This year’s edition of the show welcomed nearly 900 exhibitors from 55 countries and more than 26,000 professional visitors from the gastronomy, retail, and food industries. The Czech exhibition attracted considerable interest thanks to a combination of traditional products, innovative solutions, and an authentic gastronomic experience.

Among the exhibitors were well-known Czech brands such as Budějovický Budvar (presented in Canada under the brand Czechvar), beverages Kofola and Vinea, Leros teas, and Marlenka honey cakes. Visitors were also able to taste traditional Czech specialties, such as spa wafers from Luhačovice, as well as canned products from Znojmia and sauces from Hamé. In the industrial segment, protective gloves from the company Miro attracted attention, reflecting the growing emphasis on safety and operational quality in the food industry.

A major highlight was the premiere of draft Kofola in Canada. Thanks to tap technology provided by Lindr, visitors were able to enjoy Kofola in its authentic form alongside traditional Czech Budvar beer. This element of experiential gastronomy showed that Canadian consumers appreciate not only the product itself, but also its story, origin, and serving method.

Canada represents an attractive and stable market for Czech exporters, with high purchasing power and openness to foreign products. In recent years, demand has been growing for high-quality, innovative, and healthier foods with added value, clear origin, and an emphasis on ingredient quality. The bio food segment, functional foods, plant-based alternatives, and products tailored to specific dietary preferences are also expanding significantly. At the same time, there remains strong interest in authentic international specialties and premium European products, creating interesting opportunities for Czech producers.

A significant competitive advantage for Czech companies is the CETA trade agreement between the EU and Canada, which substantially facilitates mutual trade and simplifies market access and some administrative processes for most food products. However, strict Canadian regulations must still be taken into account, especially regarding food safety, product labeling, and mandatory bilingual packaging in English and French.

The Canadian market is also characterized by the strong position of large retail chains such as Loblaws, Walmart, and Costco. For successful market entry, cooperation with local distributors and business partners is crucial. Regional diversity across Canada also plays an important role. For example, the province of Québec, where the trade show took place, is known for its strong gastronomic tradition and openness to European products, while consumer preferences in other parts of the country may differ significantly. Adapting marketing strategies to specific regions can therefore be one of the key success factors.

The presentation of Czech companies was carried out as part of an economic diplomacy project supported by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic and organized by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Ottawa. The participation was evaluated as highly successful and brought a number of new business contacts as well as concrete opportunities for further cooperation. Czech companies thus not only strengthened their position on the North American market but also gained valuable feedback from potential partners and customers.

The next edition of SIAL Canada will take place in Toronto from April 27–29, 2027, and is expected to feature an even higher number of international exhibitors and professional visitors. For Czech companies, this will be another significant opportunity to build on this year’s success, develop business relationships, and further strengthen their position on the Canadian market.

For more detailed information about the Canadian market, export conditions, or opportunities to participate in the next trade show or accompanying events, Czech companies may contact the agricultural attaché in Canada.