SHANGHAI, CHINA - SIAL China, Asia’s largest food innovation exhibition recently released the event schedule for the 20th edition show which will take place in Shanghai at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) from May 14th to 16th. This year’s exhibition will occupy the full 199,500 square meter exhibition centre to accommodate an expected 4,300 exhibitors from 70 countries and regions.
“The scale of SIAL China reflects the growing importance of Asia’s food and beverage market, valued not only for its consumer’s increased spending power but also for the producers and manufacturers of high quality and innovative products.” Said Jim Liu, CEO of SIAL China. “During the first edition of SIAL China in 2000, we occupied a modest 8,000 square meters and hosted 323 exhibitors. Today, through the support of our partners, exhibitors, and visitors, SIAL China holds an important place on the industry calendar.”
This year, SIAL China will host four dedicated product zones that themed beverage, meat, wine, and dairy, distributed across 17 halls organized to meet exhibitor and industry demand. The Wine Zone will be ex-panded to Hall E5 and E6, while the Meat Zone will occupy three halls, Hall N3, N4, and N5. SIAL China has also taken steps to support market trends in Health, Wellness, and Functional Foods by creating a desig-nated space for each in Hall E7. The popular International Cold Chain Logistic Hall will also return for the third consecutive year and will continue to present the latest technology solutions in Hall W5.
In addition to the four product zones and 17 halls at SIAL China 2019, there will be several main professional events designed by SIAL China to facilitate meaningful exchange among exhibitors, visitors, and experts. The events create unique opportunities for guests to look deeper into the world of food and understand the trends and new innovations shaping the industry. All professional events are open to registered visitors, exhibitors and media.
Opening Ceremony: Celebrate the 20th Edition of Asia’s Largest Food Innovation Exhibition
On May 14th, the Opening Ceremony will welcome Government Officials, Embassy Representatives, Dele-gates, VIP Guests, and Media from 9:00–11:00 AM in Hall N5. Representatives from the China Commerce Development Center and SIAL Network, as well as Jim Liu, the CEO of SIAL China will officially open Asia’s largest food innovation exhibition and celebrate the show’s 20th edition. Jim Liu will share a special presentation to commemorate the milestone and thank SIAL China partners, exhibitors, and visitors in attendance for their support.
SIAL Innovation: Inspired by the Latest Food Trends and Innovations
Open to all registered visitors and exhibitors, SIAL Innovation is the crown jewel event of the SIAL-Network and celebrates food and beverage innovation. In partnership with XTC World Innovation, SIAL China will reveal the SIAL Innovation Gold, Silver, and Bronze Winners on May 14th from 3:30-5:00 PM. This year, the 10 Finalists were selected from 184 submissions by the 2019 SIAL Innovation Jury, considering health, packaging, and consumer convenience. This year's Finalists are from China, France, Poland, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, and the USA, and expertly address new developments in the food and beverage industry.
If you can’t make to the award ceremony, make sure you swing by Hall E3 during your visit to see all 184 selected products including the 10 finalists on display alongside the SIAL Innovation World Champions Tour which features the most innovative and award-winning products from the SIAL Network’s 2018 - 2019 season. Moreover, global market trends research and key data provided by XTC World Innovation and Kantar TNS will be shown on three interactive touch screens. All display areas are open to guests from 9:00 – 17:00 during the first two days, and from 9:00 – 16:00 for the third and final day of the exhibition.
La Cuisine: Discover the Art of Cooking
La Cuisine makes Hall N4 a must visit for food lovers and casual observers in 2019. It will house the 2019 China International Top Chef Invitational Competition co-hosted by SIAL China and the World Association of Chef Societies. Eight teams from Anhui Province, Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, as well as Italy, Japan and Malaysia will compete in the two-day competition. The panel will be led by Mr. Chen Gang, certificated judge by WACs and member of Famous Chefs Committee of the China Cuisine Association. The award ceremony will take place on May 15th from 12:30 – 13:30.
Retail & Hospitality Forum: Meet High-Level HoReCa and Retail Professionals
The Retail & Hospitality Forum is one of the best places at SIAL China to look deeper into different sectors and trends. Located in Hall N5 this year, the forum offers a full calendar of industry experts talking on a range of topics. Some highlights from May 14th, include Bubble Tea Industry Overview and Beyond by Eu-romonitor and Succeeding in Chinese E-commerce by Sovereign. While during May 15th, learn about Trends in Food Product Innovation from XTC World Innovation and Food Business Opportunity in China E-commerce Market Focus on Snack, Liquor, Dairy & Fresh Category by Nint (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Make sure you check out the full lineup of speakers at www.sialchina.com before attending SIAL China and join the discussion.
Seafood Fest’: Right Seafood, Right Wine Cooking Demonstrations
Seafood is one of the highest growth categories in China and Asian markets. China’s seafood imports bal-looned by a massive 44% to USD$ 11.9 billion in 2018. Chinese consumers are attracted to imported sea-food and the ease of purchase online and offline. Seafood Fest' caters to this market demand, and at SIAL China 2019, in partnership with China Aquatic Products Processing and Marketing Alliance (CAPPMA), multiple cooking demonstrations under the theme of “Right Seafood, Right Wine” can be observed May 14th -16th.
Chocolate World: An Immersive Sweet World
At Chocolate World you'll meet Mr. Chocolate, the official mascot introduced in 2018 and a handful of 5-star dessert chefs. Chocolate World is a highly interactive event featuring a unique session for DIY activities that give SIAL China visitors a hands-on chocolate making experience. In addition, an afternoon tea tasting has been added to offer audiences an unforgettable afternoon. If you visit Chocolate World in Hall W2, don’t forget to grab a photo with Mr. Chocolate.
China National Specialty Tea Brewing Cup: Where Tradition Meets Fashion
Traditionally, Tea is one of China's most important beverages. With coffee growing in popularity, tea cul-ture has adapted and thrived through innovation and differed forms to become once again fashionable among Chinese consumers. The China National Specialty Tea Brewing Cup honors simplicity, tradition, and fashion, the three characters of fine tea brewing. Within the 3-day competition, 30 contestants will show-case their brewing expertise, professional service, tea knowledge, the quality of their tea, and signature beverages. The winners will be announced at 1:00 PM on May 16th and guests are welcome to observe the event hosted in Hall E4.
Wine Events: Grow Your Understanding of the International and China Wine Industry
The Wine Events at SIAL China celebrate the significance of the wine industry through a series of wine-themed events. The Wine Innovation Forum is a 3-day event that brings together top local wine experts and international speakers to offer informative public seminars. This year, Wine Master David Forer and Wine Sommelier Roderick Smith will lead the seminars from May 14th-15th, and cover topics including Cor-nas from Northern Rhone, Spanish White Wine, Jewels of Loire Valley, Spanish Garnacha, Nebbiolo the King of Piedmont and wine from Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria, Czech, France, Greece and India. While on the third day, the guest speakers will focus on wine promotion and marketing techniques in China. Speakers from China National Wine (Cider) Technical Committee and Tetra Pak China will give speech respectively on Experiential Marketing and Cultural Promotion in Chinese Wine Market and Innovated Wine Package. This year, SIAL China has also partnered with WINE100 for the Best Buy Competition. This competition honors wines and spirits that represent the best value to professional buyers and consumers. The two events will be hosted in Hall E5.
he seven major professional events are open to all the visitors, exhibitors, and media. Go to www.sialchina.com for the full event schedule to maximize time at SIAL China 2019. Here, visitors can order their free badge before the May 11th pre-registration deadline. On-site registration will also be available at SINEC on May 14th to 16th.