On the occasion of SIAL Paris 2026, the ICE (Italian Trade Agency) is gathering an elite delegation of 218 Italian companies while celebrating 100 years of commitment to supporting the internationalization of the country’s business fabric. This year also coincides with the official recognition of Italian cuisine by UNESCO, having been inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
As emphasized by Luigi Ferrelli, Director of the Italian Trade Agency Paris Office: “For one hundred years, the ICE has been supporting Italian companies in their international development with an unchanged conviction: behind every product are women, men, territories, and know-how that contribute to the economic and cultural influence of our country. France holds a very special place in this history. Our two countries share much more than geographical proximity, and SIAL Paris is one of the finest expressions of this relationship. I hope this edition will be an opportunity to further strengthen the bonds uniting our two countries, foster new collaborations, and allow visitors to discover the companies shaping today the Made in Italy of tomorrow.”
Key data of the supply chain
The Italian agrifood sector confirms extraordinary performance on international markets. Export growth reached +5.6% in 2025. Italy positions itself as the 1st agrifood power in Europe in terms of agricultural value added. The value added generated by the supply chain (agriculture, food industry, beverages, and tobacco) stood at 89 billion euros in 2025, compared to 83.4 billion euros in 2024. The agrifood sector now accounts for 4.4% of Italy’s national value added. Furthermore, there are over 890 products under European quality labels (PDO, PGI, TSG), alongside an all-time record of 73 billion euros in agrifood exports in 2025.
The French market: a fundamental strategic axis
France confirms its status as the second destination market for Italian food and beverage after Germany. In 2025, French imports of agrifood products from Italy reached 6.84 billion euros, marking a 4.78% increase compared to 2024. This momentum continues into 2026: during the first six months of the year, the volume already amounts to 3.35 billion euros, with a +2.3% increase. Data for product categories in the first half of 2026 show Italian cheeses at 563.7 million euros (+1.8%), cereal-based preparations and bakery products at 598.8 million euros (+2.5%), pasta at 254.7 million euros (+0.4%), Italian wines at 115.6 million euros (+1.2%), hams and cured meats at 107.4 million euros (+5%), and olive oil at 62.9 million euros (+0.8%).
Exhibition program and events at SIAL Paris 2026
The 218 participating Italian companies will be distributed across three strategic areas of the Parc des Expositions at Paris Nord Villepinte from October 17 to 21, 2026. Hall 1 hosts fine food, pasta, olive oils, balsamic vinegars, seafood, rice, truffles, and plant-based innovations. Hall 5B features confectionery, regional specialties, panettoni, pistachios, citrus, and gourmet products. Hall 7 showcases dairy products, exceptional cheeses, and dairy sector innovations. The program also features live culinary shows at the Live Demo stage (StrEat Lab, Hall 6 interpassage) with chefs Justine Piluso and Matteo Pioppi, scheduled on Saturday, October 17, for Matteo Pioppi from 12:45 PM to 1:15 PM, and on Sunday, October 18, and Monday, October 19, for Justine Piluso from 12:45 PM to 1:15 PM.