Santé! To the Record Breaking Success of SIAL CHINA 2014

From 13th - 15th May 2014, the 15^th edition of SIAL CHINA 2014 took place in Shanghai New International Expo Centre. Taking over 96,200 sqm (+ 14% vs 2013) exhibition area, 2,385 exhibitors (+ 11% vs 2013) and 49,265 visitors (+ 19% vs 2013), 2014’s growth marks a new milestone in SIAL CHINA’s history. 55 international pavilions and 27 Chinese provinces and cities brought their high quality products to the visitors and buyers from all over the world. Over the years, many competitors have tried to copy, and tried to catch up, but none managed to exceed. SIALCHINA’s vision and execution leaves no wonder behind, but the tune “Another One Bites the Dust”.

France and Chinacelebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2014 while SIAL GROUP also celebrate its 50’s anniversary, SIAL CHINA got an outstanding result in this special year. 

- 2,385 exhibitors (+ 11% vs 2013) from 61 countries and regions

- 96,200 sqm (+ 14% vs 2013)

- 55 international pavilions:USA, Korea, India, Turkey, France, Spain, Taiwan, Poland, Australia, Netherlands, and many more

- 27 Chinese provinces and cities exhibited

- 49,265 Visitors from 105 countries and regions

- 18 Products Zones: wine, meat, gourmet, tea & coffee, fruit & vegetable, chocolate world, halal food, condiments, beverage, canned food, frozen food, dairy product, organic food, packtech & foodtech, seafood, sweets & snacks, olive oil, beer. 

On May 13^th, a delegation of Ministers (France, Czech Republic and Poland), Ambassadors, Consuls and Trade officers participated to the Opening Ceremony of SIAL CHINA 2014.

Most of all the pavilions were represented. China, with the Director of China Commerce Development Center, Vice Executive President & Secretary General of China Food and Packaging Machinery Industry Association, Vice President of China Canned Food Industry Association, Deputy Director General of Department of Commerce of Shandong Province, Director General of Foreign Economic Cooperation Center, Ministry of Agriculture, P.R.China , Deputy Secretary General of China Aquatic Products Processing and Marketing Association.

The guest country of Honor - France, was represented by Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. Without forgetting Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Poland; Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Czech Republic; and Ambassadors and Consul Generals of Brazil, Chile , Colombia, France, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Poland, South Africa , Tunisia, Ukraine , Uruguay and many more… 

This year, France has been the Guest Country of Honor. Both the Chinese and the French are food lovers, and both countries can boast wonderfully diverse foods, and a curiosity for new products and flavors. Franceis the first European supplier of agrifood products to the Chinese market, exporting 2.2 billion Euros worth in 2013. 75 agrifood businesses are present inChina, with wines and spirits forming the main pillar, and other sectors contributing with +50% growths (dairy products, cereals, bakery/pastries…).Francehad a strong representation during the SIAL CHINA 2014 with more than 80 companies representing diverse sectors present across 3 halls: the Food Hall (N4), SIAL WINE WORLD (N1) and Meat Hall (N2). Many gastronomic events were held both in the French Pavilions and in La Cuisine by SIAL with a focus on biscuits, chocolate and sweets in partnership with the “Alliance7” (French federation for groceries and dietary products). 

This year, SIAL CHINA’s organizer certifies that an independent jury of experts awarded Best Designed Pavilion Award to URUGUAY Pavilion and Best Selling Product Award to Cheese Cake of The Cheesecake Factory Desserts from USA. 

The competition was endorsed by World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS). Keen competitions among 16 top international chefs from Cambodia, Taiwan Region, Thailand, Malaysia and 16 top national chefs from Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou and Shenzhen were held. During the Awarding Ceremony on 14^th May, Thailand team won the Gold medal, Beijing team and Taiwan Region team won the Silver medals. In order to celebrating 50^th Anniversary of SIAL Group, a special competition - Best Innovative Dessert were held and finally Beijing team won the award.

The pavilion organizers Sopexa, Malaysia, and sponsors Denis Freres, Canada Beef also animated the event with their excellent culinary demonstrations and products. 

SIAL Innovation competition, showcase of the latest food and beverage exhibited in SIAL CHINAhas revealed for its 10^th edition with new record: 63 selected innovative products from 48 companies from 20 worldwide countries and regions; 10 Award products and 1 Special Award!

The SIAL Innovation Award and the SIAL Innovation Special Award were given by the juries to highlight the best of the best innovative products exhibited in SIAL CHINA 2014. This year the big winner is YUMMY-BOWLS PTY LTD from South Africa for its MUNCH BOWLS 250ML PLAIN EDIBLE CRISP WHEAT BOWLS!

Retail & Hospitality Forum – SIAL TV – Where HoReCa and Retail expertise are exchanged 

The 3rd edition delivered its pitch perfect topics featuring industry leaders such as Carrefour, Heng Shou Tang, Shiyao and many more.  It offers a professional B-2B platform for industry information presentation and exchange. Meanwhile, SIAL TV records the full presentation of forum and to be shared on its online channel YouKu.com. This year covers topics from food innovation to retail and product management. And ends on a green note of health food. Please stay tune for the online presentation updates. 

In partnership with Socialwalk. Hundreds of buyers were benefited before and during the show. They were introduced to relevant exhibitors for business discussions.

120 meetings (102 buyers) delivered to French wine exhibitors.

A total of 151 buyers were benefited before and during the show. They were introduced to relevant exhibitors for business discussions. 

The 3^rd Edition of Chocolate World

Satisfying the Chinese consumers’ needs for high-end chocolate and chocolate products, SIAL CHINA showcased top chocolate brands in our ‘Chocolate World’ zone. Highlights had included from Landbase (UK); Shanghai Huapu International Trading (Italy), Royal Europe (Belgium), Roshen (Shanghai) Foodstuff Corp (Ukraine). In 2014, SIAL CHINA hosted the third year of ‘Chocolate World’ which showcased a variety of high-end chocolate companies, from producers who hand-make their chocolates to larger manufacturers. 

Wine enriches food with its flavor while food flavors wine with its taste. On site, invited by China Aquatic Products Processing and Marketing Association, Jin Liang, the senior Canadian culinary consultant and Norwegian seafood culinary consultant, as well as a Chinese cooking master dedicated an on-site aquatic gourmet feast. Meanwhile, the EASE SCENT senior wine lecturer presented a wine lecture. During the event, diners had great fun through the matches of gourmet & wine. 

The 4^th edition of SIAL WINE WORLD has reached a new height by co-locating with SIAL CHINA 2014 in Shanghai New International Expo Centre. The show attracted 161 exhibitors from South Africa, Germany, Australia, Bulgaria, China, Spain, Russia, France, Greece, Italy, New-Zealand, Tunisia, Hong Kong and China and 14,762 visitors, covering 7000 sqm exhibition area. Exhibitors brought premium & qualified wine from France, Spain, Greece, South Africa, Germany, Bulgaria, China, Italy, Australia, Portugal, USA, Argentina, Chile, Netherlands, Scotland, Belgium, Austria, Canada, Japan, Korea, Russia, Moldova, Ecuador to greet exclusive visitors.

It featured events with their jaw-dropping reputed Master of Wine, Sommeliers, critics, journalists and educators. 

Year after year, the Wine Innovation Forum (WIF) is becoming a growing event in SIAL WINE WORLD.

The 2014 Edition hosted during three days, 19 top wine tastings and conferences for local and international wine professionals (James Suckling, Debra Meiburg, Fongyee Walker, Tim Wildman, Ned Goodwin and many more), with two news, the presentation of the Founding Wines of Europe and the welcoming of the top Chinese wineries.

Star-studded with special guest: Mr. James Suckling, the Wine Innovation Forum brought new perspectives to Chinese wine audience on their understanding of Chinese wine business and wine business in general! 

For its 15^th edition, in partnership with WINE100 - one of the most professional and authoritative wine rating agencies in China, Best Buy China Competition brought an effective platform to showcase exhibitors’ star products.

A panel of 8 judges including: sommeliers, wine educators and journalists from professional magazines had performed a blind tasting of the wines & spirits submitted by SIAL Wine World exhibitors. The Jury was presided over by Tim WILDMAN MW and famous wine educator Fongyee WALKER. This event helps to identify the products available from SIAL WINE WORLD exhibitors who offer the best value for money wine from different categories!

This year, more than half of the exhibitors summit their wines for Best Buy China Competition. 11 Best Buy Awards and 7 Honor Awards are awarded, including Trophy Prize Weingut Johannishof, Rüdesheimer Berg Rottland, Riesling Spätlese, 2007 from www.german-rhine-wine.com. 

Hosted on 14^th May at M1NT Club, one of the best clubs inShanghai, combining fantastic wines, gourmet food and night view on the Bund, 400 VIP exhibitors and VIP buyers celebrated the great success of SIAL CHINA & SIAL WINE WORLD 2014! 

The Founding Wines of Europe is a team of Top Brands founded inEuropewho want to promote together the uniqueness of their Family origin European wines. During these three days in SIAL WINE WORLD the exhibitors met the press and the Key Opinion Leaders on their common stand. Their wines were tasted and commented during prestigious Master Classes run by James Suckling, Martin Hao, Fongyee Walker, Debra Meiburg and Tim Wildman. 

Vinitaly China presented for the first time at SIAL WINE WORLD with an engaging three-day educational program: a series of Vinitaly International Master Classes presented by top Chinese importers and three Executive Wine Seminars of the prestigious Vinitaly International Academy took all attendees on a journey of discovery in the heart of the Italian world of wine. 

2014 has been a magnificent year for SIALCHINA. It couldn’t achieve the superbness without the excellent supporters. SIAL CHINA looks forward to another splendid journey in the coming year.