The next Sial Paris, which will be held in Paris from October 16th to October 20th, will be an even bigger event than all previous editions. As for the logistics surrounding the event, due to the recent terrorist attacks, security will be tightened. In addition, the transport links to the Paris Nord Villepinte location will be enhanced. The actual 2016 Edition will represent a further development of the existing event.
THE GROWTH AND ITS FIGURES – It was Nicolas Trentesaux, director of the network linked to this biennial international exhibition dedicated to F&B, who presented the new features of the 2016 edition to an audience of journalists. Firstly, the manager went over the figures. Sial 2016 will welcome 7,000 exhibitors, 10% more than two years ago. 85% of these exhibitors will come from 104 different foreign countries. “These figures confirm that we are a fully-fledged international event. As a matter of fact, the mix of exhibitors is equally balanced between France, Europe, and non-European countries,” says the head of Sial.
ITALY, IN POLE POSITION – The whole world food industry has, therefore, responded to the appeal, although, some countries have a greater strategic role. Among them, in the front row, is Italy, which, thanks to its agri-food companies, has become a key partner of Sial, with a presence, in terms of exhibitors, that is only second to that of France. In fact, this year’s event will host 850 Italian companies (operating in about 20 sectors), compared to 600 two years ago. A large number of representatives will be concentrated in Hall 1, which includes over 14,000 square meters. “The territory of Italy offers an enormous wealth and provides a large variety of food. It is a major player in the development and growth of our exhibition,” notes Trentesaux, “This year’s big news, which goes to confirm Sial’s strong connection with Italy, is specific pavilions dedicated to ten Italian regions, namely, Liguria, Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Lazio, Campania, and Sicily”. One wonders if this undisputed love for Italy may result in a new Alliance; for example, an Italian Sial. The fair’s director immediately ruled out such a hypothesis. “We have never considered the creation of European subsidiaries either in Italy or in other countries because we consider Europe as a single entity where trade between member states is free and continuous. Our mission is to act on the basis of separate geographical areas which have different food consumption habits,” explains Trentesaux calmly.
GLUTEN FREE? MERCI BEAUCOUP – Going back to the Paris appointment, among other features and news is innovation and a gluten-free diet. Around 2,500 products will be launched during the show. As for gluten-free products, a worldwide phenomenon by now, the exhibition organizers have decided, for the first time ever, to dedicate a space of its own to this trend. “In developed countries, we are witnessing an aging population and the spread of food intolerances caused by nutrition issues,” explains the French delegate, “In light of this, there has been an inevitable increase in the demand for organic and specific products, such as gluten-free, to which our event could not remain indifferent.”
