Fernando Medina Zenoff, Event Director, Gourmet Selection & Salon du Fromage et des Produits Laitiers

The Gourmet Selection trade fair changed its dates in 2026 to be held alongside the Cheese and Dairy Products Fair; has this joint event been beneficial for both fairs?

The joint staging of Gourmet Selection with the Cheese and Dairy Products Fair in June 2026 proved beneficial for both events. This collaboration has made it possible to create an even richer, more coherent and complementary programme focused on showcasing quality products and expertise.

This synergy between the two fairs has enabled new links between exhibitors and visitors and has fostered exchanges between the two sectors.

This also attracted a greater number of international buyers:

  • 26% of visitors to the Cheese and Dairy Products Fair were from overseas, representing a 25% increase compared with 2024
  • 22% for Gourmet Selection, double the figure for 2024

Visitors appreciated being able to discover, in a single venue and over the same dates, a wider range of premium products, ranging from fine foods to exceptional dairy products. Numerous business meetings took place at the stands and in the Business Lounge, and this combined event helped to enhance the quality of discussions by bringing together professionals from all backgrounds and sectors: importers, wholesalers, specialist retailers, cheese and dairy retailers, delicatessens and food concept stores.

What is the potential for international growth for a niche trade fair such as Gourmet Selection? How has the Promosalons network contributed to this growth?

Gourmet Selection has strong potential for international growth because it is a trade fair specialising in high value-added products. Its positioning, centred on fine foods, quality products and specialist distribution channels, meets a rapidly expanding global demand for authentic, high-quality and distinctive products.

Many international markets are now seeking inspiring brands, innovative retail concepts and products with a strong identity, making Gourmet Selection a particularly attractive platform.

The Promosalons network plays a key role in this process. Thanks to its international network and in-depth knowledge of local markets, it has actively helped to identify and attract new exhibitors to international pavilions – with Denmark and Morocco, for example, taking part this year – thereby showcasing the expertise of different countries.

These initiatives help to increase the diversity of the products and services on display. The pavilions have been a great success and exhibitors appear satisfied with the visitors they have met.

What sets Gourmet Selection apart from other food industry trade fairs? What are international exhibitors looking for at this event?

Gourmet Selection clearly stands out from major generalist trade fairs such as SIAL thanks to its niche and selective focus. Whilst major events cover the entire agri-food sector, Gourmet Selection emphasises a specialised, high-quality range with significant added value, dedicated to professionals in the specialist food retail sector.

Consumers – the customers of these shops – are looking for expertise and compelling stories. At Gourmet Selection, behind every product on display and at every stand, there are men and women passionate about showcasing their products, ingredients and more.

Another key advantage is the trade fair’s intimate scale. This fosters more meaningful exchanges, creates an environment conducive to business, and offers greater accessibility to buyers. The trade fair is designed as a dedicated venue for targeted meetings, where each exhibitor can maximise their visibility and return on investment.

International exhibitors come primarily to seek:

  • qualified business meetings with French and European buyers,
  • a detailed understanding of the fine food market and consumer trends,
  • business development opportunities through specialist distribution channels.

Gourmet Selection can therefore be seen as a strategic gateway to the European market for quality products, with France representing a market worth around €9 billion by the end of the year.