Today, the EXPO Taste & Trade 360, a comprehensive trade platform for F&B and commercial kitchen equipment, was officially inaugurated in the Kuala Lumpur by Member of Parliament Puchong, Negeri Selangor, YB Yeo Bee Yin.

Entrepreneurs, professionals, and food enthusiasts from the F&B, catering, hospitality, and commercial kitchen equipment manufacturing and design sectors gathered to witness the launch of this one-stop solution platform alongside YB Yeo Bee Yin.

In her speech, YB Yeo emphasized that as people emerge from the pandemic, the demand for F&B services has surged, alongside the innovative and creative developments in the dining market that have led to the emergence of new restaurants and cafes. Many F&B businesses are adopting or upgrading their equipment to enhance operational efficiency and food quality, significantly increasing the demand for commercial kitchen equipment, a market that experienced rapid growth in 2022.

According to data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, in 2022, there were 136,453 operational food outlets with a total revenue of RM 99 billion. “The thriving market has attracted numerous entrepreneurs and individuals, especially in the F&B sector. The statistics indicate that in 2022, the workforce in this sector reached 1.07 million, with the food industry having the highest number of participants at 871,155, followed by mobile food services (110,593) and beverage services (98,095),” she noted.

YB Yeo pointed out that the EXPO Taste & Trade 360 is positioned as a comprehensive platform as it brings together all the essential elements required for starting and developing a F&B business, including equipment, raw material procurement, design consulting, official certifications, and alleviating the need for entrepreneurs to attend multiple exhibitions or seek different suppliers and service providers.

The exhibition also features a series of lectures and workshops led by industry experts and specialists, providing attendees with crucial insights, information, and strategies to stand out in the competitive F&B market.

The event showcases new technologies, such as the X-mile electric vehicle charging station, highlighting its characteristics as an innovative and sustainable solution platform. This exhibition aims to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with a one-stop platform, which includes launching a campaign to promote local culinary heritage and support the development and innovation of newcomers through the “National Cuisine Movement.”

YB Yeo praised the launch of the “National Heritage Movement ” at the exhibition, emphasizing its role as a platform to promote and reshape local food culture. This initiative will include television programs, masterclass events, competitions, and publications to preserve and promote Malaysia’s traditional food heritage.

She believes that this exhibition is unique and timely within the country’s food and commercial kitchen equipment sector and encourages the organizers, Brilliant Exhibition to consider expanding the event to other states.

Additionally, Choong Wai Hon, CEO of Ping Edge Sdn Bhd, stated that as a leading supplier of commercial kitchen equipment and solutions, Kitchen Arena’s participation in this exhibition is not merely for sponsorship purposes but is seen as an extension of their core mission to empower F&B businesses to deliver exceptional culinary experiences.

The EXPO Taste & Trade 360 is taking place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Tomorrow is the last day—don’t miss it.