Malaysia’s Largest Café And Beverage Trade Show Returns To KLCC In May 2026, Debuts First-Ever Dedicated Tea Segment

     

Malaysia’s Largest Café And Beverage Trade Show Returns To KLCC In May 2026, Debuts First-Ever Dedicated Tea Segment

The International Café and Beverage Show (ICBS) 2026 returns for its milestone 5th edition from 7–9 May at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, reaffirming its position as Malaysia’s leading platform for the café and beverage industry. Bringing together a dynamic global community, the three-day event is expected to host 650 brands, alongside 1,000 baristas and 2,000 café owners, with over 13,000 attendees from 55 countries.

As Malaysia’s only dedicated café and beverage trade show, ICBS has evolved from a niche industry gathering into a key barometer of café culture trends across Southeast Asia. Organised by Montgomery Asia in collaboration with Barista Guild Asia, Eciatto, and HJC Global Tea Fair, this year’s edition reflects the industry’s rapid transformation through expanded programming and international participation.

A major highlight of ICBS 2026 is the introduction of its first-ever dedicated tea segment, developed in partnership with HJC Global Tea Fair. This new feature signals the growing prominence of tea within modern café menus, as it shifts from a complementary offering to a central category. The segment will showcase global tea innovations, aligning with rising consumer demand for premium, functional, and ready-to-drink beverages.

“ICBS has become a catalyst for Southeast Asia’s beverage economy, where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and businesses discover new growth pathways,” said Alun Jones, Project Director of Montgomery Asia. “As we mark our fifth edition, the show is not just reflecting the industry—it is actively shaping it.”

Malaysia’s foodservice sector underscores this momentum. Valued at USD 14.75 billion in 2025 and projected to reach USD 27.50 billion by 2030, the market is seeing strong growth in premium beverage segments. Notably, ready-to-drink tea alone is expected to expand by USD 32.4 million within the same period, highlighting shifting consumer preferences and lifestyle habits.

ICBS 2026 will also host the Malaysia Open Coffee Championship (MOCC), featuring 38 competitors across three categories: Brewers Cup, Latte Art, and Barista Championship. The competition continues to serve as a vital platform for nurturing local talent and elevating professional standards within Malaysia’s barista community.

Complementing this is the Unite Malaysian Taste Challenge 2026, where mixologists craft story-driven mocktails inspired by Malaysia’s diverse flavour heritage. The competition emphasises innovation rooted in local identity, reinforcing ICBS as a stage for homegrown creativity.

“Malaysia’s café scene has matured significantly, driven by independent cafés, specialty roasters, and increasingly discerning consumers,” Jones added. “ICBS sits at the heart of this ecosystem—where the next wave of ideas in café culture often emerges.”

Admission to ICBS 2026 is free, with registration now open. Trade visitors can attend all three days, while the public is invited on 9 May to experience the latest in coffee, tea, and beverage innovation.

For more information, visit https://intl-cbs.com/

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