Paris Event report
India at SIAL Paris: Strengthening the France-India Food Partnership
For the first time, India was the Partner Country at SIAL Paris, one of the world’s leading food innovation fairs. More than 150 Indian companies and senior government delegations made it one of the strongest Indian presences ever seen at a global food event. The message was clear in both directions: Indian food companies are ready for global markets, and the Indian consumer is now one of the most important in the world.
Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI) was delighted to partner with the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) on this landmark edition. Our sincere thanks to ITPO and Ambassador Jawed Ashraf for driving this important initiative.
Throughout the event, our team, including Rachelle RULLAUD-DHAM, connected Indian exhibitors with French partners and helped French companies explore opportunities in India.
At SIAL for Change, IFCCI Director General Payal S. Kanwar moderated the panel “France-India: Responding to India's Evolving Consumer Needs”, featuring Christophe Jouin (Lactalis Group), Coline Lescoeur Tatibouet (The Laughing Cow, Bel) and Brice Vuillet (SAVENCIA India).
💡Four key takeaways from the discussion:
✔️ Consumer behaviour is evolving. Packaged foods and snacks are gaining ground beyond metropolitan markets, while quick commerce is reshaping shopping habits.
✔️ Market entry requires the right strategy. Acquisitions, local partnerships and organic growth can all work, depending on the category and long-term ambitions.
✔️ Localisation is key. Success means understanding Indian tastes, collaborating with local farmers and building local production capabilities.
✔️ Long-term commitment matters. Listen first, understand the market, build trust and approach India with patience and humility.
SIAL showed how much France and India can build together in food, from farm to shelf. IFCCI will continue to build those bridges, in Paris and across India.
A sincere thank you to our panellists, ITPO and everyone who joined us at Hall 6A.
