The International Food Exhibition has established itself as the unmissable showcase for food trends and B2B innovation. Every two years, this major event transforms Greater Paris into a veritable global capital of the food industry, bringing together all stakeholders in the agri-food sector at Paris Nord Villepinte – VIPARIS.
For conference organisers, corporate event professionals and inbound agencies, SIAL demonstrates the Paris region’s exceptional capacity to host events. It showcases local expertise in organising major international trade events whilst highlighting gastronomy, one of the destination’s key areas of excellence.
The exhibition’s history began in 1964 at the CNIT in Paris La Défense during the International Food Week. Designed to support the growth of the agri-food sector and boost trade, the event grew rapidly. After a spell at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, it moved to Paris Nord Villepinte – VIPARIS in 1986 to meet the space requirements of exhibitors and visitors from all over the world.
Over six decades, this biennial event has established itself as a strategic springboard. The launch of SIAL Innovation in 1996 marked a turning point in the discovery of new products. The development of the international SIAL Network subsequently consolidated the brand’s influence across several continents.
The 60th edition of the trade fair highlighted the scale of this exceptional B2B event, featuring:
Nearly 270,000 m² and 11 exhibition halls at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre;
More than 7,500 international exhibitors;
224,000 trade visitors from 205 countries;
Over 400,000 products and innovations presented to buyers from the retail and catering sectors.
Under the slogan “Inspire Food Business”, SIAL has evolved its positioning to become a platform for content and forward-thinking. The SIAL Insights forward-looking studies, developed in collaboration with industry experts such as Kantar, ProtéinesXTC and Circana, enable us to anticipate major shifts in consumer behaviour.
Environmental commitment also plays a central role through the SIAL for Change initiative, which highlights the sustainable initiatives of exhibiting companies. At the same time, the SIAL Summits offer high-level debates on the sector’s major societal challenges.
The event’s regional roots are fully expressed through the SIAL Off programme. This programme guides international delegates and decision-makers to a selection of iconic culinary venues across the capital, extending the professional experience into the heart of Parisian life.
Organised by the Comexposium group, SIAL Paris demonstrates the strength of the Île-de-France events ecosystem. The trade fair’s governance reaffirms Paris’s strategic position as a hub for global agri-food trade.
