FOOD & DRINKS MALAYSIA By SIAL (FDM 2025) Cements Malaysia’s Role as Southeast Asia’s Food Innovation Hub

FOOD & DRINKS MALAYSIA By SIAL (FDM 2025) Cements Malaysia’s Role as Southeast Asia’s Food Innovation Hub

Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL 2025 (FDM 2025) has successfully concluded its most ambitious edition yet, reaffirming its position as the region's premier platform for food innovation, strategic partnerships, and future-focused solutions. Organised by Comexposium as part of the globally recognised SIAL Network, the event brought together over 18,000 trade visitors, 500 exhibitors from 60 countries, and more than 20 international pavilions, transforming MITEC Kuala Lumpur into a bustling hub for the global food ecosystem.

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YB Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Deputy Minister of Plantation & Commodities

The event was officiated by YB Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Deputy Minister of Plantation & Commodities, underscoring the strong public-private commitment to advancing Malaysia’s role in the global food supply chain.

“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.

Some Of the Impressive Masterpieces at Malaysia’s First-Ever Chocolate Show

A Spotlight on Malaysian Excellence and Global Trends

This year’s edition featured an exciting lineup of flagship events, including the debut of Malaysia’s first-ever Chocolate Show. Curated in partnership with Salon du Chocolat, the showcase celebrated the nation's rich cocoa heritage and growing market for artisanal products. With Malaysia’s cocoa sector recording RM15 billion in export value in 2024, this new feature provided a timely platform for local talent and global trends to connect.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Official Opening of FOOD & DRINKS MALAYSIA by SIAL (FDM 2025)

Line Up with the Top 11 Finalists  

Innovation Takes Centre Stage: The SIAL Innovation Awards

A major highlight of FDM 2025 was the prestigious SIAL Innovation Awards, held for the first time in Malaysia. The competition attracted a remarkable 144 submissions from both local and international brands. Judged by a panel of esteemed local and international experts, the awards celebrated products that are shaping the future of the food landscape.

Gold Award: Symphony Spread Black Sesame Cream 

Manufacturer: Symphony Confection Sdn Bhd, Malaysia

Silver Award: MusaWa Puffs 

Manufacturer: Musarium Co. Ltd, Thailand

Bronze Award: Barley Fresh Noodle 

Manufacturer: Kosmode Health Singapore Pte Ltd, Singapore

The SIAL Innovation Award Winners for 2025 are:

Gold Award: Symphony Spread Black Sesame Cream 

Manufacturer: Symphony Confection Sdn Bhd, Malaysia

Judges’ Opinion: Selected for its creamy, no-added-sugar black sesame composition.

Silver Award: MusaWa Puffs 

Manufacturer: Musarium Co. Ltd, Thailand

Judges’ Opinion: Selected for the health benefits provided by its gluten-free rice and green banana blend.

Bronze Award: Barley Fresh Noodle 

Manufacturer: Kosmode Health Singapore Pte Ltd, Singapore

Judges’ Opinion: Selected for its innovative, low-carb fresh noodle proposal made from upcycled spent barley grains.

Top 11 Finalists' Product Range

Ms. Low Ngai Yuen, a jury member and Group Chief Merchandise & Marketing Officer at AEON Co Malaysia Berhad, noted, "The top entries clearly understood their consumers, as they offer purposeful innovation that fits real market needs. This marks a meaningful shift for Malaysia, from manufacturing to leading in food innovation."

Gold Award Manufacturer: Symphony Confection Sdn Bhd, Malaysia

An Expansive Programme for a Dynamic Industry

Beyond the awards, FDM 2025 offered a comprehensive agenda designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing:

• 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, and technological innovation.
• Future Food & Agriculture by Impact Circle: Panels and showcases addressing agri-tech, sustainability, and food security.
• 4th Global Culinary Challenge Malaysia (GCCM): A vibrant competition featuring over 600 chefs from 31 countries.
• 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: The enhanced BizMatch Portal connected 160 top importers and buyers, facilitating high-value, one-on-one engagements.
• International and Local Pavilions: Showcasing a diverse array of products from countries including Canada, China, India, Poland, South Korea, Thailand, Türkiye, and the USA.

4th Global Culinary Challenge Malaysia (GCCM)

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 participate in the next wave of food innovation.

Save the Date!

Date: 30 June 2026 to 2 July 2026

Venue: MITEC, Kuala Lumpur

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

Save the Date for Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL 2026: 30 June to 2 July 2026.