Salon International de l’Alimentation (SIAL Canada) 2013

-The 9th edition of the Salon International de l’Alimentation proves to be a great success, synonymous with exponential growth, and innovation!

The ninth edition of the Salon International de l’Alimentation (SIAL Canada) and of the Salon des équipements, des technologies et services pour la distribution alimentaire, l’hôtellerie et la restauration (SET Canada), which took place on May 9th to 11th, 2012 at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal, finished on an extremely positive note. The tremendous growth of the event, which was evident yet again this year, attests to the position of leadership which these two shows occupy, regarded as essential stops for all North American food industry professionals.

 

A Record Edition From Any Perspective

With 676 exhibitors from 45 countries and over 13 952 visiting professionals from 60 different countries, there's no denying that this edition of SIAL Canada has been a resounding success and a record-setting year on a number of levels! Packed over the three days of the event, SIAL Canada added 10,000 square feet to its exhibition space in March due to increased demand, bringing the total the size of the entire space to 175,000 square feet and in so doing establishing growth of 20%, making it an indisputable must-attend event in the food industry.

 

For Mr. Xavier Poncin, the show's director, the wager paid off twofold: "After having taken up the challenge of alternating the show between Montreal (in even years) and Toronto (in odd years), the success of last year with the first SIAL Canada show in Toronto makes it clear that we met our objectives! We can now proclaim our return to Montreal a great success. I would even say this edition surpassed all of our expectations with the record number of visitors with nearly 14 000 attendees as well as the quality of business opportunities gained by our exhibitors, a very important aspect of the Show! We now look forward to the 2013 edition with a never seen before momentum. "

 

With the development of the Show in Toronto last year, this edition captured a larger pan-Canadian audience with in particular a growth of 25% in visitors from Ontario, and 60% more visitors from the rest of Canada.

 

The official inauguration was a festive way of getting the event rolling. A number of dignitaries from a variety of spheres were present: Mr. Claude Carrière, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Mr Pierre Corbeil, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Quebec, Mr. Ted McMeekin, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ontario, Mr. Smail Benamara, Ambassador of Algeria, Mr. Werner Brandstetter, Ambassador of Austria, Mr. Luis Carlos Delgado, Ambassador of Costa Rica, Jose Luis Peroni, Ambassador of Peru, Mr. Andrew C. Parker, Consul General of the United States in Montreal and Mr. Bruno Clerc, Consul General of France in Montreal. The SIAL Canada team also had the pleasure of welcoming in Montreal the 2012 SIAL D’OR Jury, composed of 29 journalists from29 different countries. The result of the contest will be unveiled at SIAL Paris that takes place from October 21st to 25th, 2012.

 

A Variety of Exclusive, Captivating Events

Again this year during SIAL Canada, several well-attended conferences touching on various burning issues in food were presented. Additionally, many special events were a great success, both in terms of the number of visitors as well as by the exponential growth in the participation rate. During this edition, SIAL Canada and SET Canada also presented contests and demonstrations which promoted and rewarded products and businesses that are at the cutting edge of innovation!

 

Firstly, the TRENDS & INNOVATIONS contest, which will become SIAL INNOVATION in 2013, rewarded the best in international food innovation for the year and revealed the latest global consumption trends. Competition was fierce yet again this year. After selecting 10 finalists, the jury crowned the most innovative product through a rigorous selection process. Citadelle’s “Maple Pearls” is the big winner of the 2012 contest.