KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian companies generated RM420.35 million in sales at SIAL Paris 2026, one of the world’s leading food innovation exhibitions, held from Oct 17 to 21 at Paris Nord Villepinte, France.
A total of 43 Malaysian companies, comprising mainly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) alongside established exporters, participated under the Malaysia Pavilion organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).
The exhibitors represented eight states and federal territories, with Selangor accounting for the largest number at 23 companies, followed by Johor (five), Kuala Lumpur (four), Kedah (three), Perak (three), Sarawak (three), Penang (one) and Terengganu (one).
The sales performance reflects growing interest among European importers, distributors, retailers and food service operators in Malaysian suppliers offering finished consumer products, private-label manufacturing, original equipment manufacturing (OEM) and food ingredient solutions.
Products showcased at the pavilion included processed foods, convenient meal solutions, beverages, snacks and plant-based innovations.
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MATRADE Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Export Acceleration) S. Jai Shankar said the exhibition demonstrated the readiness of Malaysian SMEs to compete as reliable partners in Europe’s food supply chain.
“SIAL Paris 2026 showed that Malaysian SMEs are ready to compete not just as brands, but as dependable partners in Europe’s food supply chain.
“European buyers are looking for suppliers who can guarantee consistent quality, traceability and reliable capacity, and our companies demonstrated that they can meet these expectations. MATRADE’s priority now is to help them convert these leads into long-term supply contracts,” he said.
MATRADE said Malaysian SMEs were well-positioned to benefit as European buyers diversify their sourcing to build more resilient supply chains.
Their strengths include flexible production runs, customised product formulations and packaging, as well as manufacturing standards that meet stringent international requirements.
These capabilities could enable Malaysian companies to move beyond one-off orders and establish long-term supply arrangements with European retail and food service chains.
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Malaysia’s internationally recognised Halal certification framework, administered by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), also provides assurance of product integrity and traceability.
This allows Malaysian exporters to cater to demand for Halal-certified food while appealing to mainstream consumers through product quality, convenience and innovation.
Demand trends in France also present opportunities for Malaysian manufacturers, particularly in authentic Asian flavours, ready-to-eat and ready-to-heat meals, plant-based alternatives and diverse culinary ingredients.
The growth in Malaysia’s processed food exports to France in 2025 provides a foundation for local SMEs to strengthen ties with French importers and distributors and expand their presence in mainstream and ethnic retail channels.
As one of the European Union’s largest consumer markets, France offers established retail networks, food service channels and distribution infrastructure that could serve as a gateway for Malaysian exporters seeking to expand into other EU member states.
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Malaysia and the European Union are currently negotiating the Malaysia-EU Free Trade Agreement, with MATRADE continuing to keep exporters informed of relevant developments as the negotiations progress.
To maximise opportunities in the European market, Malaysian exporters must continue to comply with EU requirements on food safety, labelling, traceability and sustainability while maintaining competitive pricing and reliable supply capacity.
MATRADE will continue supporting participating companies through post-exhibition follow-ups, business matching, market intelligence and engagement with European buyers, including through its office in Paris.
The initiatives aim to help SMEs convert exhibition exposure into sustainable commercial partnerships while strengthening their knowledge and networks to navigate the French and wider European markets.
Malaysian companies interested in expanding into France and the European Union, or participating in future editions of SIAL Paris and other MATRADE-led trade promotion programmes, can contact MATRADE or visit www.matrade.gov.my.
