovative brands converge for a week of education, deals, and connection. About Edna's Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Co: Edna's Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Co is a Vancouver-based company that produces all-natural, award winning non-alcoholic beverages that combine top quality ingredients with innovative flavours. With a commitment to quality and taste, Edna's offers a range of sophisticated cocktails designed to elevate any occasion without the need for alcohol. Edna's is made to be enjoyed alcohol-free, cold, over ice, but with the versatility to be used seamlessly, as a mixer. Edna's core mission is to provide delicious, inclusive, and viable cocktail options to a world, rethinking its relationship with alcohol. Retailers and attendees are invited to visit Booth #803 to taste the 'Edna's difference', meet the team, and explore wholesale opportunities.
National Post
17-07-2025
- Business
- National Post
Edna's Selected to Exhibit at INFRA's 2025 Tabletop Show--Raising the Bar on Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Cocktails
Article content VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Coming off a successful rotation with Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST) in Western Canada and strong sales across over 700 Target Corporation (NASDAQ: TGT) stores nationally, Edna's Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Co. is proud to announce its selection for the 2025 INFRA Tabletop Buying Show. Hosted by the Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA), the Tabletop Show brings together hundreds of independent natural food retailers from across the U.S., making it one of the most sought-after events in the natural food industry. Article content Edna's will be exhibiting at Booth #803, sharing its line of non-alcoholic, sparkling cocktails crafted with premium, all-natural ingredients and a deep respect for traditional mixology. Article content Article content 'We're honored to have been selected for the INFRA Tabletop Show,' said Nick Devine, Co-Founder and COO at Edna's. 'It's a meaningful opportunity to connect with like-minded independent retailers who share our passion for the non-alcoholic space.' Article content 'Edna's brings something truly refreshing to our 2025 Tabletop Show, both in product and in purpose,' says INFRA Category Manager Kim Route, 'their dedication to quality, craft, and the growing non-alcoholic space is evident in every sip. We're excited to welcome them to this year's show and introduce their thoughtfully made sparkling cocktails to the INFRA community.' Article content The 2025 INFRA Tabletop Buying Show will take place in St. Paul, MN, USA on July 23, 2025. Article content About Edna's Article content Edna's Cocktails Article content are a line of non-alcoholic, sparkling cocktails that deliver a superior taste, balance, and flavor—with a touch of old-fashioned charm. Inspired by recognizable classics, each small-batch recipe is thoughtfully crafted using natural juices, shrubs, extracts, and oils to create structured, characterful adaptations of their alcoholic counterparts. Article content Crafted for Complexity: Edna's is more than a mocktail—each recipe is built with layers of flavour, complexity, and balance. Clean, Real Ingredients: Free from artificial flavours, additives, and preservatives. Versatile Enjoyment: Designed to be sipped as a stand-alone virgin cocktail or used as a premium mixer. Article content About INFRA Article content The Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA) is a cooperative of independent natural food and wellness retailers serving hundreds of communities across the United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. INFRA offers independent natural food retailers the purchasing power, operational excellence, and peer support they need to thrive in today's competitive grocery landscape. By making day-to-day operations easier, we empower retailers to focus on what really matters – making healthy, sustainable foods accessible to all. Article content The INFRA Annual Conference and Tabletop Buying Show is a premier event where independent natural food retailers and innovative brands converge for a week of education, deals, and connection. Article content About Edna's Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Co: Article content Edna's Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Co is a Vancouver-based company that produces all-natural, award winning non-alcoholic beverages that combine top quality ingredients with innovative flavours. With a commitment to quality and taste, Edna's offers a range of sophisticated cocktails designed to elevate any occasion without the need for alcohol. Edna's is made to be enjoyed alcohol-free, cold, over ice, but with the versatility to be used seamlessly, as a mixer. Edna's core mission is to provide delicious, inclusive, and viable cocktail options to a world, rethinking its relationship with alcohol. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
