SIAL Paris 2026 Launches Two Major Competitions to Drive Food Innovation and Sustainability
- SIAL Innovation celebrates its 30th anniversary as a global showcase for food innovation.
- SIAL For Change expands participation to non-exhibiting European SMEs and start-ups.
- SIAL Vietnam to debut in Ho Chi Minh City in November 2026.
Paris, France – SIAL Paris 2026 has officially opened applications for its two flagship competitions, SIAL Innovation and SIAL For Change, reinforcing its commitment to accelerating innovation and sustainable transformation across the global agri-food industry.
As environmental, societal and nutritional challenges continue to reshape food systems worldwide, SIAL Paris is positioning itself as a catalyst for positive change. Through these prestigious competitions, the exhibition aims to recognise companies developing innovative products, sustainable practices and responsible business solutions for the future of food.
“In 2026, we will be more committed than ever to innovation, with the aim of promoting creativity that is useful, committed and action-oriented. SIAL Paris will highlight concrete solutions capable of accelerating transitions and opening up new prospects for the entire food sector.”
— Audrey Ashworth, Director of SIAL Paris
SIAL Innovation Marks 30 Years of Food Innovation
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, SIAL Innovation remains one of the world's most recognised food innovation competitions. Organised in partnership with Protéines XTC, the competition highlights the most innovative products and solutions launched across the food and beverage sector.
For its anniversary edition, SIAL Innovation will feature a redesigned exhibition area, a dedicated SIAL Taste zone for product tastings and a new stage dedicated to presentations and innovation-focused discussions.
The competition offers exhibitors a unique opportunity to gain international visibility, attract buyers and investors, and position their brands among the industry's leading innovators.
Key Dates
- Open to all SIAL Paris 2026 exhibitors
- Products must have been launched within the last two years
- Registration closes: 28 August 2026
- Jury evaluation: September 2026
- Awards Ceremony: October 2026 during SIAL Paris
SIAL For Change Expands Sustainability Recognition
The second edition of SIAL For Change, organised in partnership with CSR specialist Hyssop, will focus on recognising sustainability and corporate responsibility initiatives throughout the agri-food sector.
A major development for 2026 is the competition's partnership with The Foodies, an initiative supported by FoodDrinkEurope and the European Commission. For the first time, non-exhibiting European SMEs and start-ups will be eligible to participate, significantly expanding access to the programme.
The competition is designed to help businesses showcase their environmental and social commitments while gaining visibility among decision-makers, media representatives and industry stakeholders.
Key Dates
- Applications Opened: 24 March 2026
- Closing Date: 1 July 2026
- Jury Evaluation: September 2026
- Awards Ceremony: 18 October 2026 at SIAL Paris
Two Competitions, One Vision
Through SIAL Innovation and SIAL For Change, SIAL Paris continues to strengthen its role as a leading international platform for identifying, promoting and accelerating the ideas, products and initiatives that are shaping the future of food.
Both competitions provide valuable visibility and business development opportunities for participating companies while supporting the industry's transition towards a more innovative, resilient and sustainable future.
SIAL Vietnam to Launch in 2026
In a significant expansion of the SIAL network, organisers have announced the launch of SIAL Vietnam, which will take place from 11–14 November 2026 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre in Ho Chi Minh City.
Organised alongside Food Expo International, the event will bring together international food innovations and emerging market trends while creating new opportunities for business networking between regional and global food industry professionals.
The exhibition is expected to strengthen SIAL's presence in Southeast Asia and provide an important platform for showcasing both Vietnamese food products and international innovations.
About SIAL Paris
SIAL Paris is one of the world's leading food industry exhibitions and is organised by Comexposium. The 2026 edition is expected to feature approximately 8,000 exhibitors and over 400,000 products from around the globe.
Part of the worldwide SIAL Network, the event connects food and beverage professionals across multiple international markets and serves as a key platform for innovation, business development and market intelligence.
SIAL Paris 2026 will take place from 17–21 October 2026 at Paris Nord Villepinte, France.
