KUALA LUMPUR: With the growing importance of food security, supply chain stability, and commercial innovation for the future of the global food and beverage sector, Malaysia is hosting a significant assembly of F&B industry stakeholders at the Malaysian International Food & Beverage Trade Fair (MIFB) 2026, scheduled for July 15–17 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Marking its 25th iteration, MIFB will act as a leading commercial venue for F&B market leaders to share ideas, establish corporate alliances, and investigate private-sector innovations that will define the next phase of Southeast Asia’s food landscape.
Datuk Chan Foong Hin, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, was the guest of honour at the opening ceremony, where he provided a keynote address discussing strategies to address global supply chain issues and the industry’s future readiness. This year’s event, themed “Future-Ready F&B: Powering the Next Wave,” arrives at a crucial moment as companies adapt to changing consumer preferences, heightened sustainability expectations, and increasingly intricate supply chains. Over the last 25 years, the event has transformed from a conventional trade show into a business-centric platform that connects industry participants and accelerates cross-border partnerships to facilitate market growth across Southeast Asia.
In alignment with the exhibition's main theme, this year's MIFB Knowledge Hub will support F&B businesses at all stages, from startups to established exporters, by providing practical strategies to enhance resilience and promote growth. The programme will cover subjects such as artificial intelligence, automation, operational efficiency, business scaling, data-driven decision-making, and export readiness, featuring a distinguished lineup of speakers from organizations including Toastmaker, HEXA IOT, Tetra Pak, StoreHub, Subway, Supergulp, PurelyB, World Halalpreneur Council, WonderBrew, and others. Celebrity Chef Alan Coxon will also present on creating enduring F&B brands that last 40 years, not 40 days.
Attendees will gain valuable insights through expert keynotes and hands-on sessions aimed at improving operations, identifying new growth avenues, and preparing for international expansion. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness various industry showcases, including the Malaysia National Coffee Championship (MNCC), organized in collaboration with the Malaysia Specialty Coffee Association (MSCA). This year’s championship highlights Malaysia's exceptional standards on the global stage, celebrating the achievements of its 2025 local champions: Nas Jaafar, who was named the 2026 World Brewers Cup Champion, and Jacky Chang, who finished as the first runner-up at the 2026 World Latte Art Championship.
MIFB and MCE will showcase top local talent, reflect evolving consumer trends, and provide new insights into the rapidly expanding café and specialty coffee sector. MIFB 2026 will also feature international pavilions from countries including China, India, Poland, South Korea, Turkiye, Thailand, and others, giving buyers and trade visitors direct access to global partners, emerging food innovations, and new sourcing possibilities. Their involvement underscores Malaysia’s expanding role as a regional hub for food trade, investment, and industry collaboration.
Beyond the exhibition area, MIFB 2026 offers a curated agenda designed to foster significant business opportunities while equipping industry professionals with practical market insights:
– MIFB ChefTable: An experiential showcase led by chefs from Team PCS Culinary Malaysia, who are Silver Medalists at the IKA Culinary Olympics 2024, featuring innovative menus crafted from ingredients, products, and equipment provided by MIFB exhibitors.
– MIFB Connect: An exclusive business networking and strategic matching platform divided into two focused sessions to link exhibitors with invited, pre-qualified F&B buyers. Day 1 (July 15) will cater to F&B Manufacturers, Retail & Channel Partners, while Day 2 (July 16) will focus on Hotels, Restaurants, and Caterers (HoReCa), including cafes, bakeries, food outlets, and the hospitality and travel sectors.
– MIFB Launchpad: A live pitching platform for shortlisted F&B startups and innovators to present their latest commercial solutions and market innovations to top investors.
Roger Lim, founder and CEO of One International Group, remarked that today’s businesses seek more than just products; they are in search of ideas, partnerships, and solutions that can assist them in navigating a complex market landscape. He emphasized that MIFB serves as a venue for meaningful discussions that can lead to commercial opportunities, aiming to unite all components of the food ecosystem to help businesses forge stronger partnerships, discover new market opportunities, and prepare for future developments.
MIFB, MCE, and MYFT 2026 are exclusively open to trade visitors and industry participants. For registration and additional details, please visit https://mifb.com.my.
Published: July 17, 2026