Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL 2025 @ MITEC

I was honored to be at Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL 2025 (FDM 2025) launch today.  Its Southeast Asia’s premier platform for food innovation, strategic partnerships, and future-ready solutions. FDM 2025 brings together 18,000+ trade visitors, 500 exhibitors from 60 countries, and 20+ country pavilions across ASEAN, Europe, and North America.

Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL 2025 @ MITEC

Organised by Comexposium as part of the globally recognised SIAL (Salon International de l'Alimentation) Network, this year’s edition showcased how Malaysia is fast becoming a central node in the global food ecosystem.

Officiated by YB Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Deputy Minister of Plantation & Commodities, the event underscored Malaysia’s public-private commitment to advancing its role in the global food supply chain and agri-food tech sector. He was joined by YB Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy, Sabah’s Assistant Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship.

Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL 2025

Date: 1st to 3rd July 2025

Venue: MITEC, Kuala Lumpur

Admission: Free

Register: https://www.fooddrinksmalaysia.com/

(Event is open to trade visitors, buyers, and even those interested in starting a café or venturing into the food & drinks business)

Held across three dynamic days at MITEC Kuala Lumpur, FDM 2025 brought together influential decision-makers — from international brands and regional distributors to policymakers, innovators, and entrepreneurs — all converging to shape the future of food. 

“Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL is more than a trade exhibition; it’s a catalyst for progress, empowering businesses to scale, enabling ideas to cross borders, and accelerating innovation across the entire food value chain,” said Mr. Henri Tan, Exhibition Director, Southeast Asia, Comexposium APAC.

Backed by a strong export economy, Malaysia’s cocoa sector recorded RM15 billion in export value in 2024, with chocolate products contributing 12.7% of total export earnings, making it a key commodity for national growth and innovation.1

SIAL Innovation Awards

SIAL Innovation Awards 2025

The SIAL Innovation Awards debut in Malaysia with 144 homegrown and international submissions and global recognition.

“With every edition, SIAL unites the world’s most forward-thinking food players through the SIAL Innovation Awards, a platform celebrating bold ideas and products shaping tomorrow’s food landscape. We are proud to see Malaysia advancing the region’s food ecosystem,” said Mr. Nicolas Trentesaux, Managing Director, SIAL Network.

Held at FDM 2025, the Awards received a total of 144 submissions from both Malaysian and international brands. Eleven finalists were shortlisted by a panel of local and international jurors, with three winners announced during the Official Opening Ceremony.

The SIAL Innovation Award Winners for 2025 are:

Gold Award – Symphony Spread Black Sesame Cream from Symphony Confection Sdn Bhd, Malaysia 

Gold Award – Symphony Spread Black Sesame Cream

Manufacturer: Symphony Confection Sdn Bhd

Country: Malaysia

Silver Award - MusaWa Puffs from Musarium Co. Ltd, Thailand

Silver Award - MusaWa Puffs

Manufacturer: Musarium Co. Ltd

Country: Thailand

Bronze Award - Barley Fresh Noodle from Kosmode Health Singapore Pte Ltd, Singapore

Bronze Award - Barley Fresh Noodle

Manufacturer: Kosmode Health Singapore Pte Ltd

Country: Singapore

The jury deliberation took place live, comprising 11 jury members in total. In addition to 

Mr. Henri Tan and Mr. Nicolas Trentesaux, the Malaysian jury members included:

• Professor Dr. Muhammad Shahrim Abdul Karim, Department of Food Service

Management, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM); and

• Mr. Timothy Liew, Chairman, Retail & Food and Beverage, SAMENTA (Small and

Medium Enterprises Association); and

• Mr. Mark Low, Vice President, Malaysia Business Group.

Judges from Paris, France included:

• Mr. Xavier Terlet and Ms. Emeline Fordos, Innovation Experts from ProtéinesXTC 

• From SIAL Network, Mr. Jean-Gabriel Mollard, Communication Director, and Ms.

Nathalie Perraudin, Director of International Projects.

Industry-Focused Engagements: Where Ideas Took Centre Stage

FDM 2025 delivered an expansive programme of high-impact forums, competitions, and networking activities tailored for today’s fast-evolving F&B industry:

• Malaysia’s First-Ever Chocolate Show – Curated in partnership with Salon du Chocolat; featuring sample treats at the Chocolate & Coffee Gourmet Bar by Sunway University.

• 2nd FDM Halal Forum – A deep dive into halal certification, export strategies, branding, and tech innovation within the halal economy. The forum featured speakers from halal authorities, industry bodies, and global importers.

• Future Food & Agriculture by Impact Circle – Highlighting sustainability with panels and showcases on agri-tech, climate-smart farming, and food security challenges shaping the region’s next decade.

• 4th Global Culinary Challenge Malaysia (GCCM) – A vibrant display of skill and creativity, with over 600 chefs from 31 countries competing across categories including Palm Oil Innovation, Barista, Cocoa and Cake, judged by international experts.

• The Spark by Impact Circle @ FDM 2025 – A dynamic pitching and awards platform spotlighting bold ideas and breakthrough solutions shaping the future of food and agriculture.

• Introduction of Non-Halal Beverage Section – Showcasing iconic global brands uch as Moutai and Baijiu.

• Thai SELECT Awards – Honouring Thai F&B excellence in Malaysia.

• Hosted Buyer Programme and Exclusive BizMatch Portal: FDM 2024 connected 160 top importers and buyers, generating over USD 164 million in potential business. 

• International and Local Pavilions – Featuring exhibitors from Canada, China, India, Malaysia, Poland, South Korea, Thailand, Türkiye, USA, and more.

The third edition of Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL 2025 is proudly supported by strategic partners and sponsors including the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Malaysia Airlines, and Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL) — all united in strengthening Malaysia’s position as a regional hub for food innovation and trade. As a key partner, MyCEB’s support reflects its commitment to positioning Malaysia as a premier destination for high-impact business events and industry growth.

Looking Ahead: FDM 2026 and Beyond

FDM 2025 has set the stage for even greater breakthroughs in 2026. Businesses, innovators, and changemakers are encouraged to explore opportunities early to be part of the next wave of food innovation.

Save the Date!

Date: 30 June 2026 to 2 July 2026

Venue: MITEC, Kuala Lumpur

To explore partnership or participation opportunities for FDM 2026, or to learn more about the upcoming SIAL Innovation Awards Malaysia, contact marketing@fooddrinksmalaysia.com

For more information about Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL Network 2025 @ MITEC and Stay updated with FDM’s latest news and developments at www.fooddrinksmalaysia.com, or follow them on social media @FDMbysial (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) and TikTok @fdm_fooddrinksmalaysia.