Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL Network 2024 (FDM 2024) has once again proven itself as a pivotal event for the food industry, providing a global platform for business owners, industry leaders, and innovators to showcase and discover groundbreaking products and technologies. The official launch ceremony was graced by YB Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Deputy Minister of Plantation & Commodities, who was accompanied by YB Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Sabah State Minister of Industrial Development & Entrepreneurship.
With the theme of ‘Inspire Food Business’, this year’s FDM not only inspired ideas, but also actively drove and accelerated innovation and collaboration within the industry.
Salon International de l’alimentation Network, or commonly known by its French acronym SIAL (pronounced as sai-uhl) Network, is a key brand under Comexposium. Headquartered in France, Comexposium is one of the leading event organisers worldwide.
Trade fairs like FDM drive innovation in the food industry by serving as a hub for the latest trends, market insights, and industry intelligence. These events provide a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and showcasing new products, accelerating the adoption of innovative practices and technologies to meet evolving consumer demands.
Henri Tan, Director of Comexposium Asia Pacific, explained that Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL is intended to be a catalyst for local and regional entrepreneurs and startups to play a greater role in the global food markets.
“By showcasing innovative products, facilitating networking opportunities, and fostering collaborations, we are creating a platform that empowers entrepreneurs and startups to expand their reach and influence, access new markets, and connect with potential partners and investors.”
Established in France in 1964, the SIAL Network is known as ‘The Global Food Marketplace’, connecting and facilitating business within the international food community. Reflecting on SIAL’s 60th anniversary this year, Nicolas Trentesaux, Managing Director of SIAL Network said, “The second edition of FDM by SIAL embodies our theme ‘Inspire Food Business.’ As we celebrate 60 years, the event in Malaysia showcases diverse exhibitors and the innovative products, setting a new industry benchmark. It’s inspiring to witness the collaboration and advancements spurred by this global platform.”
Looking ahead, Trentesaux added, “Next year, we are excited to introduce the prestigious SIAL Innovation Awards to Malaysia, further driving food innovation and excellence in the region.”
The Fair also featured notable on-ground engagements, including —
- 3rd Global Culinary Challenge Malaysia (GCCM), which saw up to 300 chefs from neighbouring countries participating in the competition.
- The FDM 2024 Halal Forum featured presentations and panel discussions on halal certification standards, strategic partnerships in the halal import-export business and innovative Halal branding & marketing.
- A two-day conference themed ‘Future Food Frontier: Transforming Tomorrow’s Food & Agriculture’ by Impact Circle, where industry leaders and stakeholders converged to explore the innovations shaping the future of food and agriculture, from sustainable farming to new technologies.
The second edition of FDM by SIAL 2024 was supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), aT Korea (Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation), data analytics and research agency GlobalData, and Sin Chew Daily as Official Media Partner.
Partnering with GlobalData, the whitepaper on the latest food trends in Southeast Asia will be available for public download at FDM’s official website at https://www.fooddrinksmalaysia.com/.
For those interested in partnering or participating in the third edition planned for 2025, or learn more about the SIAL Innovation Award, kindly 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.