Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL 2025 Shows Malaysia Is Leading the Way in Food Innovation

Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL 2025 (FDM 2025) wrapped up successfully at MITEC Kuala Lumpur, bringing together the best of global food innovation, strategic trade partnerships, and future-focused agri-food solutions. Organised by Comexposium under the renowned SIAL Network, the event solidified Malaysia’s growing status as Southeast Asia’s gateway for food innovation and export.

Over three impactful days, the event welcomed more than 18,000 trade visitors, 500 exhibitors from 60 countries, and 20+ country pavilions, drawing stakeholders from across ASEAN, Europe, and North America.

Malaysia at the Centre of Global Food Innovation

Held from 1 July - 3 July 2025, FDM 2025 was officiated by YB Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Deputy Minister of Plantation & Commodities, alongside YB Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy, Sabah’s Assistant Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship. Their presence highlighted Malaysia’s public-private commitment to transforming its agri-food ecosystem through innovation, halal leadership, and sustainability.

“FDM by SIAL isn’t just an exhibition — it’s a platform where businesses grow, ideas cross borders, and innovation takes root,” said Henri Tan, Exhibition Director, Southeast Asia, Comexposium APAC.

Key Highlights from FDM 2025

Debut of the SIAL Innovation Awards in Malaysia

For the first time, Malaysia hosted the SIAL Innovation Awards, attracting 144 product submissions from both local and international brands. The awards celebrated originality, commercial viability, and market relevance.

Winners of SIAL Innovation Awards 2025:

Gold: Symphony Spread Black Sesame Cream – Malaysia

Silver: MusaWa Puffs – Thailand

Bronze: Barley Fresh Noodle – Singapore

The judging panel included industry experts from AEON, UPM, SAMENTA, and international delegates from France and the SIAL Network.

“These products reflect Malaysia’s shift from being a food manufacturer to a global leader in food innovation,” said Low Ngai Yuen, Group CMO, AEON Malaysia.

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Malaysia’s First-Ever Chocolate Show

Curated with Salon du Chocolat, this debut segment showcased Malaysia’s cocoa potential, with live tastings, artisanal chocolates, and engaging panels. With RM15 billion in cocoa export value (2024), and chocolate products making up 12.7% of total earnings, the event spotlighted a key national growth sector.

Global Culinary Challenge Malaysia (GCCM)

Now in its fourth edition, GCCM featured 600 chefs from 31 countries competing in categories like Palm Oil Innovation, Cocoa Creations, and Barista Art. The competition underscored Malaysia’s culinary excellence on the global stage.

2nd FDM Halal Forum

This forum dove deep into halal certification, export strategies, branding, and technology trends. It drew strong participation from halal authorities, manufacturers, and global importers looking to understand Malaysia’s edge in the halal economy.

Future Food & Agriculture by Impact Circle

This forward-looking segment tackled sustainability, climate-resilient farming, and food security with panels featuring agri-tech leaders and social innovators shaping the next decade of food.

The Spark by Impact Circle

A dedicated pitching platform spotlighted breakthrough innovations from startups and SMEs aiming to solve tomorrow’s food and agriculture challenges.

Where Trade Meets Innovation

FDM 2025 was designed to drive meaningful connections:

• Hosted Buyer Programme connected 160+ top-tier importers and buyers, generating over USD 164 million in potential trade value

International Pavilions featured exhibitors from Canada, China, India, Poland, South Korea, Türkiye, Thailand, and more

• A newly introduced Non-Halal Beverage Section welcomed global brands such as Moutai and Baijiu

• Thai SELECT Awards honoured Thai cuisine excellence in Malaysia

Strategic Industry Support

FDM 2025 was proudly supported by:

• Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB)

• Malaysia Airlines

• Express Rail Link (ERL)

• Sunway University (Chocolate & Coffee Gourmet Bar partner)

• MITEC Kuala Lumpur is the Official Venue Sponsor for 4th GCCM.

Their involvement reinforced the nation’s commitment to making Malaysia a hub for high-impact business events and global F&B trade.

What’s Next: FDM 2026

FDM 2025 set the bar high - and the momentum is already building for next year. FDM 2026 will take place from:

30 June to 2 July 2026
MITEC, Kuala Lumpur

To explore participation or partnership opportunities, contact
marketing@fooddrinksmalaysia.com

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