Sial fair faces attendance drop due to protests

The Sial international food fair, held near Paris, saw a significant drop in attendance on Saturday due to violent demonstrations. This led to a less successful day compared to the previous year, with the fair's director, Jean-Gabriel Mollard, noting the disruption began around 13h-14h.

Fair sees recovery in the following days

Despite the initial decline, the fair experienced a "catch-up" at the start of the week. Sunday and Monday saw attendance levels similar to the previous edition, and Tuesday is showing signs of improvement. The fair is set to close on Wednesday.

Sial fair's long-term outlook remains stable

The event, held every two years at the Villepinte exhibition park, is expected to end in 2026 with attendance similar to 2024. That year saw over 285,000 professionals attend, but Mollard expressed concern over the "catastrophic" feeling and image of the event.

International context affects fair's dynamics

Exhibitors and foreign journalists are discussing current events more than usual. Ranajay Chakraborty, representing an Indian brand, noted that this year has the lowest attendance on their stand in 20 years, citing social movements and the international context as factors.

International tensions impact participation

The fair has been affected by international tensions, with some Middle Eastern countries canceling their participation. Saudi Arabia reduced its area due to the war, and Japan limited the number of attendees for economic reasons. Despite these challenges, the fair remains a key event for trade.

High-profile visitors attend the fair

The fair welcomed a G7 delegation led by French Minister of Agriculture and Food Annie Genevard, along with parliamentarians, other foreign ministers, and about sixty ambassadors. However, Mollard expressed regret over the absence of a presidential visit.

French agro-food industry seeks more political support

Jean-François Loiseau, president of the National Association of Food Industry (Ania), stated that the French agro-food industry, the country's largest, needs more support from the president. He contrasted this with the enthusiasm shown for the World Auto Show, which generates less revenue and employment in France.