India is the Country of Honour at SIAL 2026 ( Photo: SIAL Paris )
What is the scale of India’s participation at SIAL Paris 2026?
Jawed Ashraf
India’s presence at SIAL Paris as ‘Country of Honour’ marks one of its largest participations ever. Spearheaded by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under a unified India branding, the pavillion encompasses a total exhibition area of 1,900 sqm distributed strategically across Halls 3 for savoury food, 5A for the Start-up Village, 7 for organic wellness and alternative food, and 8 for pulses, grains and fruits. This substantial footprint will accommodate over 148 exhibitors representing the nation’s diverse industry capabilities.
What are ITPO’s key objectives at SIAL this year?
ITPO’s primary objective is to expand international market access for Indian exporters and contribute to the growth of India’s food exports by connecting Indian businesses with global buyers, distributors, importers and international retail chains. SIAL Paris provides an important platform for high-value B2B matchmaking, enabling Indian companies to establish long-term commercial partnerships, understand evolving global consumer preferences and align their products with international market requirements.
Another key objective is to encourage Indian exporters to move beyond traditional bulk commodity exports towards value-added, branded and innovative food products. This includes ready-to-eat foods, organic and health-focussed products, functional foods and sustainably packaged offerings.
ITPO also aims to facilitate the integration of Indian enterprises, particularly MSMEs, into global food supply chains and help them identify new markets, distribution channels and potential business partners. Ultimately, our objective is not merely to increase the volume of food exports, but to enhance their value, competitiveness and global reach while building internationally recognised Indian food brands and positioning India as a reliable, innovative and competitive global food-sourcing destination.
Which Indian food and beverage categories, including innovations, will be showcased?
At SIAL Paris, the unified “Brand India” Pavillion will present the country’s diverse agricultural, food-processing and food-innovation strengths across multiple halls. Halls 3 and 8 will showcase a wide range of processed foods, GI-tagged Basmati rice, pulses, grains and other agro-commodities, offering international buyers and visitors a comprehensive view of India’s food and agricultural capabilities. The India Pavillion will also feature a diverse range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including mango pulp, smoothies and an assortment of tea flavours.
Adding an experiential dimension to the showcase, the ‘Bistro by India’ at the India Pavillion will host live culinary demonstrations and tastings, allowing visitors to experience the richness and diversity of Indian cuisine. The Government of Uttar Pradesh will further strengthen India’s state-level representation by showcasing products such as honey, chocolates and frozen vegetables.
With a strong focus on health, quality and sustainability, Hall 7 will feature rigorously tested, pesticide-free and organic brands, including Safe Harvest, highlighting India’s growing capabilities in responsible and sustainable food production. A specially curated Start-up Village will further spotlight India’s rapidly expanding food innovation ecosystem, bringing together emerging enterprises and innovative products that reflect the next generation of India’s food and agri-business landscape.
How is ITPO helping MSMEs and exporters connect with global buyers?
ITPO acts as an important bridge between Indian MSMEs and the global marketplace by facilitating India’s participation in leading international trade fairs such as SIAL Paris.
Through unified India Pavillions, ITPO provides Indian MSMEs and exporters with a professionally presented, high-visibility platform to showcase their products and engage directly with international buyers, importers, distributors and retail chains. This is particularly valuable for smaller enterprises that may not have the resources or international networks to participate independently in major global exhibitions. Such platforms help them identify prospective buyers, understand evolving market requirements, explore distribution partnerships and develop long-term commercial relationships.
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ITPO’s role extends beyond providing exhibition space. By bringing Indian companies together under a common national identity, it strengthens the visibility and positioning of Indian products in international markets. A cohesive presence also allows individual enterprises to benefit from the wider recognition and credibility of the Brand India platform.
How important are sustainable and health-focussed foods in India’s showcase?
Sustainability, health and wellness are becoming increasingly important themes in global food markets, and Indian exporters are responding to these evolving consumer preferences. India has a strong advantage in its rich agricultural diversity and traditional food heritage. Products such as millets, pulses, makhana, turmeric, organic foods and plant-based proteins offer significant potential in health-conscious international markets. Indian companies are increasingly transforming these traditional strengths into value-added products such as millet-based foods, healthy snacks, ready-to-eat meals, functional beverages and plant-based alternatives.
At the same time, sustainability extends beyond the product itself. Sustainable sourcing, traceability, responsible production, reduced food waste and environmentally conscious packaging are becoming important considerations for international buyers. Platforms such as SIAL Paris provide Indian exporters an opportunity to showcase these innovations, understand emerging consumer trends and connect with global buyers seeking differentiated food products.
What are the key market-access and regulatory challenges faced by Indian food exporters?
Access to European markets requires Indian exporters to meet stringent requirements relating to food safety, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, pesticide-residue limits, traceability, labelling, packaging and quality standards.
For agricultural and food products such as rice, spices, tea and other commodities, compliance with EU requirements can be particularly demanding. Differences between domestic production practices and international regulatory requirements can create challenges for exporters, particularly MSMEs.
Therefore, improving testing, traceability, compliance capabilities and awareness of destination-market regulations is critical. At the same time, stronger institutional support and greater engagement between industry and regulatory authorities can help Indian exporters address these challenges.
The objective is to move from reactive compliance to proactive preparedness, enabling Indian exporters to meet international standards consistently, minimise shipment rejections and build long-term credibility with European buyers.
Which emerging global food trends offer the biggest opportunities for Indian companies?
Several emerging global food trends offer significant opportunities for Indian companies, particularly in health and wellness, convenience foods, plant-based nutrition, ethnic flavours and sustainable food products.
First, the growing demand for healthy and nutritious foods creates opportunities for India’s millets, pulses, makhana, nuts, seeds and traditional ingredients. These can be developed into breakfast cereals, protein-rich snacks, ready-to-cook mixes and other innovative products. Second, the demand for convenience foods and ready-to-eat meals is creating opportunities for Indian companies to offer packaged Indian meals, sauces, spice mixes and regional food specialities tailored to international consumers. Third, the growth of plant-based diets and alternative protein sources offers considerable potential for pulses, lentils, chickpeas and innovative plant-based products. India’s rich culinary heritage can also help popularise vegetarian and vegan food options globally.
Another important trend is the growing interest in ethnic cuisines, authentic flavours and premium food experiences. Indian spices, regional delicacies, traditional beverages and speciality foods can help exporters differentiate their offerings in international markets. Finally, sustainability, organic products, responsible sourcing and environmentally conscious packaging are increasingly influencing purchasing decisions among consumers and international buyers.
What outcomes does ITPO expect from India’s participation?
ITPO expects India’s participation to generate both immediate business opportunities and long-term strategic benefits.
The immediate objective is to facilitate meaningful B2B engagements between Indian exporters and international buyers, distributors, importers and retail chains. We also expect participating companies, particularly MSMEs, to identify new markets, understand evolving consumer preferences and gain insights into international quality, packaging and regulatory requirements.
Another important outcome is to promote value addition, product innovation and the development of globally competitive Indian food brands, rather than relying predominantly on bulk commodity exports. The participation will also provide Indian companies with valuable insights into international consumer preferences, quality standards, regulatory requirements, product innovation and competitor strategies.
What key events and business activities will ITPO organise at SIAL Paris?
India’s participation at SIAL Paris extends well beyond product display and includes a range of business, knowledge-sharing, innovation and culinary initiatives.
A dedicated start-up showcase is being organised at the entrance of Hall 5A with the support of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). It will provide Indian food start-ups an opportunity to showcase innovative products on a rotational basis, with a particular focus on health, nutrition and wellness-orientated innovations. The showcase will include categories such as: Superfoods and superfood mixes, millet-and jaggery-based products, ready-to-eat oats, microgreen powders, innovative functional and wellness foods.
India will also participate in SIAL for Change, providing a platform for discussions on the social, environmental and economic transformations taking place across the global agri-food sector.
Sessions will focus on themes such as: France-India: Responding to India’s Evolving Consumer Needs, From Farm to Future: Building India’s Global Plant-Protein Ecosystem, New Frontiers in Indian Agriculture: Sustainable and Women-Led Development.
Adding a strong culinary dimension to India’s participation, ITPO is also organising Bistro by India, a daily culinary experience throughout SIAL Paris. The initiative will feature culinary master chef classes and live demonstrations, giving international visitors an opportunity to experience the diversity, innovation and contemporary potential of Indian cuisine and food products.
