SIAL Paris is set to introduce a significant new format when its 2028 edition opens.
To support future expansion and create a stronger experience for exhibitors and visitors, organiser Comexposium will operate the event across two nearby venues: its established location at Paris Nord Villepinte and Paris-Le Bourget exhibition centre.
Although spread across two sites, the show will function as one integrated event. The new model will provide additional exhibition capacity, clearer sector organisation, and more interactive experiences for professionals across the global food and beverage industry. It also reflects wider food and beverage industry trends, including the growing importance of food manufacturing trends, food processing technology, food distribution trends, and food and drink industry innovation.
1. Greater capacity and a more comfortable visitor experience
One of the main reasons for introducing the dual-venue format is to improve movement throughout the exhibition. More available space will accommodate a larger audience while easing congestion in busy areas.
As a result, buyers should spend less time moving through crowded aisles and more time evaluating products, meeting suppliers, and attending business appointments. Exhibitors, meanwhile, will have access to spaces that better match their presentation requirements, supported by clearer routes that make it easier for visitors to discover new brands and solutions.
2. Product sectors organised around buyer needs
SIAL Paris will not divide its exhibition space randomly. Instead, the two venues will be arranged around purchasing channels, professional interests, and related product applications.
Paris Nord Villepinte will continue to present a substantial share of the show’s established product categories.
Paris-Le Bourget will bring together several connected and fast-growing sectors, including beverages, hot drinks, wine and spirits, delicatessen, frozen products, ice cream and sorbets, catering solutions, and snacks.
This structure will create a more efficient route for retailers, restaurant professionals, importers, and foodservice buyers. By exploring complementary categories in one location, they can identify new product pairings, sourcing opportunities, and commercial concepts more easily. Exhibitors will also benefit from stronger exposure to audiences with a direct interest in their offerings.
3. Live experiences, demonstrations, and culinary showcases
The additional space at Paris-Le Bourget will allow SIAL Paris to introduce dedicated areas focused on participation and discovery. Positioned within the main visitor journey, these spaces will bring emerging ideas and practical applications to life through:
- Live cooking demonstrations and culinary presentation stages
- Guided tastings, challenges, and professional competitions
- Expert talks focused on future developments, along with curated networking areas
These activities will help exhibitors attract attention, encourage conversations among chefs, manufacturers, buyers, and influencers, and give visitors more reasons to remain at the event for longer. Discussions are also expected to cover subjects shaping the sector, from food and drink sustainability and food and drink regulations to food and drink packaging, food and drink marketing, and evolving food and drink consumer trends.
4. Integrated access and easier travel between venues
Despite the expanded footprint, organisers intend to maintain a unified and straightforward experience across both locations.
A single visitor badge will provide entry to Paris Nord Villepinte and Paris-Le Bourget. Dedicated shuttle services will run continuously between the exhibition centres, allowing attendees to move between venues without leaving the event ecosystem.
Transport links to Paris-Le Bourget are also expected to improve as the Greater Paris network develops. The planned extension of Line 17 of the Grand Paris Express should strengthen connections with central Paris and surrounding areas.
By bringing the event together across two complementary venues, SIAL Paris aims to deliver a more spacious, practical, and engaging platform for international food industry networking, product discovery, and business growth.
