SIAL Canada is the largest North American food innovation show that focuses on insight and inspiration for companies dedicated to the food and beverage business. It is one of eight exhibitions developed to extend the reach of SIAL Paris which is widely known as the global forum of food innovation.
Convenience Elevated
Segment fusion has driven the emergence of specialty food operations that offer the appeal of a gourmet shop in a convenience format. Chef driven fast casual restaurants continue to challenge table service restaurants with destination flavors consumers crave.Trends Driving Innovation
Value: Americans and Canadians agree that receiving a great value is a point of pride—and value is not necessarily the lowest price. Delight: North American consumers are unwilling to forego enjoyment or deliciousness for healthfulness. Healthfulness: Interest in health has not wavered over many years and is expected to escalate with aging, take-charge Baby Boomers. Convenience: Modern lifestyles and consumers’ unwillingness to make tradeoffs have driven innovation in retail packaging and fast casual. Trust: Brand trust is essential for food providers, driven by customer desire for transparency of production processes and product origin. Consistent pricing across channels and straightforward language in all communication is also necessary. Global Flavors: Asian and Mediterranean flavors continue to dominate, yet more exotic and challenging flavors from all regions are finding favor to feed the demanding palates of modern consumers. Italy was the country of honor at this year’s show.Consumer Insight
Young consumers, 18-34, will not sacrifice enjoyment for healthfulness. According to a Y-Pulse survey, 86% of these consumers said they expect healthy food to taste delicious too. And they are willing to pay for it; 66% said they don’t mind paying extra for a snack if it is a healthy option.Implications for U. S. Food Marketers
Authentic and Unpretentious: Products and companies that connect with consumers’ values are in demand particularly among young consumers. Gen Z Influencing Trends: This generation’s influence includes more interest in international foods and greater comfort with technology enabled food experiences. Ingredient Insight: Fewer ingredients, less waste, simpler processing and sustainable packaging offer real value to consumers.Influential Foodie Culture
Food tours confirmed that fully immersive food experiences like food halls and food festival appeal to younger consumers. Y-Pulse research supports the appeal: 71% of Millennials say they love attending food-focused events and 81% say they enjoy exploring new cultures through food.New Product Highlights
Both ends of the spectrum from minimalist to luxe- “Unbun” paleo, grain-free, strarch-free, vegan, keto, gluten free and good tasting.
- Luxury lamb noted for its healthy diet of seaweed, grains, grasses and a pasture lifestyle.
- Scoopable, edible raw vegan cookie dough.
- Protein packed crunchy snacks.