Malaysia to Showcase Innovative F&B Solutions at FOODEX Japan 2026: Targeting Wellness and Convenience Trends

KUALA LUMPUR, 10 MARCH 2026 – Malaysia will strengthen its presence in Japan’s dynamic food and beverage market by showcasing a range of innovative Halal food products at FOODEX Japan 2026, one of the world’s most prominent international food and beverage exhibitions.

Taking place from 10 to 13 March 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight, the Malaysia Pavilion, spearheaded by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), is organised in collaboration with Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi (KUSKOP), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Lembaga Pemasaran Pertanian Persekutuan (FAMA) and Suruhanjaya Koperasi Malaysia (SKM).

The Pavilion brings together 18 export-ready Malaysian companies showcasing a diverse portfolio of products tailored to the sophisticated and evolving preferences of Japanese consumers. Featured offerings include Halal Ready-to-Eat (RTE) meals, nutritional and functional foods, as well as premium pastes and sauces, reflecting Malaysia’s growing strength in value-added food innovation.

Malaysia’s participation in FOODEX Japan also represents a strategic effort to further deepen the country’s footprint in the Japanese market, building on the strong momentum generated by the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.

“FOODEX Japan 2026 provides a strategic platform for Malaysian businesses to strengthen market access, gain valuable industry insights and establish partnerships with key buyers in Japan. Importantly, it also supports Malaysian MSMEs in navigating and complying with Japan’s stringent food standards, regulations and market requirements, enabling them to build greater credibility and competitiveness in the Japanese market.” said Mr. Abu Bakar Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE.

“There is significant potential for Malaysia to further integrate into Japan’s food supply chain by maximising the opportunities offered under the Malaysia–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (MJEPA) and leveraging international platforms such as FOODEX Japan. By bringing Malaysian companies closer to Japanese industry players, we aim to strengthen business linkages and position Malaysia’s Halal-certified innovations as reliable and high-quality solutions within Japan’s food ecosystem. Such initiatives will help translate growing global interest in Malaysian products into expanded market access, deeper supply chain integration, and sustainable economic growth for Malaysia,” he added.

Participating companies under MARA, FAMA and SKM will highlight products enriched with natural superfoods and functional ingredients designed to support the needs of Japan’s ageing population, while also catering to the increasing demand among health-conscious younger consumers for convenient, nutritious and high-quality food options.

Malaysia’s presence at FOODEX Japan 2026 further reinforces the country’s position as a global leader in Halal certification, offering Japanese buyers access to food products that meet internationally recognised standards for quality, safety and traceability. The Pavilion will present a wide spectrum of Halal-certified food and beverage products, reflecting Malaysia’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the global Halal ecosystem.

Japan remains one of Malaysia’s most important trading partners. In 2025, total bilateral trade reached RM142.96 billion, making Japan Malaysia’s fifth-largest trading partner and sixth-largest export destination. Trade between the two countries continues to be driven by key sectors such as electrical and electronics (E&E), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and processed food products.

As one of the world’s largest importers of agricultural and food products, Japan imports nearly 60 per cent of its food supply, including processed foods, fruits, grains, spices and seafood. This strong import reliance presents significant opportunities for Malaysian exporters to expand their presence in the Japanese market with high-quality and competitively priced products.

While Japan faced challenges from weakening yen and a shrinking population, its market remains one of the most sophisticated and affluent globally. Japan remains the fourth-largest economy in the world (behind US, China and Germany) by nominal GDP with estimated value of USD4.46 trillion (IMF World Economic Outlook). The total market size for F&B in Japan (retail and food service combined) is estimated to be approximately USD750 billion in 2026. The industry is experiencing significant transformation drive by complete recovery in tourism, aging population demanding health-focused products and massive push toward digital automation.

MATRADE invites visitors and buyers attending FOODEX Japan 2026 to visit the Malaysia Pavilion at West Hall (W1-U06), Tokyo Big Sight, to experience the diversity and innovation of Malaysia’s premium Halal food and beverage offerings. For more details email Alamat emel ini dilindungi dari Spambot. Anda perlu hidupkan JavaScript untuk melihatnya..