For the past six years, I have had the incredible opportunity to partner with SIAL Canada, one of the premier food innovation trade shows in North America. This is my third time attending the event in Montreal, and each year it feels like a homecoming. SIAL Canada has become one of my favourite tradeshows to look forward to, not only because of the sheer scale and diversity of the event but also for the unparalleled networking opportunities it offers. As a food blogger, there is nothing quite like witnessing firsthand the unveiling of amazing, innovative food and beverage products that push the boundaries of the industry.
Read a recap of my Montreal SIAL Canada 2022 experience here.
Read a recap of my Toronto SIAL Canada 2019 experience here.
Read a recap of my Montreal SIAL Canada 2018 experience here.
Every year, the creativity and passion of the exhibitors just gets better and better. It's a fantastic chance to meet like-minded individuals who share a deep love for food and innovation. The atmosphere is always electric, buzzing with excitement as thousands of professionals gather to showcase their latest creations and explore new possibilities. This year was no exception, and I was thrilled to dive into the culinary wonders that SIAL Canada 2024 had to offer. The anticipation of discovering new trends, tasting cutting-edge products, and attending insightful conferences makes this tradeshow a highlight of my calendar year.
Being a media guest at SIAL Canada not only allows me to stay ahead of the curve in the food industry but also gives me the privilege to share these experiences with all of you! It’s an event that truly celebrates the future of food, and I’m always eager to bring those stories and innovations back to you. So, join me as I recount my incredible journey through SIAL Canada 2024, starting with my delightful stay at Hotel Monville and exploring the myriad of experiences that made this trip unforgettable.
A Cozy Stay at Hotel Monville
My home base for this adventure was the chic and contemporary Hotel Monville, nestled in the heart of Montreal’s Quartier international on De Bleury Street. Hotel Monville is a four-star hotel that targets both business people and tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the Montreal experience. From the moment I checked in, Hotel Monville impressed me with its sleek design and modern amenities. The location couldn’t have been more convenient—just literally a one minute walk from Palais des Congres de Montreal where SIAL Canada was hosted. My room was a perfect blend of comfort and style, featuring a stunning view of the city skyline.
One of the unique features of Hotel Monville is its autonomous delivery robot, developed by the California firm Savioke. This robot carries orders directly to guests’ rooms in record time, making room service a truly futuristic experience. Guests can also check in easily and quickly at electronic kiosks, where they automatically receive their room keys. This efficient system allows the hotel’s human receptionists to dedicate more time to helping guests discover Montreal’s many attractions.
The hospitality at Hotel Monville was also top-notch. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful, ensuring my stay was as pleasant as possible with room service every day so you know you’ll be coming into a clean and made-up bed each and every night. After long days at the trade show, it was a relief to return to such a welcoming and restful environment. I couldn’t have asked for a better home away from home during my Montreal trip.
Exploring SIAL Canada 2024
SIAL Canada 2024 was a gastronomic wonderland, with over 1,000 national and international exhibitors from 44 countries showcasing their innovative products. There were so many exhibitors this year that it was the very first time the tradeshow took place over two floors. Walking through the expansive halls, I was amazed by the diversity of offerings, from gourmet snacks and beverages to cutting-edge food technology. Each booth told a unique story, reflecting the passion and creativity of its creators. I had the chance to sample an array of delectable foods and drinks, many of which were new to me. It was inspiring to see so many businesses pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the culinary world and to me is one of the key reasons why anyone should make a visit to SIAL Canada.
The SIAL Innovation Awards
One of the highlights of the event was the annual SIAL Innovation Awards. This prestigious ceremony recognizes the most groundbreaking products in the food industry. Among the 200 applications from 17 countries, competition co-presidents Isabelle Marquis and Xavier Terlet selected 74 products from 13 countries that embody the innovative spirit of SIAL Canada exhibitors.
These products were chosen by the Grand Jury based on several criteria:
The product was launched from January 2023 onwards.
It offers something new or different from what is known in the Canadian market and has the potential to expand to several markets.
It creates value for the intended target and is likely to inspire other food companies to replicate or enhance the concept.
It is innovative in at least one of the following areas: recipe and composition, packaging, manufacturing process, or marketing positioning.
This year’s grand winners were particularly impressive. The Gold Award went to El Gusto Foods, a high-quality ground coffee in a compostable bag that clings to the rim of the cup for perfect brewing. This product was selected for its practicality and quality of execution, allowing premium coffee to be enjoyed anywhere.
The Silver Award was claimed by Huile d'Olivia by Dear Goodness, a line of olive oils created to pair with specific dishes. The jury was impressed by the blending of selected olive varieties to match distinct dishes and the aromatic descriptions provided for each type.
The Bronze Award went to La Presserie for their line of Asian-inspired frozen and vacuum-packed soups made from natural ingredients. These soups were selected for their authentic recipes and the innovative skin pack packaging.
Additionally, the Packaging Award was given to ABC Emballuxe Inc. for their reusable pizza box, suitable for three sizes of pizza. This product was recognized for its sustainable attributes and design flexibility.
The Opening Ceremony
The excitement began with the grand opening ceremony right after the all the SIAL Innovation Awards were handed out to the recipients. The opening ceremony is a vibrant celebration that will set the stage for the three-day event. It featured keynote speeches from industry leaders who shared their insights on the future of food innovation with a blend of inspiration and enthusiasm that highlighted the event's significance. The energy in the room was infectious, and it was clear that everyone in attendance was passionate about the future of food.
The Start Up Pitch Competition
Another event that stood out was the Start Up Pitch Competition. This competition gave emerging food startups a platform to showcase their innovative products, technologies, or services to a panel of judges and an enthusiastic audience. The creativity and ingenuity on display was truly remarkable. I found myself rooting for several of the participants, each presenting unique solutions to some of the industry's biggest challenges. The competition was fierce, but it was a fantastic opportunity to see the next generation of food entrepreneurs in action. With only three-minutes to impress the panel of judges, each competitor needed to quickly showcase and convince them why their product is unique from everything out there already and deserves the spotlight.
This year’s competition highlighted some truly inspiring startups. The first-place winner was Epic Tofu, a company offering pre-chopped, marinated, and ready-to-cook tofu products that taste out of this world. Artisan-made in Montreal, Quebec, with non-GMO and organic ingredients. Epic Tofu stood out for its convenience and commitment to quality. As a busy food blogger who loves plant-based options, I was particularly impressed by how easy and delicious Epic Tofu makes it to enjoy a healthy meal. Their innovative approach to tofu preparation is set to revolutionize how we incorporate this versatile protein into our diets.
The second-place award went to Dunord, which offers plant-based meal kits made from local farm surplus and inspired by the abundance of the boreal ecosystem. Dunord’s focus on sustainability and reducing food waste resonated deeply with me. Their meal kits not only provide nutritious, plant-based meals but also support local farmers and promote eco-friendly practices. It’s a win-win for consumers and the environment, and I’m excited to see how Dunord will continue to grow and impact the food industry.
In third place was Maison Théier, a company brewing alcohol-free wine made from the finest tea in the world. Their alcohol-free tea wine is a new product based on the fermentation of exclusively imported tea from Asia. They import very high-quality tea from terroirs in Asia and infuse it with high-quality water, creating a unique and sophisticated beverage. As someone who appreciates both fine tea and innovative non-alcoholic beverages, I found Maison Théier’s product to be a refreshing alternative to traditional wine. It’s perfect for those who seek the complexity and enjoyment of wine without the alcohol content.
These winners not only showcased incredible products but also demonstrated how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. The Start Up Pitch Competition was a highlight of SIAL Canada 2024, offering a glimpse into the future of the food and beverage industry.
A Feast for the Senses
One of the most enjoyable aspects of SIAL Canada was the opportunity to sample an incredible variety of food and drink. Walking up and down the two floors of the event, I was treated to a sensory overload of tastes and aromas. From artisanal cheeses and gourmet chocolates to exotic beverages and innovative snacks, there was something for every palate. Each sample provided a glimpse into the creativity and craftsmanship of its entrepreneurs. It was a food lover’s paradise, and I made sure to savour every moment. Here were some of my favourite booths this year!
Conferences and Industry Insights
SIAL Canada is not just about showcasing products; it’s also a hub for knowledge exchange. The event hosts a plethora of conferences where speakers from across the industry share their expertise and insights. I attended one of the final conferences on the last day of the tradeshow, which focused on food marketing on TikTok in the social media space. It was fascinating to learn about the strategies brands are using to engage with a younger audience on this rapidly growing platform. Lindsey Tracey - Head of Industry (Growth) who currently works at TikTok provided valuable tips on creating viral content and leveraging TikTok’s unique features to boost brand visibility. This session was particularly relevant for me as a food blogger, offering fresh ideas to incorporate into my social media strategy.
Conclusion
My trip to Montreal for SIAL Canada 2024 was an unforgettable experience. It was a privilege to be a media guest at such a significant event in the food industry, and I returned home with a wealth of new knowledge and inspiration. I can’t wait to see how the innovations I witnessed will shape the future of food. Until next time, Montreal! We’ll be back in Toronto for SIAL 2025!
