The International Café and Beverage Show (ICBS) 2026 is set to return for its fifth edition from 7 to 9 May at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The event will bring together a global community under one roof in Malaysia’s capital city. It has grown into the country’s only dedicated café and beverage trade show. Over the years, it has become a key reference point for café culture trends in the region. ICBS continues to position Malaysia as an important hub in the global beverage industry.
This year’s edition is expected to feature 650 brands from around the world. It will also gather 1,000 baristas and 2,000 café owners across the three-day event. Organisers anticipate around 13,000 attendees representing 55 countries. The scale reflects the growing influence of the café and beverage industry in Southeast Asia. ICBS has evolved into a major meeting point for trade, innovation, and networking.
ICBS 2026 is organised by Montgomery Asia in partnership with Barista Guild Asia, Eciatto, and HJC Global Tea Fair. One of the biggest highlights this year is the introduction of a dedicated tea segment. This marks the first time tea has been formally featured as a core category in the show’s history. The segment reflects the rising importance of specialty tea in modern café culture. It also highlights how beverage trends are expanding beyond coffee.
According to Project Director of Montgomery Asia, Mr Alun Jones, ICBS has become a catalyst for Southeast Asia’s beverage economy. He explained that the show has grown into a platform where ideas, partnerships, and business opportunities are formed. He added that the industry is becoming more diverse and innovation-driven. Coffee remains central, but tea, ready-to-drink beverages, and mixology concepts are rapidly gaining momentum. ICBS aims to provide direct access to these emerging opportunities.
The timing of ICBS 2026 aligns with strong growth in Malaysia’s foodservice sector. The industry is valued at USD 14.75 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 27.50 billion by 2030. Within this growth, demand for premium and functional beverages continues to rise. The ready-to-drink tea segment alone is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. These shifts reflect changing consumer lifestyles and spending habits in Malaysia.
A major highlight of the event is the Malaysia Open Coffee Championship (MOCC). The competition features 38 participants across three categories, including brewing, latte art, and barista skills. It serves as a platform to showcase talent and elevate professional standards in the industry. The championship also acts as a pipeline for discovering new barista talent. It continues to strengthen Malaysia’s presence in the global coffee community.
ICBS 2026 will also feature the Unite Malaysian Taste Challenge, focusing on creative mixology. The competition encourages participants to craft mocktails inspired by Malaysian flavours and heritage. It highlights the creativity of both emerging and experienced mixologists. The initiative showcases how local ingredients can be transformed into modern beverage experiences. It also reinforces Malaysia’s identity in the global beverage landscape.
Entry to ICBS 2026 is free, with registration now open to trade visitors and the public. The exhibition runs from 7 to 9 May, with trade access available throughout the event. The final day will open to the public, allowing wider audiences to explore the showcase. Visitors can experience the latest innovations in coffee, tea, and beverage culture. More information is available at https://intl-cbs.com/.
