Twenty-five companies based in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté travelled to Paris for the SIAL, a world meeting on food innovation. The region was present with a dedicated pavilion, in collaboration with the Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Firms on site included Agrodoubs, Bourgogne escargot, BVB Lagrange, Rieme Boissons and Fromagerie Vagne.
In Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, the agro-food industry comprises 1,065 establishments, excluding commercial craft trades, with a quarter of them in dairy. The sector employs 17,800 people and accounts for 135 products under a geographical indication, 78% of them wines. The Region said this activity adds value to a large share of local agricultural production.
For three years, the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Region has strengthened its role with agro-food companies by creating BFC Participations, an investment fund dedicated to them. The fund is intended to reinforce companies’ lasting financial resources, keep decision-making centres in the region and structure agro-food supply chains.
The regional presence at SIAL is part of the Region’s programme of collective actions abroad. Funded by the Region with 900,000 euros, the programme supports about 500 companies a year in strategic sectors such as industry, health, luxury, agro-food and digital, to encourage exports and prospecting on world markets. The wine sector accounts for 18% of the programme.