The Internationalization of Food Service Takes Center Stage at Sirha Lyon 2025

Overview
Taking place from January 23 to 27 at Eurexpo Lyon, Sirha Lyon 2025 gathers over 4,000 exhibitors from 40 countries across 66,300 m². This biennial event reflects a market in flux, balancing tradition and modernity. This edition strengthens its global reach with 25% of exhibitors hailing from abroad, country pavilions from China, Italy, and Japan, and the presence of Saudi Arabia. Sirha Lyon positions itself as a hub where innovation, sustainability, and culinary excellence converge. Through its hallmark competitions – the Bocuse d’Or and the World Pastry Cup – Sirha Lyon celebrates global culinary mastery, reinforcing France’s status as the epicenter of gastronomy. 

• A global innovation barometer: The rise in international exhibitors highlights a strategic shift: the F&B sector is embracing global solutions, drawing on diverse cultural influences to meet the demands of increasingly discerning consumers. 

• Spotlight on Saudi Arabia: The presence of a Saudi pavilion signals a strategic opening towards Middle Eastern markets, further strengthening Sirha Food’s influence through initiatives like Sirha Arabia. 

• A laboratory for global trends: The diversity of participating companies reflects key market signals: the rise of alternative proteins, kitchen automation, and the promotion of short supply chains via digital platforms. Sirha Lyon serves as a lens for observing global transformations, helping identify replicable models across different geographic contexts. 

Three global challenges shaping the F&B sector: 

1. Sustainability in the face of growing ecological expectations: 

• The F&B sector is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and meet consumer demands for transparency and ethical practices. This includes eco-designed packaging, optimized waste management, and local sourcing. Solutions presented by start-ups at Sirha Lyon demonstrate a global commitment to integrating sustainability at every level of the market. 

2. Digitalization to manage increasing operational complexity: 

• Digital tools are revolutionizing restaurant operations and supply chain management. From online ordering to logistics optimization powered by AI, digitalization has become essential for businesses aiming to stay competitive in a globalized environment. 

3. Labor shortages and automation as a solution: 

• The sector’s struggle to attract talent is driving innovation to maintain productivity. Start-ups are offering solutions such as kitchen robotics and digital assistance tools to reduce reliance on labor while enhancing customer experiences. 

By addressing these universal challenges, Sirha Lyon 2025 cements its role as a driver of industry transformation, paving the way for a more innovative, sustainable, and competitive Food Service sector. 

Alice P