Bank Mandiri, one of Indonesia’s largest state-owned banks, is significantly strengthening its commitment to empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) by facilitating the participation of two of its nurtured businesses, Fisnack and SILA Tea, in the prestigious Summer Fancy Food Show 2026. This pivotal event, scheduled to take place from June 28 to June 30, 2026, at the Javits Center in New York, United States, marks a crucial step in Bank Mandiri’s overarching strategy to expand international market access for Indonesian UMKM. The initiative underscores a holistic approach that integrates robust financing mechanisms, intensive business mentorship, crucial digitalization support, and the strategic development of export networks, all designed to elevate local enterprises onto the global stage.
A Gateway to Global Markets: The Summer Fancy Food Show
The Summer Fancy Food Show stands as North America’s largest specialty food and beverage trade event, serving as an unparalleled platform for innovation, networking, and market entry within the global culinary landscape. Annually attracting thousands of exhibitors from around the world and a vast array of industry professionals, including importers, distributors, retailers, and foodservice operators, the show is a critical nexus for discovering new products, forging strategic partnerships, and understanding emerging market trends. For Indonesian UMKM, participation in an event of this magnitude is not merely an exhibition opportunity but a strategic launchpad. It offers direct exposure to a discerning international audience, invaluable feedback on product suitability for global markets, and the chance to secure lucrative export deals that can transform their growth trajectories. The show’s reputation as a trendsetter in the specialty food sector means that products introduced here often gain significant traction and influence in broader consumer markets, making it an ideal venue for unique Indonesian offerings like those from Fisnack and SILA Tea.
Bank Mandiri’s Comprehensive UMKM Empowerment Ecosystem
Bank Mandiri’s strategic engagement at the Summer Fancy Food Show is a direct manifestation of its long-term vision to cultivate an UMKM ecosystem that transcends mere capacity building. Instead, the focus is on creating viable pathways for Indonesian businesses to thrive in the competitive global marketplace. This involves a multi-pronged strategy that goes beyond conventional banking services, embracing a comprehensive empowerment model. Bayu Trisno Arief Setiawan, Senior Vice President (SVP) Micro Development & Agent Banking at Bank Mandiri, articulated that the involvement of fostered UMKM in international exhibitions is integral to reinforcing the bank’s empowerment ecosystem. He emphasized that this integrated approach, encompassing access to financing, business mentoring, digitalization, and market expansion, is designed to ensure UMKM achieve sustainable growth and cultivate global competitiveness.
The bank’s commitment is deeply rooted in the understanding that Indonesian UMKM represent a significant engine for national economic growth. With UMKM contributing an estimated 60% to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing nearly 97% of the total workforce, their sustained development and internationalization are paramount to Indonesia’s economic resilience and future prosperity. By facilitating their access to global platforms, Bank Mandiri is not only bolstering individual businesses but also contributing directly to national export diversification and economic robustness.
Strategic Facilitation and International Collaboration
A key element in Fisnack and SILA Tea’s participation is the strategic facilitation provided by Bank Mandiri through its Mandiri Cayman Islands Branch. This international arm of the bank plays a crucial role in navigating the complexities of overseas trade, offering logistical and financial support vital for international exhibition attendance. Bayu Trisno Arief Setiawan highlighted the importance of the Summer Fancy Food Show as a strategic meeting point, connecting national UMKM with potential international buyers and business partners. This facilitation extends beyond mere financial backing, encompassing guidance on international trade regulations, market entry strategies, and cross-cultural business etiquette, thereby equipping the UMKM with the necessary tools for success abroad.
Furthermore, this initiative is a testament to powerful inter-institutional collaboration. The participation of Fisnack and SILA Tea is a direct result of a synergistic partnership between Bank Mandiri and the Attaché Perdagangan (Trade Attaché) of the Republic of Indonesia in Washington, D.C. This collaborative framework involves a range of promotional activities and meticulously organized business matching sessions, specifically designed to connect Indonesian entrepreneurs with prospective international partners. This government-backed diplomatic support is invaluable, providing credibility, opening doors to high-level contacts, and streamlining the process for Indonesian businesses to meet international trade standards and consumer demands. Such multi-stakeholder collaboration is crucial for de-risking international expansion for smaller enterprises and maximizing their chances of success in new markets.
Showcasing Indonesian Excellence: Fisnack and SILA Tea
The two UMKM selected for this prestigious event embody the innovative spirit and quality potential of Indonesian products.
SILA Tea, an alumnus of Bank Mandiri’s acclaimed Wirausaha Muda Mandiri (WMM) program, is set to introduce a diverse range of premium Indonesian teas. These products are meticulously crafted to meet stringent export market standards, showcasing the rich biodiversity and unique flavor profiles of Indonesia’s tea-growing regions. The WMM program, known for nurturing young entrepreneurs, has provided SILA Tea with comprehensive training in business development, innovation, and strategic market positioning, enabling them to refine their offerings for an international palate. Their display at the show will emphasize the distinctive characteristics of Indonesian tea varieties, from robust black teas to aromatic herbal blends, highlighting sustainable sourcing practices and the artisanal quality that resonates with the growing global demand for specialty beverages. The global tea market, particularly the premium and specialty segments, has seen consistent growth, driven by consumer interest in health, wellness, and unique sensory experiences. SILA Tea’s focus on authentic Indonesian flavors and high-quality production positions it perfectly to tap into this expanding market, offering a compelling narrative of origin and craftsmanship.
Fisnack, a participant in the Mandiri Mikro Fest (MMF) program, will present its innovative fish-based snack products. Developed through rigorous product innovation and creative packaging solutions, Fisnack aims to capture a competitive edge in the global snack market. The MMF program is specifically designed to empower micro-entrepreneurs by enhancing product quality, expanding business networks, and strengthening competitiveness through various promotional activities and training. Fisnack’s products exemplify how local ingredients, when combined with modern processing and appealing branding, can achieve international appeal. The emphasis on fish as a primary ingredient taps into the increasing consumer preference for protein-rich, healthier snack alternatives. In a market saturated with conventional snacks, Fisnack’s unique proposition, coupled with thoughtfully designed packaging that communicates quality and origin, is expected to stand out. The global savory snacks market is continuously evolving, with strong demand for innovative flavors, healthier options, and convenient packaging, all areas where Fisnack has strategically positioned itself.
The selection of these two enterprises underscores Bank Mandiri’s strategic focus on promoting value-added products that possess the inherent quality and innovation required to compete effectively beyond domestic borders.
Pillars of Empowerment: Wirausaha Muda Mandiri (WMM) and Mandiri Mikro Fest (MMF)
Bank Mandiri’s commitment to UMKM empowerment is concretized through two flagship programs: Wirausaha Muda Mandiri (WMM) and Mandiri Mikro Fest (MMF). These initiatives form the bedrock of the bank’s strategy to foster a dynamic and globally competitive UMKM sector.
The Wirausaha Muda Mandiri (WMM) program is specifically tailored to cultivate young entrepreneurs, focusing on enhancing their competencies, fostering innovation, and providing crucial business mentorship. Since its inception, WMM has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing promising talent, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes workshops on business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and access to a vast network of mentors and investors. This holistic approach ensures that WMM alumni, like SILA Tea, are not just funded but are also prepared for the rigors of scaling their businesses, including international expansion.
Concurrently, the Mandiri Mikro Fest (MMF) serves as a vital platform for micro-entrepreneurs, aiming to broaden their business networks, elevate product quality, and fortify their competitive standing through diverse promotional activities and specialized training. MMF addresses the unique challenges faced by micro-enterprises, often characterized by limited access to resources and markets. By providing structured training in areas such as quality control, branding, digital marketing, and market access, MMF helps these businesses professionalize their operations and enhance their appeal to a wider customer base. The festival aspect of MMF also provides direct market exposure, allowing micro-entrepreneurs to showcase their products and connect with potential buyers and partners, thereby bridging the gap between local production and broader market opportunities.
Together, these programs embody Bank Mandiri’s overarching strategy to develop UMKM that are not only adaptive to market shifts but also serve as key catalysts for national economic growth. They represent an investment in human capital and entrepreneurial spirit, ensuring a pipeline of innovative businesses ready to contribute significantly to Indonesia’s economy.
Impact and Future Trajectory: Elevating Indonesian UMKM
To date, Bank Mandiri has provided comprehensive guidance to over 700 UMKM across various sectors. This extensive mentorship encompasses a wide spectrum of support, including enhancing human resource capabilities, digitalizing business processes, strengthening product competitiveness, facilitating access to financing, and expanding market reach at both national and international levels. This scale of intervention highlights Bank Mandiri’s significant role as a development partner for Indonesian enterprises.
The participation in the Summer Fancy Food Show 2026 is regarded as a critical juncture for the mentored UMKM, offering a unique opportunity to expand their business networks, engage directly with prospective global buyers, and unlock broader export collaboration opportunities. Bank Mandiri views this approach as integral to building a competitive edge for Indonesian UMKM through cross-ecosystem collaboration. Beyond bolstering the capabilities of individual entrepreneurs, this strategy is meticulously designed to forge wider market access, thereby increasing the likelihood of local products integrating into international trade value chains. The bank’s vision is to not only introduce Indonesian products to the world but also to ensure they meet global standards and demands, fostering long-term sustainable export growth.
This strategic emphasis on UMKM empowerment is also positioned within the broader framework of the Danantara ecosystem, an initiative that signifies the transformation of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) through collaboration, service innovation, and the development of productive sectors. By championing UMKM, Bank Mandiri directly contributes to this national agenda, driving economic growth and creating shared value across the Indonesian economy. The Danantara ecosystem likely represents a concerted effort by various BUMNs to synergize their resources and expertise to achieve national development goals, with UMKM development being a critical pillar.
Looking ahead, Bank Mandiri has articulated a clear commitment to continuously broaden its collaborations with governmental bodies, industry stakeholders, and diverse strategic partners. This concerted effort is aimed at accelerating the transformation of Indonesian UMKM into globally competitive economic actors. Through the reinforcement of a more inclusive and sustainable empowerment ecosystem, the bank aims to significantly increase the number of UMKM that successfully "level up," expand their export markets, and amplify their contribution to Indonesia’s national economy. This ambitious vision underscores Bank Mandiri’s pivotal role not just as a financial institution, but as a proactive catalyst for national economic development and global integration. The journey of Fisnack and SILA Tea to New York is a tangible step in realizing this grand vision, showcasing Indonesia’s potential on the world stage.
