Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL (FDM2026) officially opened yesterday at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), marking the start of a three-day international trade exhibition that brings together global food and beverage brands, buyers, industry leaders, culinary professionals and innovators under one roof.
Running from 21 to 23 July 2026, this year’s edition carries the theme “Savour Southeast Asia: The Epicentre of Taste, Trade & Talent,” reaffirming Malaysia’s role as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia’s dynamic food and beverage industry. Held alongside Chocolate Show 2026, FDM2026 offers an integrated platform connecting businesses across food manufacturing, hospitality, ingredients, confectionery and food service sectors, while facilitating trade, collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The exhibition was officially inaugurated by YB Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, who underscored the importance of strengthening Malaysia’s food ecosystem through stronger public-private partnerships, innovation and industry collaboration.
“Strengthening Malaysia’s food sector requires close collaboration between the public and private sectors. By providing an enabling environment through sound policies, strategic investments and effective regulation, industry players remain key drivers of innovation, product development and market expansion across the food value chain. Platforms such as Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL serve as important catalysts for collaboration, bringing together businesses, investors, government agencies and international partners to accelerate the growth of Malaysia’s food manufacturing sector, encourage technology adoption and strengthen the global presence of Malaysian food brands.”
The opening day featured a vibrant line-up of programmes highlighting industry excellence, innovation and talent development. One of the major attractions was the ASEAN Barista Team Championship (ABTC) 2026, where teams from across Southeast Asia competed in a fast-paced team challenge designed to replicate the demands of a world-class espresso bar.
Visitors also experienced Chocolate Show 2026, which showcased artisan chocolatiers, premium chocolate brands and cocoa innovators through interactive exhibitions, product demonstrations and educational displays. Adding a creative dimension to the event was a chocolate fashion show presented by the Malaysian Association of Ethical Fashion Designers (MAEFD), featuring sculptural chocolate-inspired couture influenced by the internationally renowned Salon du Chocolat.
Innovation also took centre stage through the prestigious SIAL Innovation Awards, the flagship innovation recognition programme of the global SIAL Network that celebrates groundbreaking food and beverage products shaping the future of the industry.
This year’s Gold Award was presented to Thailand’s Lemon Me Farm Co., Ltd. for its Lime Peel Roll, recognised for its originality, strong commercial potential and ability to meet evolving consumer preferences.
Malaysia celebrated its own success on the international stage with Grusonn Wellness Sdn Bhd receiving the Silver Award for its ShroomKoko Cocoa Beverage, highlighting the country’s growing capabilities in food innovation and product development.
Completing the winners’ list was Korea’s Dahaefood, which received the Bronze Award for its Green Tea Seed Bibim.
Selected by an esteemed panel of industry experts, the winning products demonstrate how innovation, sustainability and market relevance continue to shape a more resilient and future-ready global food industry.
Another major highlight was the official opening of the 5th Global Culinary Challenge Malaysia (GCCM), with MITEC serving as the venue sponsor. This year’s competition has attracted more than 800 contestants from across the region and also marks the inaugural launch of the SIAL Culinary Masters Asia (SCMA).
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Designed to nurture the next generation of culinary professionals, SCMA provides young chefs with opportunities to showcase their creativity, innovation and technical expertise through practical culinary challenges. Together, GCCM and SCMA reinforce Malaysia’s growing reputation as a regional hub for culinary excellence and professional talent development.
Mr Henri Tan, Managing Director of SIAL Network ASEAN & India, said FDM2026 continues to strengthen its position as a premier meeting point for the regional and international food and beverage industry.
“FDM is built to serve as a platform where the global food industry actually meets Southeast Asia, not just visits it. Four editions in, that ambition has not become smaller. It has become sharper.”
The exhibition continues over the next two days with an extensive programme of conferences, networking sessions, competitions and business matching opportunities. Day Two highlights include the ChamberLink Exchange, Food System Changemaker Awards, and Scale X World Pitch by Impact Circle, while Chocolate Show 2026, the ASEAN Barista Team Championship, and the Global Culinary Challenge Malaysia will continue throughout the exhibition.
As part of the internationally recognised SIAL Network, Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL continues to strengthen Malaysia’s connection with global food and beverage markets by promoting international partnerships, driving innovation and creating new business opportunities across ASEAN and beyond.
Trade visitors can still register to attend the exhibition by visiting www.fooddrinksmalaysia.com.
