WHY EXHIBIT IN THE READY MEALS / FOOD TO GO SECTOR?
A global market in full transformation
The global snacking market is estimated at USD 718.7 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1,037 billion by 2033, with an average annual growth rate of +4.16% (Market Data Forecast, 2024).
This growth is fueled by a shift in global eating habits: traditional meals are giving way to flexible, fast, and on-the-go consumption moments, where pleasure meets practicality.
At the same time, the global fresh catering market is accelerating, driven by ready-to-eat products, plant-based ranges, and premium single-serve meals.
Grab & go solutions, healthy snacks, and balanced dishes are attracting consumers seeking efficiency without compromising on taste. According to the Functional Foods Market Size & Trends Analysis Report (Grand View Research), the global functional food market is expected to grow from USD 280.7 billion in 2021 to USD 586.1 billion by 2030, representing a CAGR of 8.5%.
Queso al Horno, galician traditio - Delicias Coruna
72 ORE Pizza Base - Quelli Della Pizza
Dolmas, stuffed vine leaves - Paliria
Global trends in catering & snacking
Snacking has become a global eating habit. According to Mondelez International’s State of Snacking 2024 report, 91% of consumers worldwide snack every day, and more than one in two regularly replaces a full meal with a snack.
This shift reflects a profound change in eating behaviors: snacking is no longer a side indulgence but a standalone moment of pleasure, health, and convenience.
- United States: Daily “snackification” is now a way of life. More than 60% of Americans replace at least one meal per day with a snack (Circana, 2024). High-protein, gluten-free, and clean label products are growing rapidly, while transparency has become a decisive purchasing factor (Innovamarketinsights.com).
- Europe: Snacking is becoming more premium and more plant-based. Valued at USD 28.2 billion in 2024, the European market is expected to grow at a 7.1% annual rate through 2032 (Data Bridge Market Research, 2024). Consumers are seeking authentic, sustainable, and locally sourced products, emphasizing artisanal know-how and environmental responsibility (PwC, 2024).
- Asia: The region shows the fastest growth, at +8% per year (Grand View Research, 2024). Consumers are embracing modern, digital, and culturally rooted snacking, characterized by fusion recipes, innovative textures, e-commerce formats, and viral product launches via social media (Euromonitor, 2024).
Across the world, snacking is being reinvented — healthier, more functional, and more experiential — offering huge innovation potential for agile and responsible brands.
Key trends in catering & snacking for 2025
Responsible snacking takes the lead
Consumers are seeking healthy, local, and clean label options, emphasizing:
- Simple, natural ingredients
- Fewer additives and greater transparency
- Balanced portions and recyclable or compostable packaging
According to Mondelez’s State of Snacking 2024, 68% of consumers want to “eat better without giving up pleasure”, pushing brands to integrate traceability, ethics, and sustainability into their core identity
Snacking becomes a meal replacement
The boundaries between snacks and meals are disappearing. Snacks are evolving into complete, balanced meals — wraps, bowls, composed salads, or protein bars.
According to Innova Market Insights (2024), one in two consumers globally replaces at least one meal a day with a snack, prioritizing convenience and nutritional value
Experience and digitalization
Customizable menus, click & collect, food corners, and premium grab & go concepts are transforming snacking into a connected, seamless experience.
Brands are investing in digital customer journeys — from self-order kiosks and mobile pre-orders to contactless payments — making user experience a key differentiator in the competitive snacking landscape.
From grab & go to smart snacking
The next generation of snacking will be smart, sustainable, and nutrient-enriched, combining pleasure and well-being.
Emerging concepts include:
- Protein-, fiber-, or probiotic-enriched recipes
- Plant-based and legume-based formulations
- Biodegradable or reusable packaging
In France: the premiumization of fresh catering
The catering and snacking market in France now represents €22.3 billion, with steady growth of +4% per year (Modelesdebusinessplan.com, 2024). The fresh catering segment, a true engine of the category, has reached €6 billion, marking a +26.9% increase in value since 2019 (Snacking.fr, 2024).
Why exhibiting at SIAL Paris is a strategic move for you
The global business hub for food-to-go and fresh catering
SIAL Paris is the world’s leading crossroads for professionals in snacking and fresh catering.
For over 60 years, the show has brought together brands, manufacturers, and distributors who are redefining modern consumption — from quick meals and healthy snacking to on-the-go formats and ready-to-eat dishes.
By exhibiting, you gain access to a global network of decision-makers seeking innovations that combine convenience, pleasure, and sustainability to meet evolving consumer expectations.
- 295,000 professionals, including 70% international visitors from 205 countries
- 5,000 Top Buyers representing over €60 billion in purchasing power
A powerful growth and export driver
Each SIAL Paris exhibitor holds an average of 134 qualified meetings, and 88% secure new international contracts.
The show attracts 75% international visitors, providing direct access to the most dynamic markets — Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
It is the leading export platform to expand your food-to-go and catering business on a global scale.
Innovation at the heart of the sector
Recognized as the world’s leading laboratory for food innovation, SIAL Innovation showcases over 2,500 new products at each edition.
Within the Catering & Snacking segment, the key trends — clean label, plant-based, on-the-go formats, and sustainable packaging — take center stage.
The SIAL for Change Award highlights the most innovative CSR initiatives, celebrating brands that are shaping the future of responsible food.
Year-round global visibility
With over 755 international journalists, 1.1 million website visits, and 120,000 newsletter subscribers, your participation ensures visibility far beyond the five days of the event.
SIAL Paris gives your brand global and lasting exposure among buyers, distributors, and influencers in the catering and snacking industry.
Book your stand now and connect with the future of catering and snacking.
Other sectors presented at SIAL
INSPIRING FOOD BUSINESS WORLDWIDE
- Food & Drinks Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur
- SIAL Canada - Montreal
- SIAL Canada - Toronto
- SIAL Paris - Paris
- SIAL in China - Shanghai
- SIAL in China South - Guangzhou
- SIAL India - Mumbai
- SIAL Interfood - Jakarta
- SIAL Vietnam
- Tutto Pizza international - Shanghai
- Gourmet Selection - Paris
- Cheese & Dairy products show - Paris
- Djazagro - Algiers