SIAL 2006, productive and dynamic

Satisfied visitors, fruitful contacts, deals signed, scores of innovations and a friendly atmosphere in the aisles. The 22nd session of the Global Food Marketplace, which closed its doors on 26 October, confirms the vitality of the food industry and gastronomy. It also highlighted the show’s international dimension and the development of new markets such as China, India, Latin America and Russia.

The preliminary results are positive, showing a 3% increase in visitor numbers which totalled 140,423 over 5 days, with a huge rise in international participation (+11%).
Visitors flocked to the show from around the globe in growing numbers, with notably:
· a massive upsurge in the number of attendees from Russia, China, Brazil, India, Argentina and Canada, with the biggest increase from Australia and Saudi Arabia.
· 127 official visits, with French, European and international delegations combing the aisles
· more than 1400 international journalists came to meet the exhibitors from all over the world and attend SIAL’s many special events.

Beyond sheer numbers, SIAL confirmed:
· its position as the number one industry meeting place with a sharp increase in the number of visitors from the catering, import-export and wholesale sectors.
· its role as a showcase for innovation and creativity with the Trends & Innovations area, the Cuisine & Design workshop, la Cuisine du SIAL, Fruits & Vegetables Design…
· its innovative character with the hugely successful new Fine Foods area and Wine section featuring the “Best Buy” showcase and tasting area,
· its importance as a major business forum with 32 talks and round-tables on Nutrition focusing on 3 key themes: public programmes, consumer expectations and the response of food professionals: nutritionists, manufacturers, the catering industry, branches and the retail sector …

SIAL 2006 hosted 5,302 exhibitors from 99 countries
460 new products selected including 100 specifically designed for catering
20 innovations were voted “Jury’s favourites”
29 SIAL d’Or awards, products that have been commercially successful in their home markets
33 wines from 10 countries were voted “Best Buy”
Nearly 50 tonnes of food products were collected by the French Red Cross of Seine Saint-Denis and distributed to more than 20 charities