News Epicure: SIAL Canada 2024

SIAL Montreal 2024

21st Edition

SIAL network’s 60th anniversary

May 15 -17, 2024

SIAL Canada:

The much awaited Salon International de l'Alimentation au Canada (SIAL Canada) that comes to Montreal every second year, had been again held this year to the Palais des congrès de Montréal. The only difference was - a very pleasant one - it was held on two levels at the Palais, whereas in the past one level was sufficient.

This 21st edition, which also marks the SIAL network’s 60th anniversary, looks back at over six decades of food innovation, and presents the new trends that are shaping the future of the food industry.

With an impressive roster of over 1,000 exhibitors and an attendance of more than 20,000 professionals, SIAL Canada is the leading agri-food business accelerator in North America. The event was a unique opportunity for food industry players to connect, learn and discover the latest trends and innovations.

This year’s edition featured 10 thematic forums, presented by Farm Credit Canada (FCC), the SIAL To Go immersive experience, interactive workshops and prestigious competitions such as SIAL Innovation, the Pitch Competition and the all-new Best Canadian Cheesemonger Competition.

Christine Plante, founder of the Lauriers de la Gastronomie Québécoise gala, launched this year's major food Expo as the Master of Ceremonies.

Re-imagining the future

SIAL Canada broadend its horizons by focusing on industry-related knowledge sharing. Open to exhibitors and visitors alike, the Show provided a platform for dialogue and innovative ideas. Access to the conferences, previously subject to a fee, was now be free for all visitors with the purchase of a regular ticket. The new conference format included 10 thematic forums each lasting 1:45 hours, with inspiring keynotes as well as expert panels delving into hot industry topics such as packaging, innovation, trends, technology, To-Go service, retail, supply chain management and more.

Introducing SIAL Dairy

As part of the drive to adapt and to listen to industry stakeholders, SIAL Canada repositioned its "Cheese Section" by renaming it "SIAL Dairy", and highlighted its openness to all players in the dairy sector. The Show also introduced a new competition honouring the Best Canadian Cheesemonger, chaired by renowned master cheesemaker Yannick Achim. Presented for the first time in Montréal, this competition is set to become SIAL's flagship event.

Celebrating innovation

Being at the heart of the food industry also means celebrating innovation and the forward-thinking leaders who are helping to shape it. Through key events such as the Pitch Competition for start-ups, the SIAL Innovation showcase, and the new Canadian Cheesemonger Competition, the Show shined a spotlight on visionary entrepreneurs and innovations that are changing the way the food is produced, consumed and is understood.

SIAL Canada 2024: Building business relationships

Again this year, SIAL Canada remained true to its fundamental mission of stimulating progress in the food trade, offering retailers, buyers, producers, suppliers, importers and wholesalers a dynamic platform for establishing and fostering meaningful business relationships, encounters and partnerships.

SoSIAL: A program committed to durability

To reduce food waste and promote the transfer of knowledge and skills to future generations for a more sustainable society, SIAL Canada's SoSIAL program remains committed to the community. The Show has renewed its partnership with Moisson Montréal and surplus food from the event will be donated for distribution to those in need. In addition, for every ticket sold, SIAL Canada will donate $5 to support Moisson Montréal's mission.

About SIAL Canada

SIAL Canada is part of the SIAL network, the world's leading network of trade shows dedicated to the food industry, with 10 trade shows bringing together 16,700 exhibitors and 700,000 trade visitors from over 200 countries. Established in 2001, SIAL Canada is the result of the work of three organizations, all shareholders in the event: SIAL, ADAQ (Association des détaillants en alimentation du Québec) and Groupe Export agroalimentaire Québec-Canada, in addition to receiving support from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ), the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).