Gearing up for SIAL CANADA 2017
What’s new at SIAL Canada 2017?
This year will be the first time we pass the magic number of 1,000 exhibitors (from 50 countries). We have experienced stunning 90% growth since our inaugural Toronto show in 2011, and growth of 20% as compared to 2015, the last edition we held here. Our show reflects the changing landscape of the Canadian market, and this growth once again proves it.
We have lots of new features and content lined up, but one in particular is the Authenticity in Multiculturalism half-day conference, which is co-organized with Canadian Grocer. This unique event within SIAL Canada will feature celebrity chef Vikram Vij; a panel of experts discussing new Canadian Grocer research on the ethnic foods market; and speaker Gary Berman will be on-hand to talk about the multicultural consumer. This is a great opportunity for food producers and retailers to better understand this market and adapt to grow their business. Additionally, B.K. Sethi, our expert with 30 years of expertise as a specialist in this sector, will be at our exhibitors’ and visitors’ disposal to help them gain a better grasp of that field.
What new countries will be represented at SIAL this year?
We have a tonne of new countries on the show floor, and this year we are highlighting the European Union. The choice of the European Union as region of honour has much to do with the ratification of CETA—Canada’s most ambitious free-trade agreement since NAFTA and the biggest commercial agreement the country has ever implemented—and its tremendous prospects for the industry.
Making an appearance this year will be Phil Hogan, the European Commissioner for Agriculture, along with minister Laurence McAuley from the Government of Canada and provincial ministers Laurent Lessard from Quebec, and Jeff Leal from Ontario.
The cheese sector deserves a special mention. It has continued to expand as a direct result of free-trade agreements. At the show, cheese will be represented by about 40 Canadian and international producers who will exhibit their products in a space where knowledge will be shared and a tasting will be held. On hand will be Gurth Pretty, a Canadian cheese specialist with more than 20 years of experience.
Why is it worthwhile for grocers to attend the show?
We are the most effective solution for all retailers, whether they’re big brands, independents, convenience stores or specialty stores. In fact, SIAL Canada is the only show in North America that provides food, service and equipment solutions, all under one roof. That applies not only for retail businesses, but for those in foodservice and food processing as well. We have the solutions to all the food industry’s challenges.And we help visitors use their time efficiently by providing them with “experts’ paths”. We have a dozen paths that allow visitors to easily target the businesses or products that they’re interested in. Whether it’s a buyer on the hunt for organic, private-brand, local, gluten free, cheese, halal, or kosher products, there’s a visitors’ path for each of them, which is one of a kind in North America!
Anything else we should know about SIAL 2017?
There are so many things to mention: our Expert Hubs cover important topics ranging from organics to specialty cheese; our SIAL Innovation contest is back as well as our Olive d’Or, Canada’s biggest extra-virgin olive oil contest, now in its 12th year; La Cuisine by SIAL will feature chef Mark McEwan as well as chefs from Longo’s and Pusateri’s who will focus on food to go and buying local. And finally, our conferences, which will include roughly 40 presentations and workshops. SIAL Canada is jam-packed with features not to missed!
To learn more about SIAL Canada 2017 or to register, visit www.sialcanada.com
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