See You at SIAL

All industry trade shows like to portray themselves as “one of a kind” events, but as most Canadian food-industry professionals have discovered in recent years, the annual SIAL Canada exhibition really is the only national trade show to offer a complete range of food products under one roof to meet the needs of the retail, food-service and food-processing industries in one place.

Scheduled to run from May 15 to May 17, 2024, at the state-of-the-art Palais des Congrès exhibition centre in Montreal, this year’s edition of SIAL Canada is already poised to set new records for attendance, audience engagement and show-floor excitement, according to the show’s organizers Expo Canada France Inc.

“At this year’s SIAL Canada in Montreal, we’re expecting over 1,000 exhibitors and more than 20,000 professionals to attend, reaffirming its status as North America’s premier agri-food business accelerator,” says SIAL Canada’s communications director, Julianne Pilon.

“Compared to last year’s event in Toronto, we anticipate a larger turnout due to Montreal’s vibrant atmosphere and the renowned host venue,” Pilon adds.

“This event promises to be a must-attend for those striving to stay ahead in the dynamic world of food revolutions.”

With sustainability emerging as the major theme in the global food-industry circles, the show’s 21st edition is a must-attend event for senior packaging professionals looking to expand their markets and find new business opportunities, Pilon asserts.

“Given that packaging is one of our largest sectors, with high demand leading to sold-out spaces and a waiting list, it plays a pivotal role in the overall success of the show,” she says.

“This sector plays a critically important role in providing essential solutions and innovations that facilitate the packaging, presentation, and preservation of food products,” she says, “thereby meeting the evolving needs of exhibitors and attendees alike.

“As a crucial aspect of the food industry, the packaging sector contributes to enhancing product visibility, ensuring food safety, and driving consumer engagement, making it an integral part of the SIAL 2024 exhibition.”

As Pilon relates, this year’s show agenda offers an updated mix of exciting new features and beloved classics, including:

• Expanded Conference Program, featuring an innovative new format that will present 10 thematic forum sessions, each lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes, focusing on a specific theme.

This approach is designed to offer a more in-depth and engaging experience for our participants, on key industry topics such as packaging, innovation, trends, health regulations, technology, To Go, retail, and supply chain.

• SIAL Dairy Section. The former “Cheese section” has been rebranded as SIAL Dairy Section this year to underscores the commitment to promoting excellence across all facets of the dairy sector.

As part of the rebranding, the inaugural Best Canadian Cheesemonger Competition will make its debut as an exclusive national event designed to honour the craft and highlight the expertise of Canada’s foremost professional cheesemongers.

As Pilon explains, “This exciting competition will rotate with the International Cheese Competition held in Toronto, offering a premier stage for Canadian cheese connoisseurs to shine.”

• SoSIAL Program. Focusing on community engagement in reducing waste and nurturing future generations, show organizers have teamed up with the Moisson Montreal agency to redistribute surplus food from the show to those in need. Additionally, this year, SIAL Canada is collaborating with Drive Away Hunger, who will match the show’s donation to Moisson Montreal.

Part of the fight against hunger, this proactive initiative is an agricultural and agri-food industry endeavor aimed at providing essential food items to community members facing food insecurity.

• SIAL Innovation and Pitch Competition. Designed to celebrate visionary entrepreneurs and breakthrough innovations, these flagship show features are pivotal events that will honour forward-thinking entrepreneurs and pioneering innovations that are transforming the food industry.

The SIAL Innovation Competition highlights cutting-edge trends and breakthroughs in the food and beverage sector, recognizing the top innovations launched within the last year.

Similarly, the Pitch Competition provides a platform for visionary entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas, contributing to the ever-evolving landscape of the food industry.

In addition to sustainability, SIAL Canada is geared to explore all the other major trends shaping the Canadian food-industry landscape, including:

• Functional Foods and Wellness. Consumers are increasingly seeking foods that offer functional benefits beyond basic nutrition, such as improved immunity, gut health and mental well-being. Products enriched with vitamins, probiotics and other functional ingredients will be showcased at the SIAL Canada.
• Convenience and On-the-Go. With busy lifestyles, there’s a growing demand for convenient, ready-to-eat or grab-and-go food options—including pre-packaged meals, snacks and beverages—that will also be abundantly displayed at the show.
• Technology and Innovation. Advancements in technology are revolutionizing the food industry, from A.I.-driven personalized nutrition to blockchain traceability systems. Show visitors can expect to see many cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions showcased at the exhibition and discussed in the conference programming.
• Ethnic and Global Flavours. With 50 per cent of the show floor dedicated to international pavilions, exhibitors will showcase a wide array of ethnic and globally-inspired food and beverage offerings to cater to this trend.

For packaging-industry decision makers, SIAL Canada “provides a unique platform for professionals to connect with industry peers, potential clients and suppliers, fostering valuable networking opportunities,” Pilon reiterates.

“SIAL Canada also showcases the latest trends, technologies, and innovations in the packaging industry—offering professional insights into emerging developments and future directions.

“By attending SIAL Canada, packaging professionals can gain valuable market intelligence, including consumer preferences, competitive insights, and market trends, helping them make informed business decisions,” Pilon points out.

In addition to packaging-industry representatives, SIAL Canada anticipates a diverse range of professionals from various other sectors of the food industry, including retailers, buyers, producers, suppliers, importers, wholesalers, and other industry stakeholders.

As Pilon sums up, “Our aim for this year’s SIAL Canada is to leave a lasting impact by fostering innovation, sustainability, and market growth within the food industry.

“Through collaboration, education, and community engagement, we aim to inspire positive change and empower industry professionals to drive progress and make a difference.”

To register for next month’s SIAL Canada 2024 exhibition and conference in Montreal, please go to: www.sialcanada.com