Sial Canada show expects 15% growth this year

The Salon International de l’alimentation (SIAL) and SET Canada have joined forces once again to offer a supersized trade show in Montreal from April 2 to 4 at the Palais des Congres de Montreal.

The show expects to have 14,000 international visitors and 750 exhibitors from 45 countries showcased over 210,000 square-feet of exhibition space.

In early February, Xavier Poncin, executive director of the show, announced that an additional 15,000 square feet of exhibition space has been made available. We'll experience a growth of more than 15% this year, said Poncin.

Last year the event was held in Toronto to try and increase its pan-Canadian appeal. Hailing it as a successful venture–with a 25% growth in visitors from Ontario and 60% growth in visitors from outside Quebec–organizers now alternate the show between Toronto and Montreal each year.

This year’s show has attracted the attention of more than ten major North American retailers. Metro, IGA, Mac’s, Whole Foods, Longo's, Sobeys, Safeway, Loblaw, Walmart and Costco are all listed as banner participants, who will be overseeing education sessions at the event.

Go here to check out the full conference schedule.

Among the highlights, one of the keynote speakers is Jean-Baptiste Delabre, who will be talking about private label trends in North America, and Europe. Xavier Terlet, of XTC Innovation will offer insights on food innovations.

Also, some of the experts the show will have on site are: Bob Bauer, of the Association of Food Industries USA; Jérôme Ferrer, chef, and co-founder of Europea; and pastry chef Christian Faure.

SET Canada focuses on equipment and technology aimed at retail professionals, the food-processing industry, and the food service industry–including everything from foodservice equipment to packaging.

One of the 2014 highlights is an open-cut kitchen featuring innovations in food preparation and technology, in the form of daily workshops, with sponsorship from big name food service providers like Tim Hortons and Sysco.

The International Food and Beverage Trade Show–SIAL Canada–first started as a biannual event in 2001 as “SIAL Montreal.”

Online information and registration can be found at www.sialcanada.com.