The Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA), in collaboration with the Embassy of Kenya in France and Maison Franco-Kenyane, wishes to inform interested and qualified exporters, tourism stakeholders and creative enterprises of the opportunity to participate in the International Gastronomy Village 2026. This premier global gastronomy and cultural showcase is scheduled to take place from 10 to 13 September 2026 at the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

This prominent event serves as a strategic gateway for Kenyan products, services and culture into the French and broader European Union markets. The event brings together exhibitors, buyers, investors, chefs, distributors, tourism operators and consumers from over 80 countries, offering Kenyan businesses a unique platform to expand their market reach, establish direct business linkages, build brand visibility, gain market intelligence and promote trade and cultural exchanges.

Target Sectors

This participation offers a strategic platform for Kenyan businesses and creatives, providing high visibility and a unified national brand experience within the following categories, which are in high demand in the European market:

Why Participate?

• Access a Strategic Market - France is a leading global economy and a gateway to the wider European Union market, which boasts high consumer purchasing power and an appreciation for premium, authentic, and unique products.
• Direct Access to International Buyers - Engage directly with a diverse audience of international buyers, distributors, retailers, hospitality establishments, investors, and tourism operators from over 80 countries.
• High-Level Engagement - Interact with government officials, trade delegations, chefs, restaurateurs, and industry leaders, and participate in structured B2B matchmaking sessions.
• Premium Pavilion Positioning - Showcase "Made in Kenya" products and cultural experiences within a professionally branded national presence at a globally recognizable venue.
• Enhance Export Diversification - Reduce over-reliance on traditional markets by accessing the lucrative European and other international markets.
• Leverage Paris as a Global Hub - Benefit from Paris's status as a world capital of gastronomy, fashion, culture, and tourism, providing unparalleled international media exposure.
• Forge Lasting Partnerships - Identify joint venture opportunities, distribution agreements, and long-term supply contracts with established importers and retailers.
• Build Brand Visibility - Offer Kenyan companies and creatives the opportunity to promote their brands and culture in one of the world's most competitive consumer markets.
• Market Intelligence - Gain insights into European consumer preferences, food safety standards, certification requirements, and packaging and design trends.
• Cultural Showcase Opportunity - Utilize the event to present Kenyan gastronomy, fashion, and cultural performances to a captive international audience of buyers, media, and the public.

Expected Outcomes for Participants

• Direct access to French, European and other international buyers, distributors and importers.
• Increased visibility for Kenyan brands and cultural products in the European market.
• Entry into a gateway market serving over 500 million consumers across the European Union.
• Improved understanding of EU market requirements, including food safety compliance, labelling, packaging, and certification.
• Potential signing of commercial agreements, supply contracts, and MoUs.
• Post-show lead management and follow-up support to convert buyer interest into export orders.
• Enhanced export readiness through pre-show sensitization on standards, certification and logistics.

How to Participate

Participation is open to Kenyan companies, industry associations, tourism boards, county governments, cultural groups and exporters operating in the above sectors. Participants should be export-ready or have the capacity to scale up to meet international demand.

Interested participants are encouraged to submit their expression of interest and confirmation by contacting Ms Susan Githongo via susan.githongo@maisonfrancokenyane.com, githongosusan.360@gmail.com or +33 6 86 18 24 84 by Friday, 31 July 2026.

For additional information regarding coordination, participation procedures and general conditions, inquiries can be directed to:

Maison Franco-Kenyane (In-country Support)

Instagram: @maisonfrancokenyane
𝕏 (Twitter): @maisonfrancokenyane

Additional Information for Participants

Pre-Show Preparation: Selected participants will benefit from targeted sensitization on EU regulations, food safety requirements, labelling, packaging, documentation and consumer preferences to ensure compliance and reduce market-entry risks.

Logistics Support: Maison Franco-Kenyane will provide coordination support for product shipments, cultural artefacts, and event logistics to facilitate smooth participation.

Post-Show Follow-Up: A structured conversion mechanism will be established to manage leads, track negotiations and support participants in navigating EU market-entry procedures and fulfilling potential orders.