Seven Albanian companies are showcasing olive oil and medicinal and aromatic plants at SIAL Paris 2026, one of the world’s largest food fairs. The event runs from October 17 to 21 at the Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition centre.

The companies are exhibiting at the Albanian Pavilion in Hall 4, Stand P130. The International Trade Centre (ITC) supports their participation through its Trade Promotion East programme, funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Biolive and Olivae Oleoteka are presenting extra virgin olive oil. Meanwhile, Amel Extract, Bidaj, BioBes, Ekoprod and Natural Herbal E.V.R. are showcasing dried herbs, essential oils and other plant-based products. Together, the seven companies promote their products under the national brand “Albania: Nature’s Ingredients for the World”.

SIAL expects up to 8,000 exhibitors and around 295,000 trade visitors from nearly 200 countries this year. For Albanian producers, the fair offers direct access to importers, distributors and supermarket chains. Many still sell their products in bulk without their own brands. As a result, the event gives them a chance to build direct business relationships, explore new markets and understand international demand.

Over the past several years, the ITC has helped these companies improve product quality, food safety and supply reliability. In particular, olive oil producers have worked to meet EU analytical standards, strengthen laboratory testing, adopt biological pest control and develop premium brands. Meanwhile, some companies are preparing for ISO 22000 food safety certification.

To support their participation, the programme has also funded the shared pavilion, a unified visual identity and QR codes. Buyers can scan the codes to access each company’s products directly.

“Albania has high-quality products, but international buyers expect more than that: food safety, reliable supply and trustworthy partners. These companies have worked hard to reach this level, and SIAL is where they can demonstrate it,” said Genti Beqiri, ITC’s national project manager in Albania.

The Paris exhibition builds on promising results at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai last January. There, Albanian companies supported by the ITC explored potential sales worth $1.36 million. In addition, Musai Olive Oil won the Gold Award.

Now, the companies aim to turn business discussions in Paris into orders and long-term supply agreements. Following the fair, the ITC will work with each company to track buyer contacts, sales and ongoing negotiations.

The ITC implements the Trade Promotion East: Balkan States and Central Asia programme with funding from SECO. As a joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations, it helps businesses access international markets.

In Albania, the programme supports small and medium-sized enterprises in the olive oil and medicinal and aromatic plant sectors. It works with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and industry associations to strengthen local producers and help them compete internationally.