Malaysia, the gateway to ASEAN's food market
20-22 July 2027
A market opportunity not to be missed
Malaysia's food industry is growing at pace. By 2030, 73% of the world's middle class will be in the Asia Pacific region. Malaysia is already one of the most important F&B manufacturing hubs in Southeast Asia, after China, Thailand and Indonesia. The halal segment is a particular growth area: Malaysia has over 40 years of experience in halal industry development, and the global halal market is projected to reach USD 5 trillion by 2030. There is still an estimated 80% gap between global halal demand and production, a significant commercial opportunity for brands entering the market.
Plant-based and alternative proteins are another high-growth segment. The global plant-based food market is expected to reach $95.52 billion by 2029, growing at 12.4% annually. Malaysia is increasingly positioned as a hub for this category across the region
Savour Southeast Asia: The epicentre of taste, trade & talent
18,063
441+
1,914
USD 283,039,600
SIAL Food & Drinks Malaysia is the leading food and beverage trade exhibition in Malaysia and the strategic gateway to the ASEAN market. Held annually at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur, it brings together the regional and international food industry for three days of business, sourcing, innovation and knowledge exchange.
For exhibitors, the motivations are equally clear. 57% chose FDM to generate new leads. 42% came to identify new partners and distributors. 40% aimed to build brand presence across the region.
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"Participating in SIAL Food & Drinks Malaysia 2026 was a truly valuable and memorable experience. Our booth attracted continuous interest from buyers and visitors throughout the event. This success would not have been possible without the outstanding support of the organizing team."South (PSU), Thailand
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"We are from Brazil and it's our first time in Malaysia. FDM 2026 has provided a great opportunity to build our brand and connect with potential business partners. We'd definitely consider returning next year."Mercúrio Alimentos, Brazil
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"I come here to look for new suppliers who can help my business. It's more organized now, and I can see more exhibitors this year. It's been a great experience."Vermilion Food Empires, Malaysia
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"FDM has been very valuable. It provides an excellent platform to meet manufacturers, suppliers and industry professionals from different countries, making it much easier to build new business relationships."PT. Exindokarsa Agung, Indonesia
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"Quite valuable, as I managed to meet with multiple suppliers for each of the categories I was looking for. I was able to compare capabilities and competitiveness. It is a quick and efficient way to meet, compare suppliers and gather samples."Foreword Coffee Pte Ltd, Singapore
Who visits SIAL Food & Drinks Malaysia?
The attendee community reflects the full breadth of the food and beverage industry in Southeast Asia. The largest segment is retail, trade and business innovators (39%), followed by food, beverage, bakery and confectionery professionals (21%) and HORECA operators, hotels, restaurants and cafés (12%).
Buyers come to the show with clear objectives. 43% attend primarily to gather market intelligence. 37% come to meet suppliers and purchase products. 13% focus on networking and building new partnerships.
The top product categories attracting buyer interest reflect the specificities of the Malaysian and ASEAN market. Beverages and non-alcoholic drinks lead at 48%, followed by halal and lifestyle food (34%), meat, poultry and seafood (27%), dairy and plant-based alternatives (26%), food processing and packaging technology (26%), grocery and dry goods (24%), ingredients and flavours (23%), health and functional nutrition (23%), fruits and vegetables (22%) and manufacturing services (21%).
Business matching and buyer programme
The hosted buyer programme at SIAL Food & Drinks Malaysia connected 161 local and international buyers from 12 countries and regions with exhibitors through a structured matchmaking platform. Buyer-seller meetings generated an estimated USD 283 million in sales value across the three days.
Top buyers who attended FDM 2026 include AEON, Grocer, Bernas, Caroma, Century, Decathlon, Genting Malaysia, Giant, GPL, Hjrah Water, Mahnaz Food, NSK, Supa, QSR Trading, Sangla Foods, Swiss-Garden and Tokyo Food, among many others.
Innovation, competitions and industry highlights
SIAL Food & Drinks Malaysia
SIAL Food & Drinks Malaysiagoes well beyond the exhibition floor. The 2026 edition featured a rich programme of competitions, culinary showcases and innovation platforms that made it the most ambitious edition to date.
SIAL Innovation Malaysia
The Global Culinary Challenge Malaysia
The SIAL Culinary Masters Asia
ASEAN Barista Team Championship
The Chocolate Show
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