SIAL, the world’s largest food innovation exhibition, has just closed its doors in Paris. Over five days, more than 7,500 exhibitors from over 130 countries presented their best innovations that are set to shape the future of food.
The event showcased the food industry's unwavering commitment, not only to observe shifts in global food trends but to actively shape the future of food and beverage. Edelman’s F&B experts from EMEA and the USA were present to discover and taste new products and explore the future disruptors of our sector; you can download our trends report below.
Meanwhile, here are my top five takeaways from navigating the massive halls of SIAL:
- L’Italia sé desta
L'Italia has awakened. It's impossible to miss the azzurri products. Italy is the most represented nation at SIAL 2024 in terms of exhibitors, brilliantly surpassing France, the host country. Collectively committed to promoting its culinary heritage, the diversity of its terroirs, the quality of its meat and plant-based products, and its innovation with a global focus. What a success! - Kimchi power!
The scents and flavors from the Land of the Morning Calm also filled SIAL’s aisles. Korea continues to expand its international cultural influenc; K-Food has found its symbol in Kimchi (김치), fermented cabbage with chili peppers. We had the opportunity to discover many variations of this Korean specialty, from the more traditional, like dumplings, to the more surprising, such as jam and candies (Learn more about “K-Food, the New Cultural Pillar of Korean Soft Power”) - Long live plant-based proteins!
Plant-based protein products continue their growth, which began several years ago. The Gold Award in the SIAL Innovation 2024 competition was won by the French family-owned SME Sabarot for its vegetable patty mix. The product comes in three simple and delicious recipes made with quinoa and bulgur, lentils, and split peas. - Bites and bubbles
Indulgence is enjoyed in small, individual portions. Bite-sized servings were a highlight for many exhibitors. Chocolate-covered ice cream bites and a variety of fruits coated in chocolate delighted visitors' taste buds, riding the wave of success of American brand Trü Frü and Argentine brand Franui. After the bubble tea trend of 2023, bubbles are popping up everywhere. What a treat to savor a Japanese mochi filled with tapioca pearls. An explosion of flavor in every bite! - Watch out, it's spicy!
Just like the famous YouTube talk show 'Hot Ones,' chili peppers made a big impact at the SIAL. Sauces with bold and colorful packaging stimulated visitors' taste buds. The Scoville scale emerged as a major marketing argument, challenging consumers to take on the heat. Beyond sauces, chili peppers remain a great accompaniment, such as in stuffed mussels with Jalapeno, or they can now be presented in spray form (though I must admit I didn't dare to try this innovation…).
In conclusion, SIAL 2024 delivered a burst of food innovation, spotlighting cutting-edge trends, exciting global flavors. The event highlighted the fusion of tradition and technology, setting the pace for the future of food. From bold new product formats to creative culinary twists, the food industry proved that it is more dynamic than ever, ready to meet evolving consumer demands with flair and creativity.
Download our trends report
Prepared by your Edelman’s F&B crew, for our full perspective:
