SIAL 2014: an Exceptional Year!

The forthcoming SIAL edition, which will take place in Paris from 19 to 23 October, is sure to be an exceptional year.
It is exceptional because the fair will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. In 1964, the first SIAL event was launched, within the CNIT at Paris La Défense. At that time SIAL had already decided to position itself as the food crossroads of the world, with a special focus on innovation. 26 countries were represented in this first edition.
From the moment SIAL established its primary position in the rankings, the amount of international exhibitors and visitors has not stopped increasing edition after edition. The importance of innovation has also grown in importance, turning the SIAL into a privileged observatory of new food products.
2014 will also be an exceptional year due to the record participation expected: more than 6,000 exhibitors and 150,000 visitors from 200 countries. The food world will most definitely have a meeting point in Paris!
Not only that. Nine months before opening its doors, 90% of the exhibition surface has already been booked! « This clearly shows that a professional fair for professional people, conceived for business and aimed at business, has firmly established itself, even when the economy is less favorable than previous years », said Nicolas Trentesaux, SIAL Group Director.
In addition, SIAL 2014 will offer something new as it expands to embrace new horizons. The integration of Equipment, Technology and Services sectors will further consolidate SIAL in the food sector : from the factory to marketing of the product. The 2014 edition of SIAL is expecting 150,000 visitors. Nearly 2 out of 3 visitors will come from abroad. And 200 countries will be represented in total. More than the half of its visitors will come from trade and distribution, a quarter from the agribusiness industry, 18% from catering facilities and 4% from services.
50 years!
In 2014, SIAL will celebrate its 50th anniversary. A unique anniversary that will be properly celebrated, with entertainment in the halls, the presence of 50 top international chefs doing their shopping at SIAL, and a Light & Sound Show on the SIAL esplanade on Monday 20 October, from 5PM to 8:30PM. The perfect moment to meet the SIAL community!
SIAL Innovation
SIAL confirms its trend watching role and its vocation for revealing innovations at SIAL Innovation. A vocation that is reinforced in 2014.
On the one hand, in conjunction with TNS Sofres, SIAL unveils a large worldwide study to identify emerging trends in terms of food behavior.
On the other hand, the world’s best innovations will be displayed at the fair. This will be the best occasion to bring visitors a unique outlook on innovation.
La Cuisine by SIAL
In 2014, catering will once again have its place at SIAL. La Cuisine by SIAL will be an authentic crossroads for catering professionals, with entertainment, show cooking, photo exhibitions, etc. all sponsored by 3 star chef Christian Le Squer. On 20 October, as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, SIAL will welcome 50 chefs from around the world.
They will visit the fair (looking for new providers!) and will take part in show cooking events.
World Tour by SIAL
World Tour by SIAL is a window to the world of consumption. The aim of this space is to decode conso-retail trends in the varied and sizeable food markets on the planet: new distribution concepts, market evolution, etc.
Innovation: which trends in 2014?
First lesson: global innovation does not exist! It is, in fact, one of the specificities of the agribusiness industry: to adapt to continental, national and even occasionally regional expectations, as specified as they are.
Nevertheless, within this framework, some key trends are detectable, as they imply the presence of innovation in every continent. The biggest trend?
Time and time again “pleasure”. In 2013, according to the XTC consulting firm (SIAL partner), 55% of companies innovate on the food « pleasure » axis. In 2011, before the SIAL fair, they represented 52.5 %.
The observatory for innovation that will be presented in this context during the next SIAL in Paris, will even allow for the regionalisation of trends structuring innovation.
What are the innovation drivers in the major regions of the world?
• North America: the “variety of the senses” is the most important trend in innovation in 2013, followed by functionality and safety.
• Latin America: the ranking of trends in Latin America is the same as in North America, with a strong ranking for Sensory variety (new tastes, perfumes, etc.). Latin America has the strongest Slim-fit trend in the world.
• Asia: Variety of Senses trends is strongest in Asia, representing nearly 50% of innovative products.
• Europe: Offering pleasure “pret a manger”. Many innovations have been adapting to new nomad behaviors, while maintaining the varied and sophisticated traits that characterize “food models” in most European countries.
• Middle East / Maghreb: more westernized innovation. The Middle East and Maghreb
SIAL 2014 in 3 ideas
360° food vision
SIAL networks encompass the whole sector! From the factory to consumption, all professions are represented: equipment, gross production, transformation, preparation, market launch (retail, catering, communities, etc.) The SIAL Group network brings 360 o vision to the food industry and represents a real springboard for exports.
Trend watching & innovation
SIAL is of huge global importance, and through the work of the SIAL Group network, provides a reliable and accurate picture of emerging trends in the world’s principal markets!
Much more than square meters!
SIAL network fairs are more than just exhibition square meters. The SIAL network is also the biggest food community in the world. It offers the definitive networking platform for the sector, and all the fun of the fair! During SIAL Paris, you can discover many original and innovative places in this foodloving capital with the help of the SIAL OFF program!