Juniper
World Gourmet today officially launched the 8th World Top Gourmet Awards 2026 at the Andaman Grand Ballroom, Kuala Lumpur, unveiling the inaugural Top Taste Award to recognise outstanding independent food and beverage products while reaffirming its commitment to supporting the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) campaign through gastronomy, culinary tourism and international industry collaboration. The prestigious Press Conference was officiated by Guest of Honour, Tuan Azmi Abdullah, Senior Deputy Director of the Package Development Division, together with Chef of Honour, Master Chef Dr. Martin Yan, the internationally acclaimed culinary icon whose remarkable contributions have inspired generations of chefs and food enthusiasts worldwide. Founded in 2017, World Gourmet has established itself as an internationally recognised platform dedicated to promoting culinary excellence, recognising outstanding achievements in the food and beverage industry, and fostering international collaboration through gastronomy.
Over the past seven successful editions of the World Top Gourmet Awards, the organisation has honoured exceptional chefs, restaurants, hospitality professionals, entrepreneurs and F&B brands while encouraging higher industry standards and innovation. As Malaysia celebrates Visit Malaysia Year 2026, World Gourmet is proud to play an active role in supporting the national tourism agenda by positioning food as one of Malaysia’s strongest tourism attractions. Through its international awards, culinary exchanges, strategic partnerships and cross-border initiatives, World Gourmet continues to showcase Malaysia’s rich multicultural cuisine, strengthen culinary diplomacy, attract international delegates and create opportunities for tourism, trade and investment. Each year, the World Top Gourmet Awards brings together renowned chefs, restaurateurs, hospitality professionals, food manufacturers, tourism organisations, government agencies, business leaders and media representatives from around the world. The platform not only recognises excellence but also encourages international networking, business matching, cultural exchange and investment opportunities that contribute to Malaysia’s economic growth and reinforce its reputation as one of Asia’s leading culinary destinations.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Peggy Chong, President and Founder of World Gourmet, said: “Malaysia’s food culture is one of our nation’s greatest strengths. Through the World Top Gourmet Awards, we celebrate excellence while sharing our culinary heritage with the world. We are honoured to contribute to Visit Malaysia Year 2026 by attracting international chefs, industry leaders and visitors to experience Malaysia’s diverse cuisine, warm hospitality and vibrant food culture. At the same time, we create valuable opportunities for local businesses to gain international recognition and expand into global markets.”
A major highlight of this year’s launch is the introduction of the Top Taste Award, a new international recognition dedicated to outstanding independent food and beverage products. The Top Taste Award has been established in recognition of the tremendous growth and innovation within the food manufacturing sector. Across Malaysia and the region, countless entrepreneurs and food producers have created exceptional products that preserve traditional flavours while embracing innovation and modern consumer preferences. Yet many of these products have not received the same level of international recognition as
restaurants and chefs. The new award category aims to honour food and beverage products that excel in taste, quality, authenticity, innovation, consistency, packaging excellence and consumer appeal. Eligible products include traditional heritage foods, beverages, sauces, condiments, snacks, confectionery, frozen foods, artisanal creations, health foods and specialty products. The award also seeks to encourage higher manufacturing standards, inspire continuous innovation, support SMEs and provide outstanding brands with greater international exposure and export opportunities. Another significant milestone announced during the Press Conference was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between World Gourmet and iFood, represented by its Founder, Mr. Dicky Lee, one of the region’s leading organisers of international food fairs and trade exhibitions. The partnership reflects a shared vision to promote the food and beverage industry through exhibitions, trade missions, business networking and international market development.
The event also witnessed the official appointment of Prof. Dato’ Chef Zamzani Abdul Wahab, affectionately known as Chef Zam, as World Gourmet Ambassador 2026. As one of Malaysia’s most respected culinary ambassadors and educators, Chef Zam will champion Malaysian cuisine and represent World Gourmet in promoting culinary excellence, food heritage and cultural exchange on the international stage. To celebrate Malaysia’s rich culinary traditions, Chef Zam presented a live culinary demonstration featuring Ketupat Sotong Terengganu, one of Terengganu’s most iconic traditional delicacies. The demonstration reflects World Gourmet’s commitment to preserving and promoting authentic Malaysian cuisine as an integral part of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign. Looking ahead, World Gourmet will host two major international awards ceremonies in 2026. The 8th World Top Gourmet Awards Gala Dinner will take place on 22 October 2026 at the Andaman Grand Ballroom, Kuala Lumpur, followed by the 9th World Top Gourmet Awards Gala Dinner on 21 November 2026 at the LN Garden Hotel, Nansha City, Guangzhou, China. Hosting consecutive ceremonies in Malaysia and China further strengthens World Gourmet’s role as a bridge connecting the international culinary community while promoting Malaysia to global audiences. World Gourmet extends its sincere appreciation to its government partners, strategic collaborators, sponsors and media organisations for their continued support.
The organisation remains committed to advancing culinary excellence, empowering the food and beverage industry and contributing to the success of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 by showcasing Malaysia as a world-class destination for gastronomy, culture and hospitality. ]
Event Schedule
8th World Top Gourmet Awards Gala Dinner
22 October 2026
Andaman Grand Ballroom, Kuala Lumpur
9th World Top Gourmet Awards Gala Dinner
21 November 2026
LN Garden Hotel, Nansha City, Guangzhou, China
