Bigger, Bolder, and More Future-Focused — Malaysia Cements Its Role as Southeast Asia’s Food Innovation Hub
• Four flagship events return and debut at FDM 2025: SIAL Innovation Awards, Malaysia’s First Ever Chocolate Show, 2nd FDM Halal Forum, and 4th Global Culinary Challenge Malaysia (GCCM)
• SIAL Innovation Awards draws 144 homegrown and international submissions, spotlighting Malaysia on the global innovation stage
• 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 (FDM 2025) reaffirmed its role as Southeast Asia’s premier platform for food innovation, strategic partnerships, and future-ready solutions. 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.
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. 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 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.
“We are especially thrilled to introduce Malaysia’s inaugural Chocolate Show, curated in partnership with Salon du Chocolat. Malaysia has a rich heritage of cocoa plantations and a growing domestic market with sophisticated consumers eager for innovative chocolate products. This show celebrates artisanal craftsmanship and cocoa innovation, offering a platform to showcase local talent and connect with global trends.”
“This celebration of Malaysia’s rich cocoa heritage is just one example of how FDM 2025 highlights the country’s growing influence in food innovation, a momentum further underscored by the impressive participation in the SIAL Innovation Awards,” he added.
Driving Innovation from Malaysia to the World
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
Manufacturer: Symphony Confection Sdn Bhd
Country: Malaysia
• Silver Award – MusaWa Puffs
Manufacturer: Musarium Co. Ltd
Country: Thailand
• Bronze Award – Barley Fresh Noodle
Manufacturer: Kosmode Health Singapore Pte Ltd
Country: Singapore
Jury Reflections on Malaysia’s First SIAL Innovation Awards
“What impressed me most were the products that were not only bold and original but also commercially viable and ready to scale. The top entries clearly understood their consumers, as they offer purposely innovation that fits real market needs. This marks a meaningful shift for Malaysia, from manufacturing to truly leading in food innovation,” said Ms. Low Ngai Yuen, Group Chief Merchandise & Marketing Officer, AEON Co Malaysia Berhad.
“The level of innovation was incredibly promising. These homegrown creators are proving that Malaysia is more than ready to compete on the world stage, with products that blend functionality, heritage, and forward-thinking purpose. It is a strong reflection of how far our local food innovation ecosystem has come and where it is heading next,” commented Ms. Melissa Ong, Group Chief Officer of Impact Circle.
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 ; and
• 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 such 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. The programme returns this year with enhanced matching capabilities, offering focused, one-on-one engagements that turn conversations into commercial success.
• 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. |
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.
About Food & Drinks Malaysia (FDM) by SIAL
Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL, the leading food and beverage exhibition in Malaysia and around the region – providing a focused platform for the industry towards market entry to the gateway of Asia’s food capital, i.e. Malaysia. The premier F&B trade fair offers a unique experience to meet, establish new business networks with related businesses and services, and learn through customised knowledge-based sessions on topics relating to the industry.
Follow FDM’s latest news and developments at www.fooddrinksmalaysia.com, or follow them on social media @FDMbysial (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) and TikTok @fdm_fooddrinksmalaysia.
About Comexposium
Comexposium is one of the world’s leading event organisers. With more than 150 B2B and B2C events, across more than 10 industry sectors, Comexposium brings together 48,000 exhibitors with 3.5 million visitors, 365 days a year.
Headquartered in France, its international reach and omni-channel approach means that its brands have a strong presence in 22 countries, enabling its customers and partners to draw on multiple levers to expand their audiences and grow revenue. For more info, visit https://www.comexposium.com.
About Salon International de l’alimentation Network (SIAL Network)
Established in 1964, the SIAL Network has carved a name for itself as ‘The Global Food Marketplace’. With an international presence spanning over 60 years, SIAL has combined global knowledge with localised market expertise, establishing itself as a world benchmark for food industry players. Hosting thousands of companies from over 130 countries, SIAL attracts a live community of 700,000 professionals. For more information, visit https://www.sial-network.com.
