LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICES AND ENTERPRISE EUROPE NETWORK COLLABORATE TO OPEN DOORS FOR IRISH FOOD AND DRINK COMPANIES IN PARIS
Fifteen food and drink businesses from across Ireland have returned from SIAL Paris 2026, with valuable new international contacts, potential business partnerships and export opportunities following a trade mission coordinated by the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) in collaboration with the Local Enterprise Office network, with support from Enterprise Ireland.
The delegation brought together businesses from across Ireland to explore new markets, meet potential international partners and strengthen their export ambitions at one of the world’s leading food innovation and trade events
SIAL Paris 2026, now running for more than 60 years, draws over 8,000 exhibitors from 130 countries and close to 300,000 visitors, provides an important platform for businesses seeking to expand internationally, connect with buyers and distributors, and showcase their products to a global audience. For participating Irish companies, the mission offered an opportunity to develop relationships with potential customers, explore new markets and gain insights into international food and drink trends.
The mission was supported by the Enterprise Europe Network, which helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) identify international business opportunities, establish cross-border partnerships and navigate the challenges of expanding into new markets. Through its network of business support organisations across more than 50 countries, EEN connects ambitious companies with the expertise, contacts and resources needed to grow internationally.
The Irish delegation’s programme included opportunities to engage with international stakeholders and build relationships that can support future commercial development. These activities were complemented by wider engagement with Irish representatives and enterprise support organisations such as the Local Enterprise Office Network, Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia, helping businesses make the most of their time at the event.
The delegation had an opportunity to attend a prestigious networking reception at the Embassy of Ireland in Paris, hosted by Ambassador Alison Milton and attended by Minister Noel Grealish TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, on Monday, the 19th of October. Speaking at the reception, Oisin Geoghan, Head of Enterprise with Fingal Local Enterprise Office and Chair of the Local Enterprise Office Food Committee highlighted the importance of networking at SIAL and that the contacts made during the trade mission could open doors for years to come.
Leading the EEN delegation, was Elaine Whoriskey of Local Enterprise Office Donegal. She said: “SIAL Paris provided an excellent opportunity for Irish food and drink businesses to connect with potential international partners, explore new markets and showcase the quality and innovation of their products. The value of the mission extends beyond the event itself. Our focus now is on building on the connections made, supporting businesses with follow-up opportunities and helping them turn these conversations into lasting international partnerships.”
The mission demonstrates the value of coordinated enterprise support in helping Irish SMEs develop the connections, knowledge and confidence needed to compete in international markets
The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) is the world's largest support network for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with international ambitions. It helps businesses identify international opportunities, find commercial and technology partners, explore new markets and access advice to support innovation and international growth.
In Ireland, EEN works in collaboration with enterprise support organisations, including the Local Enterprise Offices, to help ambitious businesses develop cross-border partnerships and reach new customers.
