FOOD and Hospitality Malaysia 2025 (FHM 2025) has returned with its biggest edition yet, filling 11 halls at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) with 1,500 brands from 15 countries.

The trade-only exhibition, organised by Informa Markets Malaysia, runs from Sept 23 to 26 and is projected to draw over 25,000 industry professionals.

Informa Markets Malaysia country GM Gerard Leeuwenburgh said this year’s exhibition is designed to create stronger collaboration and new opportunities across the sector.

“This year, our offerings are designed to create impactful experiences and foster collaboration, ensuring that exhibitors, buyers, and industry stakeholders can explore innovative solutions that drive sustainable growth,” he said at the opening ceremony today.

Spanning 20,000 sqm, the exhibition marks its largest footprint since its inception in 1993.

Dedicated zones include the Food Halls, Brew and Bake Hall, International Signature Hall, Hospitality Solutions Hall and a cluster of national pavilions.

Fifteen international pavilions are featured, representing Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Exhibitor offerings cover the entire value chain, from food processing and retail equipment to bakery, confectionery and hospitality solutions.

Trade visitors expected at this year’s edition include airline and cruise catering companies, hotel operators, supermarkets, restaurants, cafés and institutional buyers such as hospitals and schools.

FHM 2025 is also showcasing talent and innovation through competitions and live demonstrations.

Malaysia Pastry Week includes the World Pastry Cup — Team Malaysia National Selection and the Pastry Innovation Lab.

The Coffee Mixology Challenge: Zero Proof highlights the growing segment of alcohol-free beverage innovation, while Housekeeping Malaysia returns for its second edition.

Culinaire Malaysia also makes its comeback, providing a stage for local chefs to compete at an international level.

Trend Talk sessions are being held alongside these events to highlight shifts in consumer preferences and market dynamics.

Informa Markets Asia VP Ian Roberts said that FHM is more than just an event.

“It’s a dedicated platform for cultivating practical solutions that will propel our industry forward,” he said.

He added that the show has grown into Malaysia’s leading trade platform for food, beverage and hospitality, with the 2025 edition featuring a full programme of competitions and knowledge-sharing activities

Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) CEO Tan Mei Phing said FHM plays a vital role in positioning Malaysia as a leading destination for international exhibitions.

“Each event we host is not just an opportunity to showcase Malaysia’s capabilities but also a catalyst for economic growth, talent development, and international collaboration,” she said.

She noted that sustainability, digitalisation and consumer shifts are driving transformation across the food and hospitality sectors.

Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) president Christina Toh said Culinaire Malaysia has become a fixture of the exhibition since its early days.

“Over the years, FHM has become an irreplaceable part of our industry, continually setting new benchmarks for excellence and inspiring growth throughout the sector,” Toh said in her speech.

She added that the 2025 edition of Culinaire Malaysia features 1,060 participants from 18 countries, alongside the Global Chefs Challenge Asian Regional Semi-final.

Running in parallel to the exhibition is the FutureFWD – Hospitality, Food and Beverage conference on Sept 25 at EQ Kuala Lumpur (KL).

Curated by Saladplate in partnership with FHM, the programme features discussions on digital transformation, sustainability and evolving customer demands.

The addition of the conference expands the show’s role beyond exhibition halls, providing a platform for policy makers, business leaders and innovators to exchange ideas on the future of the industry.

FHM 2025 has also introduced new initiatives to highlight Malaysian creativity.

A collaboration with homegrown lifestyle brand Bungkus Kaw Kaw has produced exclusive merchandise giveaways, positioning local design on an international stage.

At the same time, the Food Share Initiative continues in partnership with the Food Aid Foundation.

Surplus food collected daily from the exhibition floor is redistributed to community kitchens across KL.

Admission remains restricted to trade and business visitors in the food, beverage and hospitality sectors.

Pre-registration before Sept 21 was free, while on-site and late online registrations cost RM100 per person, valid for all four days.

Payment is accepted via DuitNow QR, FPX, credit card and e-wallets, while cash transactions are not allowed.

FHM 2025 is endorsed by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) and supported by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) as well as the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau.

It is also backed by industry groups including the Malaysian Association of Hotels, Malaysian Association of Housekeepers, and the Malaysian Food and Beverage Executives Association.

Over the past three decades, FHM has developed into Malaysia’s leading platform for the food and hospitality industry.

It has evolved into a marketplace for suppliers, a stage for talent and a forum for industry dialogue.

The 2025 edition highlights the sector’s ongoing transition amid rising costs, labour shortages, sustainability pressures and changing consumer behaviour.

By hosting more than 1,500 brands and attracting 25,000 visitors, this year’s show reinforces Malaysia’s position as a regional hub and underlines the importance of exhibitions as platforms for business growth and social contribution.