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Trade fair guide · Paris
SIAL Paris: a guide for Pakistani food exporters
SIAL Paris is the world’s largest food innovation fair, held every two years near Paris. It alternates with Anuga in Cologne, so Pakistani food exporters can attend one of the two major European food fairs every year.
Key facts
SIAL Paris at a glance
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Next edition | October 2028; confirm exact dates with the organiser |
| Venues | Paris Nord Villepinte, with some areas at Paris-Le Bourget |
| Opening | The show opens on a Saturday to ease transport |
| Visa | French Schengen visa; the interview is only at the French Embassy in Islamabad |
| Timing | Allow at least 15–20 days after the interview |
| Airport | Paris-Charles de Gaulle, close to Villepinte |
| Alternating fair | Anuga in Cologne, 9–13 October 2027 |
Check before travel: visa rules, fees, processing times and event dates change without notice. This page was checked on 11 November 2026 against the SIAL Paris organisers and France-Visas. Confirm on the official source, or ask us to check for your trip, before you book anything non-refundable.
Who goes
Who from Pakistan attends SIAL Paris
Halal food producers
Meat and processed-food exporters.
Food innovators
Snack, ready-meal and beverage brands.
Location
Villepinte, not central Paris
Paris Nord Villepinte is near Charles de Gaulle airport, north-east of the city, on the RER B line. Hotels near CDG and in the northern suburbs are closer than central Paris. Teams with meetings in Paris often split nights between the two.
Visa
French visa from Pakistan
Every French visa applicant attends the French Embassy in Islamabad for the interview and biometrics. From 16 November 2026, appointments are booked only on the embassy’s new online platform. Applicants from Karachi and Lahore need to plan the trip to Islamabad.
Planning a two-year cycle
SIAL and Anuga
Use the odd years for Anuga in Cologne and the even years for SIAL Paris, and keep importer relationships warm in between.
Halal
Halal buyers at SIAL
France has one of Europe’s largest Muslim populations and a large halal food market, and SIAL attracts halal buyers from Europe, North Africa and the Gulf. Bring halal certificates recognised in your target markets, and be clear about slaughter and certification standards, which vary by buyer.
Because the next edition is in 2028, the time before it is best used for Anuga in 2027 and for building relationships with French importers, so that the SIAL stand becomes a meeting point with known buyers rather than a cold start.
- Halal certificates for target markets
- Clear certification standards
- Cold-chain details for meat
With Go Global
How we plan SIAL Paris trips
Go Global has handled 100,000+ trips, including exhibition teams and buyer delegations. For SIAL Paris we confirm the dates with the organiser, plan the visa route first, then book flights, rooms and transfers in Paris, and our team works 24/7 for travellers on the road.
Timeline
A planning timeline for SIAL Paris
8 months before
Book a stand or visitor registration.
5 months
French visa appointment and interview.
4 months
Hotels near Villepinte or CDG.
8 weeks
Samples with your forwarder.
Fair week
Stand and importer meetings.
FAQ
SIAL Paris questions
When is the next SIAL Paris?
October 2028. Confirm exact dates with the organiser.
Where is SIAL held?
Paris Nord Villepinte, with some areas at Paris-Le Bourget.
Where do I apply for a French visa?
At the French Embassy in Islamabad, by appointment.
Is there a food fair in 2027?
Yes, Anuga in Cologne, 9–13 October 2027.
Keep reading
More guides: industries and visa how-tos
Plan with Go Global
Planning a SIAL Paris delegation?
Tell us who is travelling, when and why. We reply with a plan, the visa route and a quote. Go Global has handled 100,000+ trips, and our team works 24/7 for travellers on the road. Email insights@goglobal.pk or WhatsApp 0320-4111222.