Sial Canada Returns to Montreal

SIAL Canada, the International Food and Beverage tradeshow in North America, is back in Montreal, April 2 to 4 2014, for the 11th edition with the promise of many new features. The 2013 show, which took place at Toronto’s Direct Energy Centre in April of this year, was a huge success. It boasted a record number of exhibitors and an increase of more than five percent in professional attendees. Almost 13,000 visitors from across Canada and from 60 different countries came to enjoy the show. Back in Montreal for 2014, SIAL Canada reflects the very latest consumer trends, with more than 750 exhibitors expected from 50 countries ready to greet 14,000 professional attendees. Three pillars that form the strength of the SIAL Canada brand: 1. Importance of local markets More than 350 Canadian companies will be represented and the show can again count on the invaluable participation of provincial brands, including Les Aliments du Québec, as well as many Canadian associations that support local brands’ efforts. This is why SIAL Canada is considered the standard-bearer for the pan-Canadian offer. All of the country’s know-how will be on show for the benefit of national buyers, who are expected in ever-larger numbers. 2. An international brand image With more than 45 countries participating and 25 national pavilions, SIAL Canada offers a world of products waiting to be discovered. By 2050, some 50 per cent of Canada’s population will be of foreign origin, which makes SIAL Canada an ideal place to anticipate the demands of tomorrow’s consumers. The 200,000 square feet exhibition area will feature more than 400 companies from all over the world, ready to introduce their local gastronomy to visitors. 3. Innovation SIAL Innovation highlights novelties covering every part of the world. Made up of experts from the food industry and in partnership with XTC World Innovation the jury selects 10 finalists and one Grand Prix winner. All of the finalists and the Grand Prix winner will have the unique opportunity to travel worldwide, visiting all the SIAL tradeshows – in China, Brazil, the Philippines, Paris and Abu Dhabi. New this year: The SIAL Innovation competition will present three new awards: a Retailer Award, a Foodservice Award and a Children’s Special Prize. These products can be found in the SIAL Innovation area on the exhibition floor, where attendees can ask questions to experts when they visit the observatory and witness the shooting of video clips. Privileged visitors and journalists will also have the chance to attend a tasting of the Grand Prize winning product in the media zone. New and innovative contests and events. Olive d’Or: Olive d'Or is an opportunity to discover and taste the best olive oils in the world, directly from the producers. A tasting session of the 2014 winning oils is set for April 3 at 1:00 pm. La Cuisine by SIAL: This is the key event for the foodservice sector. It will have several new features this year, including a laboratory with an open area highlighting pastries, and educational sessions organized every morning. Aliments du Québec products will be in the spotlight on April 2. To help attendees see everything in peace and save time, the organizers provide recommended visitor paths. Unique in North America, these expertly designed circuits are tailored to specific interests from among the various product categories available. So, if attendees are looking for new gluten-free, organic or regional products, the appropriate pathway will guide them to all the right places. Educational sessions: Following its success in 2012 and 2013, the educational program is back with themes that are current and in the news: food innovations, ethnic products, packaging and food waste, health, gastronomy, etc. Speakers have been invited from several renowned organizations, including XTC, Nielsen and UQAM. Food expeditions This is a chance to discover some unique Montreal locations and meet food distribution professionals who have succeeded by developing very specific concepts. These tours bring visitors up close to the founders of successful companies who base their businesses on health and sustainable development. Got a taste for the exotic? The “out-of-the ordinary restaurant” tour promises some unexpected experiences. One visit will be entirely dedicated to tea. SIAL À Manger A whole new project that highlights Montreal’s restaurants. Organized in partnership with the Association des Restaurateurs du Québec (ARQ). 50th anniversary of the SIAL brand The 11th edition of SIAL Canada in Montreal is the first opportunity to celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary. The year then continues with SIAL tradeshows around the world, culminating with SIAL Paris in October 2014.