5 reasons to attend SIAL Canada

The Salon International de l'alimentation (SIAL) Canada, Canada’s largest international food and beverage tradeshow, is coming to Toronto’s Direct Energy Centre from April 28 to 30.

Here are five reasons to attend this year’s show:

1. International appeal. SIAL Canada highlights international brand, by hosting exhibitors from more than 50 countries. This year, visitors from more than 60 countries are expected to meet and do business with nearly 800 exhibitors. Indonesia, which has emerged as Southeast Asia’s most important agricultural country, is this year’s Country of Honour. The country, which has seen its food market grow by 57% in the last four years, will be represented by up to 25 companies.

3. Innovation galore. SIAL Partners with XTC World Innovation, which deciphers consumer trends and innovations in the food industry on a global scale and presents their findings at the show. Attendees can also check out the  SIAL Innovation awards, where 10 finalists are recognized and one Grand Prize is given to companies showcasing innovative new products. A new "people's choice" award will also be granted this year. Submissions from finalists will be available for tasting at show. Among the conference presenters, NSF International and the Guelph Food Safety Centre will be looking at innovation in food packaging. The Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will look at innovative food processing technologies we can expect to see in the future.

4. Keeping it local. While SIAL looks at food on an international scale, it’s in tune with local markets. This year's show features 400 Canadian exhibitors and representation from every province. Events on the tradeshow floor such as Cheese by SIAL and La Cuisine by SIAL also focus on local food offerings. A panel discussion featuring Mike Fata, CEO co-founder of Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods and Mathew Holmes, executive director of the Canada Organic Trade Association will also look at the best practices in the organic sector, as set out by local companies.

5. Buyer program. New this year, the U.S. Hosted Buyer Program offers exhibitors a unique business meeting tool for B2B meetings involving American buyers and importers. Select U.S. buyers participate in pre-arranged one-on-one meetings with select exhibitors from around the world, with the goal of helping exhibitors and buyers meet.

6. Presentations and programs. The conference program includes presentations featuring issues that are currently impacting the industry, such as supply chain safety, e-commerce, and catering to the ethnic consumer.