Sandwich & Snack Show

Yesterday, Monique and I went to the Sandwich and Snack Show at the Paris Porte de Versailles Pavillion. Monique thought it would be good to go there from a catering perspective, especially with regard to packaging, and as she would like to set up a restaurant at some stage.  

Luckily Monique registered as there was a charge of 50 euros and we got in for free - I think you had to have a business to take advantage of this.


The take away industry is still developing in France, and, despite people not thinking there will be a market, there is.  When Starbucks opened here, no one thought it would take off, but it did and now there are queues there for coffee .... and it is more expensive that the French style.  Pizza Hut is here and Subway is just taking off.  I have to admit if I had the choice of a Subway sandwich or one of the delicious baguettes they serve here, Subway would be the last place on my list.  Of course MacDonalds is here and is always full of people, the burgers do look a little different, but ... it's just not French!!

While there, Monique and I listened to a panel discussion on Luxury Snacks.  The Panel was chaired by a journalist, Bervoit Jullien, and consisted of:

• Jacques Pourcel: A 3 Star Chef who owns 20 restaurants with his twin brother, also a 3 star chef; (left)
• Robert Petit: Creator of a takeaway chain that only serves steamed food "A Toutes Vapeurs"; (middle)
• Frantz Lallement: Owner of La Boite a Pizza (right)

Monique was kind enough to translate the important pieces of information for me, unfortunately, my French is limited to hello, goodbye etc and I now know the names of most ingredients ... I just can't put them into a sentence!

Chef Pourcel said that there is no distinct line between good restaurants and good takeaways or simpler restaurants anymore. There is a market in France for good quality, take away food, that is not too expensive and accessible to all.

The owner of the Pizza chain, Frantz Lallement is working on a range of gourmet pizzas, created by Grand Chefs. This will appeal to those who do not want Pizza Hut.

Robert Petit is looking at offering a delivery service for his food.

The most important point made was knowing our market, making sure the produce you used was excellent and finding a way to stand out from the rest.

Also, France seems to be way ahead in biodegradable and organic packaging for take away food.  Many businesses were there showcasing their products and I couldn't believe the range of options. Some even printed on paper products using water based ink.  They are also working to see if some of the products can be recycled as fodder for cattle etc. Very interesting.



Bio or Organic products and produce is pretty advanced in France.  There are a range of stores that offer organic produce only from fresh through to dried and tinned, including daily baked bread, vitamins, skincare etc.  Many supermarkets have a bio product in several ranges and even their own brands.  Wines are also available, either organic or organic and preservative free.  It really makes a difference the next morning ... believe me.


The rest of the expo consisted of ready-made or made to order products for takeaways (traiter) or restaurants/cafe's, and equipment of all shapes and sizes.  There was even an automatic crepe maker that produced perfect crepes every time ... incredible.  

Of course, I would have liked to tuck a few machines under my arm, like this stove combination above, but luggage allowance and budget prevented this. 


Cupcakes are also taking off here, although I don't think they are as good as ours .... I'm not sure they know about icing just yet and what they put on the top, doesn't quite cut it.

I am glad I went, it was well worth the visit and the information gained very valuable.  It also shows, that even in places like Paris, takeaway has it's place and the market is growing.


I'll have fois gras to go please! Shhh, who said that???