SIAL Paris 2026 has opened applications for its two flagship competitions, SIAL Innovation and SIAL For Change, aimed at promoting innovation and sustainability across the global food industry.
The organisers said the competitions are designed to encourage agri-food companies to showcase cutting-edge products, responsible business practices and solutions addressing environmental, societal and nutritional challenges.
SIAL Innovation, which marks its 30th anniversary in 2026, will spotlight newly launched food products and solutions from exhibitors at the event. Organised in partnership with Protéines XTC, the competition is regarded as one of the leading global platforms for food innovation.
According to the organisers, the 2026 edition will introduce an enhanced showcase experience, including a redesigned exhibition space, product tasting sessions through the SIAL Taste area, and a dedicated stage for innovation-focused discussions and presentations.
Applications for SIAL Innovation are open exclusively to exhibitors participating in SIAL Paris 2026, with eligible products required to have been launched within the last two years. Entries are free, while the application deadline is set for August 28, 2026.
Meanwhile, SIAL For Change, organised in partnership with CSR agency Hyssop, will focus on corporate social responsibility initiatives and sustainable transformation within the food sector.
For the first time, the competition will also be open to European SMEs and start-ups that are not exhibiting at the show through a partnership with FoodDrinkEurope’s initiative, The Foodies, supported by the European Commission.
The organisers said the move is intended to broaden participation and give more food businesses international visibility for their sustainability efforts.
Applications for SIAL For Change opened on March 24, 2026, with submissions closing on July 1, 2026. Winners will be announced during the exhibition on October 18, 2026.
Director of SIAL Paris, Audrey Ashworth, said the 2026 event would focus on “practical, committed and action-oriented” innovation capable of accelerating transformation across the food industry.
Organised by Comexposium, SIAL Paris is regarded as one of the world’s largest food industry trade fairs, bringing together exhibitors and professionals from more than 200 countries through the wider SIAL Network.
