The ICBS hosted exhibitors from Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand. It drew 15,700 visitors.
ARTISAN food, beverages and cafe products drew 15,703 visitors to the International Cafe and Beverages Show (ICBS) 2024 held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
The show brought together regional industry professionals and coffee enthusiasts, with the exhibition hall reflecting Malaysia’s diverse and thriving cafe culture.
Attendees flocked to the pavilions of Singapore, Taiwan and China, as well as the Japan and Vietnam Roasters Pavilions that enabled Malaysian businesses to connect with regional suppliers.
The three-day event saw 1,200 baristas and 2,000 cafe owners participating and exploring opportunities to upskill and enhance their menus.
Montgomery Asia managing director Christopher McCuin said, “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of ICBS 2024 as it speaks volumes about the growth of the cafe and F&B industries in Malaysia”.
He thanked event partners and sponsors which included Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade).
An event highlight was The Malaysian National Coffee Championship that was held for the third time.
Organised by Malaysia Speciality Coffee Association, the competition had baristas from all over the country showcasing their extraordinary skills in three categories.
The Malaysia Barista Championship 2024 was won by Jason Loo from Contour Coffee Roaster while the Malaysia Latte Art Championship 2024 was won by Nicky Voon from 103 Coffee.
Ang Wei Liang from One Half Coffee Roastery won the Malaysia Brewers Cup 2024.
ICBS also hosted the first “Next Top Baker” final face-offs.
The top five finalists battled to prepare their masterpieces based on the theme of Malaysian heritage buildings.
Saarvin Nair emerged as the champion with Malik Arif and Nik Farah as the first and second runners-up respectively.
McCuin said next year’s show would introduce new products and events to match the ever-evolving nature of the cafe lifestyle.
Among those slated to debut next year is My Food @ ICBS which will host domestically grown and developed products.
“We have selected ‘The Flavours of Your Community’ as My Food’s theme to bring uniquely Malaysian cuisines, ingredients and dishes to the forefront,” said McCuin.
