Southern Idaho Brings Its "All Things Food" Story to Paris, Showcasing World-Class Agriculture and Food Innovation

Regional leaders pursue European investment, export opportunities and international partnerships at SIAL Paris 2026

TWIN FALLS, Idaho, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- From the world's largest yogurt processing plant to America's leading trout farms, Southern Idaho is bringing its "All Things Food" economy to the global stage this week. A delegation of Idaho business and government leaders is attending SIAL Paris 2026, one of the world's largest international food and beverage trade shows, to attract European investment, expand export opportunities for Idaho food producers and forge partnerships in food manufacturing, agricultural technology and innovation.

Organized by the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization (SIEDO), the visit aims to raise the region's international profile as a global food powerhouse. Home to industry leaders including Chobani, Agri Beef, Glanbia Nutritionals, McCain Foods, Lamb Weston and Riverence, Southern Idaho produces everything from dairy products and potatoes to premium beef, trout and specialty crops. Agribusiness accounts for 48% of the region's economic output, while more than 42% of regional jobs are directly or indirectly tied to the industry.

"Southern Idaho has built an extraordinary food ecosystem, combining the agricultural resources, manufacturing expertise and innovation that companies need to compete globally," said Jason Barnes, Executive Director of SIEDO. "Our visit to Paris is about creating opportunities in both directions: helping our producers reach new international markets while introducing European companies to the advantages of investing and doing business in Southern Idaho."

As part of the international mission, Southern Idaho will host an exclusive dinner on Tuesday, October 20, at the residence of the Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Paris. Themed "All Things Food. One Shared Table," the event will bring together European business leaders, potential investors and international partners to experience the region's agricultural strengths firsthand.

The menu will feature an array of Idaho products, including white sturgeon caviar from Idaho Springs Foods served with Idaho potato chips, rainbow trout from Riverence, Snake River Farms filet mignon from Agri Beef paired with Idaho French fries, cheeses from Glanbia and Ballard Cheese, and a Chobani huckleberry parfait. Award winning wines Bitner and Huston Vinyards from Idaho's Snake River Valley will complement the meal.

Located in south-central Idaho, the region known as the Magic Valley has emerged as a nationally recognized center for agriculture, food production, processing and research.

Southern Idaho processes approximately 80% of Idaho's milk and produces roughly 70% of the food-size trout sold in the United States. The region is home to Chobani's Twin Falls facility, the world's largest yogurt processing plant; major cheese production facilities operated by Glanbia Nutritionals; and Riverence, which operates the world's largest commercial freshwater rainbow trout farm. Its productive agricultural lands support potatoes, sugar beets, barley, beans and specialty seeds, supplying major food processors and international markets.

The region's food industry is further supported by investments in agricultural research and technology, including the University of Idaho's developing Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (CAFE).

"Southern Idaho offers a combination of natural resources, agricultural expertise and food industry infrastructure that is difficult to replicate," said State Senator Kelly Anthon who is traveling with the contingent. "Our strong network of growers, producers, researchers and business partners helps us deliver exceptional products to customers around the world. SIAL Paris is an opportunity to strengthen those international relationships and introduce more companies to what Southern Idaho has to offer."

Held October 17–21, SIAL Paris is expected to attract approximately 8,000 exhibitors and 295,000 industry professionals from around the world, offering Southern Idaho an international platform to connect with food manufacturers, investors, distributors and potential business partners.

About the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization

The Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization (SIEDO) is a public-private partnership dedicated to strengthening and diversifying the economy of Southern Idaho's Magic Valley region. Founded in 2001, SIEDO works with regional communities, business leaders and economic development partners to support existing businesses, attract new investment and promote the region as a destination for business growth. With internationally recognized strengths in agriculture, food manufacturing, innovation and research, Southern Idaho offers businesses a strategic location and collaborative environment for long-term success. Learn more at www.southernidaho.org.

SOURCE The Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization