SIAL: focus on sustainable enjoyment

By: Barok Eszter Date: 2024. 12. 03. 17:54

Every even year the most important event for the global food industry is SIAL, which celebrated its 60th anniversary this year. On 19-23 October the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre welcomed visitors to an exhibition area of more than 246,000m², where 7,500 exhibitors from 127 countries showcased their products.

This article is available for reading in Trade magazin 2024/12-2025/01

More than 400,000 products were on display to 285,000 visitors, including 110 official delegations. 60% of exhibitors came from Europe and 40% from other parts of the world. “Own the Change” was the main theme of SIAL 2024, encouraging food industry players to take an active role in addressing global challenges.

Four key themes

This year the SIAL Summits conference series focused on four main themes: corporate social responsibility (CSR), deep technology and artificial intelligence (AI), supply chain development and market opportunities in Africa. CSR: the goal is to encourage the whole agri-food sector to move towards a more sustainable, ethical and socially responsible future.

246,000 square metres, 7500 exhibitors, 127 countries – SIAL 2024

Supply chain: supply chain issues affect food traceability, the security of supply and sustainability. New agricultural technologies and innovations will enable the optimisation of production processes and the sustainable use of natural resources. Deep technology and AI: AI is often compared to the 4th industrial revolution and is already revolutionising the agri-food industry! AI technology plays a key role in supply chains, food safety, reducing food waste and improving the consumer experience. Africa, the continent of opportunities:, USD 15bn is invested in the agri-food industry in Africa every year and this sum could reach USD 50bn by 2030.

The biggest food laboratory in the world

After a successful launch in 2022, SIAL Start-up has gained even more momentum this year, hosting 150 foodtech start-ups from all over the world. These companies are shaping the future of the food industry with innovative ideas and products. For instance projects are rethinking the fundamentals of catering, helping manufacturers achieve zero waste, offering new-type solutions to food delivery challenges and innovating in the field of retail. For the first time this year, visitors had the opportunity to taste the SIAL Innovation selection in the new SIAL Taste zone. The SIAL Jobs programme concentrated on one of the industry’s biggest challenges, recruitment, connecting companies with talents. SIAL Talks was one of the main events of SIAL Paris, where industry experts and partner companies shared the latest news and trends in the food industry. The event also featured the SIAL Innovation, SIAL For Change and other awards ceremonies. SIAL Paris 2024 used 100% renewable energy, reduced night lighting, collected waste separately and built recyclable stands. //

SIAL 2024 – In pictures

The food industry looks to Paris at mid-October in even-numbered years

285,000 visitors, 400,000 new products – SIAL 2024

Buzzing crowds on the 5 days of the exhibition

It’s all about making your product stand out from the crowd – and there are many ways to do this

Two Hungarian community exhibitors were present in two pavilions

AMC ensured exposure for a total of 26 companies this year

Spectacular, new design at the Hungarian community stands

Companies were tested and competed in the field of visitor experience and creative design

Lupin beans in all forms – Spanish tradition and innovation

Beretta’s giant mortadella is a must for every year

Italian pasta fresh, dry, as a stand decoration in all quantities

SIAL Innovation stand at the centre again this year

Innovations were not only presented at the exhibition, but tastings were also organised every half an hour, where anyone could taste the winning products

Asian countries appeared …

next to each other this year

One of the biggest exhibitors at the Beverage hall was HELL Energy this year

Mastergood awaited its partners in a huge stand

Professional education not only took place on stage, but at the stands, too

It’s OK to have a product that everyone can admire, but having a stand that looks like that will definitely bring you closer to a success at SIAL

Fossil is not just about watches&jewellery, but also about salt the presentation of which was very much like a jewellery store, though

Each country used its own cultural symbols and colours to help visitors find their way around

Huge, attractive and inventive stands attracted visitors

The alternatives have already been displayed on the stand of one of the biggest meat companies

A yellow path in the halls indicated the fastest route for those who did not want to wander between the stands

Start-ups enjoyed great interest at the exhibition. They presented innovative solutions and new products to the market, attracting also the attention of large exhibiting companies

This year, 650 start-ups were interested in being part of SIAL

Van der Heiden presented world champion cheese and …

…the 4th generation has already sampled the latest coffee-flavoured cheese varieties

When brand colours become subliminal – Red, black and white: the team of Trade magazine at SIAL – We’ll be back in 2026!

Hungarian innovations at SIAL

It has become a tradition that George Habsburg visits Hungarian exhibitors at SIAL. Pictured with AMC’s CEO, Péter Ondré

This year SIAL shortlisted four Hungarian products for the Innovation Awards: Panarini Kft.’s fish chips, Grapoila Kft.’s chocolate made from apricot kernel flour, and two products from Nobilis Zrt., ginger-flavoured apple chips and almonds dipped in dark chocolate, flavoured with turmeric. The collective stand of Agricultural Marketing Centre showcased the products of 26 Hungarian exhibitors.