MIFB
Knowledge Hub

Future F&B:
Serving the Evolution of Trends

Smart, Sustainable, Scalable:
Shaping the New F&B Era

Back by popular demand, the MIFB Knowledge Hub returns with a bold new focus to support F&B professionals in navigating the next wave of industry transformation.

In line with this year’s theme, “Future-Ready F&B: Serving the Evolution of Trends,” the 2025 programme is thoughtfully curated to explore the key consumer trends, sustainability imperatives, and technological disruptions shaping the global food and beverage landscape.

As the industry faces mounting pressure to adapt with the latest expectations, the need for innovation has never been more critical. The MIFB 2025 Knowledge Hub, under the theme “Smart, Sustainable, Scalable: Shaping the New F&B Era,” aims to spark meaningful dialogue, showcase transformative ideas, and accelerate solutions that will define the future of food.

Best of all, the Knowledge Hub sessions are free to attend for all registered MIFB participants (Limited seats available). Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, be inspired, and stay ahead of the curve.

*To sign up your interest for the Knowledge Hub, simply register as a Visitor for MIFB 2025. Once registered, you’ll receive an email closer to the event with instructions to log in to the MIFB Event App. From there, you can easily browse the full agenda and bookmark sessions of interest to personalise your experience and plan your visit effectively.

The MIFB topics align with various SDGs, promoting sustainable practice and innovations that support global development goals

From Thin Air to Lush Greens: Sustainable Crop Production:

Goal 2

Contributing to food security by enabling sustainable crop production in diverse climates.

Goal 12

Encouraging sustainable agricultural practices.

Revolutionizing F&B Supply Chains by Connecting Farms to Markets:

Goal 9

Improving supply chain infrastructure and fostering innovation.

Goal 12

Reducing food waste through efficient supply chain management.

Demystifying Alternative Funding for F&B Success:

Goal 8

Supporting the growth of F&B businesses, leading to economic development.

Goal 9

Facilitating access to funding for innovative projects in the F&B sector.

Brewing Sustainability: How Prefer Coffee is Redefining the Future of Beverages

Goal 12

Promoting sustainable production methods.

Goal 13

Reducing the carbon footprint of coffee production.

Three Key Ambitions of the F&B Industry

From smart manufacturing technologies and sustainable sourcing to scalable packaging innovations and emerging market strategies, this programme is a catalyst for rethinking how we produce, package, and present food in a world driven by conscious consumption and technological change.

Join global experts, industry pioneers, startups, and changemakers as we explore how innovation across the value chain can help businesses become future-ready – smart in operations, sustainable in practice, and scalable in impact.

Smart

Leveraging technology and data for precision, efficiency, automation, and personalization – from AI-powered food production to smart supply chains.

Sustainable

Creating environmentally conscious, socially responsible, and ethical solutions – whether through zero-waste production, alternative ingredients, or circular packaging.

Scalable

Innovating with growth in mind – solutions that are adaptable across markets, accessible to SMEs, and resilient in the face of global disruptions.

Join us in paving the way for a greener, more
innovative future in the Food & Beverage industry

The overarching emphasis on sustainability ties all these themes together,
reflecting our commitment to fostering an industry that not only grows but does
so responsibly and sustainably.

Conference Ticket

Early Bird Rate (13 May 2024 – 28 June 2024)	Normal Rate	Group Purchase (3 pax and above)	Students Student ID Required
RM1,950	RM2,500	20% off	RM350

* Subject to 8% sales & services tax (SST)

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MIFB Conference
Speakers

Bikesh Lakhmichand

Founding Partner & CEO 1337 Ventures

Amirah Jasmine

Founder / Formulist Manis Leting Sdn Bhd

Elaine Lee

Commercial Consultant
(Food Manufacturing and Quality Assurance)
– SWAPAC

Kenneth Chai

Founder of Airgro

View All Speakers

MIFB Knowledge Hub Programme

2:00 PM

AI Trends Shaping Tomorrow’s Food Industry

Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming the food and beverage sector – from predictive consumer insights to automated production and personalized nutrition. This session will spotlight global AI trends and real-world applications driving smarter, faster, and more sustainable growth in F&B.

Who Should Attend?

F&B manufacturers, technology providers, product developers, innovation leads, supply chain managers, R&D specialists, and business strategists exploring digital transformation in the industry.

2:40 PM

Cold Chain Innovation & Food Security

With rising global food demand, increasing climate volatility, and the urgency for sustainable practices, cold chain logistics has emerged as a cornerstone of food security. This session will explore how innovation in cold chain systems-from digital traceability to energy-efficient transport-is reshaping the way food is preserved, moved, and delivered across regions. Industry leaders will discuss scalable solutions that reduce food loss, enable compliance with international safety standards, and empower producers to tap into global markets. Attendees will gain valuable insights into building resilient, transparent, and export-ready food supply chains that support both economic growth and sustainable nutrition across ASEAN and beyond.

Who Should Attend?

Supply chain managers, operations directors, logistics professionals, technology solution providers, sustainability officers, and F&ß industry stakeholders interested in digital transformation and supply chain innovation.

3:20 PM

Ready, Smart, Go: Innovating Ready-to-Eat for the Modern Consumer

As time-starved consumers seek convenience without compromising quality or health, the ready-to-eat (RTE) category is undergoing a smart transformation. This session explores how food innovators are leveraging smart packaging, automation, and data to develop RTE products that are not only fast and fresh – but also healthier, personalised, and scalable. Discover what’s driving the next wave of convenience food innovation across Asia and beyond.

Who Should Attend?

FMCG innovation and product development teams, RTE manufacturers and processors, Retail and convenience store buyers, Food packaging technologists, F&B startups focused on fast-consumption formats, Supply chain and logistics players serving RTE segment

11:00 AM

The Future on Our Plates: Global Trends Shaping Tomorrow’s Food System

From plant-based innovation to cultivated proteins and AI-powered food design, the global food landscape is transforming at unprecedented speed. In this opening keynote, ProVeg International presents a global outlook on the key forces reshaping what we eat – including shifting consumer behaviours, investment patterns, climate-driven urgency, and policy interventions. Backed by the latest data and insights, this session sets the stage for a full day of conversation on the future of food that is smarter, more sustainable, and nutritionally aligned with tomorrow’s needs.

Who Should Attend?

Food manufacturers and product innovators
Retail and foodservice buyers
Sustainability and ESG officers
F&B investors and accelerators
Policymakers and food regulators
Startups in alternative proteins, foodtech, and functional nutrition

11:30 AM

Beyond Meat & Milk: What’s Next in Alternative Protein Innovation?

As the alternative protein sector matures, what comes after soy, pea, and oat? This session dives into the next wave of breakthroughs – from precision fermentation and cultivated seafood to hybrid products and region-specific ingredients like duckweed or mung bean. Learn how science, sustainability, and cultural relevance are shaping the alt-protein frontier, and what it means for food security, mainstream adoption, and investor interest in Asia.

Who Should Attend?

F&B product innovation teams
Investors in agrifood tech
Researchers and food scientists
Food safety and regulation bodies
Consumer trend analysts and retail buyers

12:00 PM

Scaling Future Foods for the Asian Consumer

Innovations in future food are only as impactful as their market reach. This session explores how alternative protein, functional ingredients, and next-gen foodtech are making their way from R&D labs into homes, restaurants, and retail shelves across Asia. Hear from founders and market strategists on what it takes to localise, scale, and gain consumer trust – while navigating pricing, regulation, and cultural acceptance.

Who Should Attend?

Future food startups
Retail and foodservice buyers
Investors, venture builders, and accelerators
Commercial strategy leads in F&B companies
Policymakers and regulatory officers

2:00 PM

The New Packaging Playbook: Balancing Functionality, Sustainability & Cost

As sustainability pressures mount, the F&B industry faces tough packaging choices. From compostables and recyclable materials to smart, minimal designs – how can businesses meet eco-standards without compromising product safety, shelf life, or affordability? This session looks at material innovations, lifecycle assessments, and strategies for scalable adoption.

Who Should Attend?

F&B product developers and packaging leads
Sustainability and ESG managers
Procurement and operations teams
Packaging and materials suppliers
Retail/private label brands
Government/regulatory agencies in waste and environment

2:30 PM

Ethical by Design: Sourcing Transparency from Farm to Shelf

This session explores how ethical sourcing is reshaping supply chains – from fair trade and regenerative farming to blockchain-backed traceability. Learn how to embed social and environmental responsibility into procurement decisions and communicate that value authentically to conscious consumers.

Who Should Attend?

Supply chain and procurement professionals
Sustainability and impact strategy teams
Agrifood exporters and traders
F&B retailers and brand owners
Auditors, certifiers, and regulators
NGOs and ethical sourcing platforms

3:00 PM

Circular F&B: Rethinking Waste Across the Value Chain

What does a circular food economy look like – and how do we design for it? This session features innovators tackling food and packaging waste through upcycling, reusable systems, and waste-to-value models. From coffee grounds to surplus grains, discover how companies are turning trash into treasure.

Who Should Attend?

Circular economy and sustainability consultants
Food manufacturers and processors
Waste management and logistics companies
Social enterprises and impact startups
Government and city councils managing waste policy
Hospitality and foodservice operators

11:00 AM

The Conscious Consumer: What’s Driving Purchase Decisions in 2025?

Today’s consumers care about more than just taste and price – they demand transparency, sustainability, health benefits, and ethical sourcing. This session explores the evolving psyche of the F&B consumer, uncovering what drives loyalty, rejection, and price tolerance in the post-pandemic, climate-conscious era.

Who Should Attend?

F&B brand managers and marketers
Product innovation teams
Retail buyers and merchandisers
Exporters and category planners
Consumer insights researchers

11:30 AM

Cracking the Code on Premiumisation vs Mass Market

From luxury health foods to budget-friendly staples – how do brands balance aspirational positioning with accessibility? This panel unpacks how to navigate pricing psychology, brand architecture, and income-sensitive innovation while building resonance with Southeast Asia’s diverse consumer base.

Who Should Attend?

FMCG brand strategists
Product managers and category leads
Market expansion executives
Retail and e-commerce strategists
Investors targeting mass-market F&B

12:00 PM

From Kitchen to Clicks: How Digital-First Brands are Disrupting the F&B Scene

In just a few short years, a Malaysian homegrown coffee retail brand has grown from a startup to one of Malaysia’s most recognisable tech-driven F&B brands – with over 300 outlets and a powerful digital ecosystem. In this intimate fireside chat, we go behind the scenes with this brand’s co-founder to uncover the strategies, mindset, and tech infrastructure that fuelled their rise. From app-first engagement and user data to brand loyalty and digital scalability, this is a masterclass in what it takes to disrupt F&B in the digital age.

Who Should Attend?

F&B entrepreneurs and startups
Brand managers and digital marketers
E-commerce and tech solution providers
Venture builders and growth investors
Retail and QSR leaders seeking transformation

2:30 PM

Getting Your F&B Brand IPO-Ready

As Malaysia’s F&B sector continues to mature, more homegrown brands are exploring the IPO route to fund expansion, modernise operations, and build investor confidence. In this timely session, we spotlight A1 A.K. Koh Group Berhad, a well-established local F&B player preparing for its June 2025 debut on the ACE Market. Hear directly from the leadership team as they share real-world insights into the IPO journey – from financial preparedness and factory upgrades to governance, compliance, and brand positioning. Whether you’re an emerging F&B founder or an investor eyeing the next breakout brand, this session will decode what it really takes to go public in the Malaysian food industry.

Who Should Attend?

F&B founders and scale-up CEOs
CFOs and heads of finance
Private equity-backed food businesses
Foodtech companies with growth momentum
Investors, IPO consultants, and legal advisors

3:00 PM

Scaling Malaysian F&B Brands Through the Halal Economy

Malaysia’s Halal-certified F&B products are gaining traction across ASEAN, the Middle East, and emerging Muslim-majority markets. But turning local success into regional dominance requires strategic alignment with global Halal standards, smart partnerships, and strong export readiness. This session brings together relevant government agencies, and pioneering F&B brands to explore how businesses can leverage Malaysia’s Halal leadership to expand regionally – and position themselves in the trillion-dollar global Halal economy.

Who Should Attend?

F&B brands with Halal certification or considering export
Malaysian SMEs and scale-ups in food manufacturing
Export managers and distributors
Trade development and export advisors
Product innovation teams targeting Muslim consumers
Investors interested in the Halal economy

MIFB Knowledge Hub

Future F&B: Serving the Evolution of Trends

Smart, Sustainable, Scalable: Shaping the New F&B Era

The MIFB topics align with various SDGs, promoting sustainable practice and innovations that support global development goals

From Thin Air to Lush Greens: Sustainable Crop Production:

Goal 2

Goal 12

Revolutionizing F&B Supply Chains by Connecting Farms to Markets:

Goal 9

Goal 12

Demystifying Alternative Funding for F&B Success:

Goal 8

Goal 9

Brewing Sustainability: How Prefer Coffee is Redefining the Future of Beverages

Goal 12

Goal 13

Three Key Ambitions of the F&B Industry

Smart

Sustainable

Scalable

Join us in paving the way for a greener, more innovative future in the Food & Beverage industry

Conference Ticket

MIFB Conference Speakers

MIFB Knowledge Hub Programme

2:00 PM

AI Trends Shaping Tomorrow’s Food Industry

Who Should Attend?

2:40 PM

Cold Chain Innovation & Food Security

Who Should Attend?

3:20 PM

Ready, Smart, Go: Innovating Ready-to-Eat for the Modern Consumer

Who Should Attend?

Download MIFB 2025Event Brochure

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MIFB
Knowledge Hub

Future F&B:
Serving the Evolution of Trends

Smart, Sustainable, Scalable:
Shaping the New F&B Era

Join us in paving the way for a greener, more
innovative future in the Food & Beverage industry

MIFB Conference
Speakers

Download MIFB 2025
Event Brochure