The International Food Exhibition (SIAL) 2024, held from October 19 to 23 in Paris, celebrated its 60th anniversary. This must-attend event in the agri-food industry gathered over 285,000 professionals from 205 countries, highlighting the latest innovations and trends in the sector. Here’s an overview of the main trends that marked this edition.

1. Emotion in Food

One of the major trends observed at SIAL 2024 is the growing importance of emotion in food. According to a study conducted by Kantar, Circana, and ProtéinesXTC, consumers are increasingly seeking food experiences that provide pleasure and positive emotions [1]. In a context where small pleasures have become rare, food plays a crucial role as a source of comfort and happiness. Food products that evoke memories and strong emotions have therefore been particularly highlighted.

2. Connection and Conviviality

After years of social distancing imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for connection and conviviality has returned strongly. SIAL 2024 emphasized this trend by highlighting the importance of shared meals and collective culinary experiences. Consumers are looking to reconnect with their roots and share moments of conviviality around the table. Moreover, for nearly one in three people, conviviality is one of the motivations for going out to eat [2]. This trend is also reflected in a growing interest in traditional cuisines and homemade dishes, which evoke childhood memories and moments spent with family.

3. Focus on Health and Sustainability

Health and sustainability are major concerns for today’s consumers, and this was reflected in the innovations presented at SIAL 2024. A recent study reveals that one in three consumers is proactive in preventing health issues, highlighting a growing concern for more thoughtful and wise food choices [3].Healthy, functional, and sustainable food products were at the heart of discussions. Exhibitors showcased products with natural, minimally processed ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. Consumers will therefore prefer raw ingredients and a reduction in the consumption of pre-packaged foods [4]. Additionally, traceability and transparency of food products have become essential criteria for consumers who want to know exactly what they are consuming and where it comes from.

4. Technology Innovation

The 2024 edition of SIAL also highlighted the impact of new technologies on the agri-food industry. Artificial intelligence (AI) and deep tech are playing an increasingly important role in optimizing agricultural practices and customizing food offerings. These technologies help meet consumer expectations regarding sustainability and transparency.

5. Start-ups at the Forefront

The SIAL Start-up village was one of the highlights of the exhibition, bringing together 150 young food tech companies. These start-ups presented innovative solutions; for example, Lait & Miel and Kefir & Co are developing dairy products enriched with probiotics, aimed at improving consumers’ digestive health while offering unique flavors. These companies embody a new generation of entrepreneurs motivated by environmental and societal values, and their presence at SIAL demonstrates the dynamism of the sector.

Conclusion

SIAL 2024 was a true showcase of current and future trends in the agri-food industry. From emotion and conviviality to health and sustainability, as well as technological innovation and the rise of start-ups, this event demonstrated how food continues to evolve to meet consumer expectations.

At Lactalis Ingredients, we are fully attentive to market trends and consumer expectations. Our commitment to providing ingredients that meet our clients’ needs is reflected in a diverse range of dairy products, from functional solutions to high-quality options. We also invest in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, integrating sustainable practices throughout our value chain. We invite you to consult our 2023 CSR report to learn more about the initiatives and improvements made in 2023 to strengthen our responsible practices. By anticipating sector developments, we strive to create products that not only meet quality requirements but also contribute to a more responsible and environmentally friendly food future.

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Sources:

[1] https://www.kantar.com/fr/expertises/market-intelligence/nos-etudes-collectives/food-360 / https://www.ria.fr/actualites/sial-2024-la-vitrine-mondiale-des-nouvelles-tendances-alimentaires/
[2] https://www.lsa-conso.fr/sial-2024-les-tendances,456131/ Circana
[3] Innova Market Insight – Top trends 2024 (2023)
[4] Mintel – 2024 Food & Drink Trends: North America webinar