Eastern Macedonia and Thrace secures new business deals at SIAL Paris 2026
Eight businesses from Greece's Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Region showcased their products at SIAL Paris 2026, held in the French capital from 17 to 21 October, establishing new commercial contacts and securing business agreements with international buyers.
The region's participation in one of the world's leading food and beverage exhibitions aimed to strengthen the international presence of local businesses, promote regional products and expand export opportunities in international markets.
The eight participating companies were KOLLEKTIVA IKE, POSEIDON AE, TRIFONIDIS, COSTA LAZARIDI, BIKRE, ELIXIR FLAVOURS, HERBLAND and CHRYSANTHIDIS.
Through the region's collective exhibition stand, the companies presented their products to industry professionals, international buyers and representatives of the global food and beverage market. The pavilion also served as a platform for business networking and the promotion of the region's agricultural and food production capabilities.
WINE AND SPIRITS SHOWCASE REGIONAL VITICULTURE
A dedicated Wine & Spirits Area was organised to highlight the region's wine-producing potential and introduce international visitors to selected wines from local producers.
Four wineries took part in the initiative: Vourvoukeli Estate, Chatzigeorgiou Estate, Costa Lazaridi Estate and Biblia Chora Estate.
Visitors had the opportunity to sample wines showcasing the quality, diversity and distinctive characteristics of the region's vineyards. The initiative aimed to strengthen the international recognition of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace's wine identity and connect local producers with potential overseas markets.
LIVE COOKING SESSIONS PROMOTE REGIONAL CUISINE
The exhibition programme also featured live cooking and tasting sessions led by executive chef Konstantinos Vassalos.
During a dedicated day celebrating the region, the chef presented recipes inspired by the culinary traditions of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, using products supplied by the participating businesses.
The demonstrations allowed visitors to explore the region's gastronomic heritage and discover how traditional local ingredients can be incorporated into contemporary cuisine.
NEW COMMERCIAL AGREEMENTS AND EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES
According to the regional authorities, participation in SIAL Paris 2026 delivered positive commercial outcomes and opened up further opportunities for local businesses.
Business-to-business (B2B) meetings resulted in commercial agreements involving products from companies in the region. Additional negotiations were also held with major French retail chains and prospective partners from other international markets.
The regional administration said these contacts could help expand export activities, strengthen the international visibility of local agricultural and food products, and create opportunities for further commercial partnerships.
The region was represented at the exhibition by Deputy Regional Governor for Development Alexandros Iosifidis, the head of its Extroversion Office, Odysseas Vourvoukeli, and regional agricultural officials. Representatives of the Greek Embassy and trade attachés also visited the pavilion.
The Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Region said it would continue supporting local businesses through international trade fairs and targeted promotional initiatives, with the aim of improving the competitiveness of regional products and expanding their presence in global markets.
