Specialty Food Association Goes to Paris

Maple syrup from Vermont, ghost chili salsa from Texas and tea-infused chocolate from California produced by members of the Specialty Food Association (SFA) are being sampled in the USA Pavilion at SIAL Paris, which runs through Oct. 23. 

Thirteen members of the SFA, a not-for-profit trade association for food artisans, importers and entrepreneurs, are presenting new and innovative products made in the United States to thousands of international buyers. SIAL Paris, a major biennial trade event, features 6,300 exhibitors from 105 countries, and expects more than 150,000 attendees from around the world. 

“SIAL offers an unmatched opportunity for American food artisans and entrepreneurs to introduce their products to key international buyers,” said Chris Nemchek, senior vice president. “Any food export program should include SIAL Paris.” 

Brooklyn Brew Shop’s Beer Making Kit was presented with a SIAL Innovation Award on Oct. 20. The kit is one of 16 grand prize winners  selected from 1,700 entries. 

Exhibitors in the Specialty Food Association pavilion include: Al Dente Pasta, Almondina/YZ Enterprises, Brooklyn Brew Shop, Dave’s Gourmet, Healthverve Food Manufacturing, Joes Tea & Chips, Miracle Noodle/Strumba Media, Mrs. Renfro’s, Pereg Gourmet, Sonoma Syrup, The Tearoom, Tonewood and WOW Baking Co.  

Several other association members are exhibiting at SIAL Paris with their own booths in the USA Pavilion to expand their export initiatives. U.S. specialty food sales reached a record high of $88.3 billion in 2013.