0 years old, the SIAL International Food Fair has become both a brand and an important event in the global agri-food business sector.Running from 19-23 October this year, SIAL will see 200 countries represented by its numerous exhibitors.Apart from being a key meeting point for buyers and suppliers, SIAL Paris also brings an overview of what is to come in the future and addresses different challenges retailers are facing. The dynamics of product lines are changing so fast, and the SIAL Innovation area aims to give a glimpse of these ever-changing products. With two in every three people attending the trade show actually visiting SIAL Innovation, SIAL Paris constitutes a way to bring added value and it positions itself as an informer of new trends. Elsewhere Le Marché, SIAL TV, World Tour and Zoom France are all key elements to this year's show.
Retail, central buying organisations, hard discounters and small retailers will all be in attendance, with SIAL focusing on three key areas.
• Sourcing: SIAL represents an incredible concentration of suppliers and products to complement retailers' lines. The success of a retail outlet and the part it plays within the marketplace is dependent upon an attractive range of products on offer. The retailers at the fair are usually looking for new products that will help boost sales and differentiate themselves.
• Consumer data: Retail outlets are becoming more “Marketing Minded,” “consumer driven” and are not prepared to give the big manufacturers the exclusive relationship with the consumer any longer. Retailers have become increasingly demanding in terms of knowledge relating to consumer trends as well as innovations, in order to adapt their food offering and also to improve their concept of distribution.
• Meetings: Distribution does not escape the rules of networking. SIAL remains the place for its 150,000 participants when it comes to meetings in the agrifood sector: economic and political meetings.
