Korea.net: Korean food companies showcase products at ASEAN F&B trade event

This article is part of the Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL (FDM2026) series

Published on Korea.net’s ​Site for ​Honorary Reporter​s on August 25, 2026

Korean food companies showcase products at ASEAN F&B trade event

2026-08-25By Honorary Reporter Ing Yeen Oh from Malaysia
Photo by = Ing Yeen Oh, SIAL Network

From rice cakes and ginseng to Jeju specialties and premium seafood, Korean exhibitors at the Korea Pavilion at the c showcased a diverse selection of products.

Held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from July 15 to 17, MIFB 2026 marked the exhibition’s 25th anniversary. The three-day trade event featured more than 520 exhibitors from over 85 countries, with more than 13,000 unique attendees and over 15,000 square meters of exhibition space.

The Malaysia International Food & Beverage Exhibition (MIFB) 2026 featured more than 520 exhibitors from over 85 countries. (Photo by Ing Yeen Oh, photo taken on July 16 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre)

In his opening ceremony speech, Malaysian Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the exhibition’s theme, “Future-Ready F&B: Powering the Next Wave,” reflected the industry’s need to adapt, innovate and build resilience.

“MIFB is no longer just a conventional trade exhibition. It has evolved into a strategic platform that supports industry transformation, where innovation is translated into scalable solutions, and where businesses are empowered to move up the value chain,” he said.

The theme for Malaysia International Food & Beverage Exhibition (MIFB) 2026 is “Future-Ready F&B: Powering the Next Wave”. (Photo by Ing Yeen Oh, photo taken on July 16 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre)

After spending three days at the trade event, it was observed that the theme was reflected in the range of Korean products presented at the Korea Pavilion, spanning packaged food and drinks, coffee, tea and café products, and ingredients and bulk products. Among the innovative products on display were grain-based meal replacements, stick-shaped rice hotteok designed for convenient consumption, and chewy five-hole rice cakes in cup formats designed to absorb sauce.

The pavilion also featured traditional rice-based foods, Jeju products, ginseng products, chocolate and seafood, highlighting the diversity of Korea’s food industry and its efforts to reach overseas markets. The presence of the Korea Rice Foodstuffs Association (KRFA) and The Geumsan Ginseng & Herb Development Agency was noticed at the trade event. 

Malaysian Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Chan Foong Hin (second from left) visits the Korea Pavilion at the Malaysia International Food & Beverage Exhibition (MIFB) 2026 on July 16 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, accompanied by Korea Rice Foodstuffs Association (KRFA) Public and External Affairs HQ Assistant Manager Choi Dae Han (left). (Photo by Ing Yeen Oh)

Beyond the exhibition floor, MIFB offered a range of programs designed to help visitors connect, learn and do business. One example was MIFB Connect, an exclusive business networking session that brought together exhibitors and invited, pre-qualified buyers from across the food and beverage industry. The session provided a focused environment for business discussions and matching opportunities.

Overall, the products on display offered a glimpse into Korean food companies’ efforts to develop innovative products, preserve traditional food culture and expand into global markets, including Malaysia.

MRS. CACAO, a premium handmade chocolate brand from Jeju Island, creates distinctive chocolate products inspired by Hallasan Mountain, volcanic landscapes, and Jeju's natural ingredients. (Photo by Ing Yeen Oh, photo taken on July 17 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre)