SIAL Canada is considered the most important food trade show in Canada. It is held annually, alternating each year between Montreal and Toronto. This year's edition was held in Montreal, the largest city in the province of Quebec. Quebec, with its 9 million inhabitants, is Canada's second most populous province. The Francophone population represents approximately 75% of the population, and is thus characterized by a strong demand for European products. 

More than 1,000 Canadian and international exhibitors from 44 countries and more than 21,000 visitors from 77 countries attended the show. In addition to the presentation of food products, the show specifically targeted dairy products, beverages and packaging materials. Part of the trade show area was also focused on presenting startups and innovative products.

Czech companies were represented at the national stand, which enabled the presentation of products to the general and professional public and provided access to an extensive network of contacts at the retail and distributor level as well as in the catering sector. As usual, Czech companies could take advantage of the Hosted Buyers Program, which provided meetings with individual buyers from Canada and the US.

Participation at show presented an opportunity for Czech companies to further develop business relations and contacts with Canadian partners. Budějovický Budvar, which has been operating on the Canadian market for many years under the name Czechvar, reaffirmed its important position in the beer sector. Hundreds, if not thousands, of visitors tasted their lager, with the help of Lindr tapping equipment. Even before the show itself, .pepper..field attracted plenty of attention with its Kampot pepper being selected as one of the ten most innovative products at the entire show. Their products were thus presented not only at the national stand, but also at a separate location reserved only for the finalists of the competition. Marlenka was also represented at the national booth with its honey cakes, which are already available in retail locations across Canada. Along with Czech food and beverages, Additeq presented its unique plant oil extraction technology and equipment used to extract essential oils for applications in food and beverage recipes. Their product is designed for both home use and the culinary sector. Consequently, the show provided additional visibility for the products in Canada and enabled the strengthening and establishment of business relationships.

During the show, it was also possible to attend a number of side events and seminars focused on market opportunities in Canada, trends and innovations, marketing or food labelling.

For Czech exporters, Canada represents a strategic partner on the North American continent. Business opportunities are offered in the food, beverages or modern agrifood technology sectors. The next SIAL Canada will take place in Toronto from 29 April to 1 May 2025.

Embassy of the Czech Republic in Ottawa