My Experience at the SIAL Paris Tradeshow

Attending SIAL Paris this year was a transformative experience for me, blending together my work, my family’s business, and my journey as an International MBA student at the International School of Management. Representing MIC Food Group, our family-owned company specializing in frozen tropical fruits and vegetables, at one of the world’s largest food innovation exhibitions was both an honor and an invaluable learning opportunity.

Hall 5A – The Frozen Section of SIAL

As our company’s first time exhibiting at SIAL, our goal was to introduce our brand and showcase our range of frozen, Latin tropical products, from sweet potato fries to plantains and yuca. Preparing for this event was a massive undertaking, but my studies in international business and my time living in France prepared me in ways I hadn't anticipated. Not only was I responsible for coordinating logistics and ensuring our booth setup went smoothly in Paris, but I also served as the main point of contact for our team in the U.S. and was able to liaise with local vendors, customers, and leads in France.

Our family’s business exhibiting together for the first time at SIAL Paris

Living and studying in France this past year was invaluable. From understanding cultural nuances to having the confidence to speak French in a business context, my experience in the program equipped me to adapt quickly and connect with an international audience. At SIAL, I had to switch languages seamlessly and adapt my communication style, depending on whether I was speaking with French, European, or global clients. Being able to connect with potential customers in their own language made a significant difference in building trust and establishing MIC Food Group as a reliable partner in the European market.

Beyond language skills, this experience highlighted the importance of relationship-building in international business. As a family business, we have always prioritized close, personal relationships with our partners, and it was fulfilling to see this approach resonate with attendees at SIAL. Conversations about our products evolved naturally into discussions about food trends, supply chain solutions, and quality assurance. I’ve studied these topics in my MBA classes, but seeing their impact in real-time was eye-opening. I realized how essential adaptability is in international business and how valuable it is to keep learning from the people around you while finding creative solutions to address their challenges.

Attending SIAL in Paris as an MBA student reminded me of the power of practical experience and cultural immersion. My time in the International School of Management’s International MBA program has helped bridge theory with reality, preparing me to think globally and act locally.

Walking up to our booth for the first time alongside my uncle – the current head of the company, who took over from my grandfather – I was filled with a profound sense of pride and joy. “Your grandfather would’ve loved to see this,” my uncle Alfredo remarked as we stood together, proudly taking it all in.

As MIC Food Group expands its reach in Europe, I’m grateful for the chance to carry these experiences forward, building on the foundation of my grandfather’s dream and helping our family business grow in new and exciting ways.

We visited Picard – a French grocery chain – to get a closer look at one of our products carried in the European market.