SIAL show gets off the blocks

The biannual SIAL exhibition kicked off in Paris yesterday and is this year expected to attract some 130,000 food industry professionals.

Described by its organisers as the biggest global market place for the food industry in the world, the event will run until 24 October. Most importantly it is a showcase for new products from around the globe, and this year around 5,200 exhibitors representing 94 different countries will be previewing the latest innovations and trends.

Naturally, the Food And Drink Europe team is at the show, combing the length and breadth of the huge exhibition halls for all the latest news and events. We will be joining a large group of journalists from 58 countries to bring you news on what will determine the foods of tomorrow.

Indeed, the event has come to be known as a launching pad for new products. This year it is expected that nearly 600 new food and beverage products will be launched, all of which will be closely observed by competition and media alike.

Equally important to the industry is a series of events and conferences that are run in conjunction with the exhibition stands. These will cover a number of the industry's most debated issues including food security and quality, product development, the dynamics of food and the rapidly growing China food market.

Among the areas expecting large visitor numbers will be the tea pavilion as well as the meat and poultry, seafood and dairy sectors. Themed sections include vending machine products, halal and kosher products as well as organic products.