International interest in SIAL of Paris grew significantly

More than 500 exhibitors out of 5,700, coming from all over the world, exhibited organic products at SIAL-Paris 2010, the biannual leading food exhibition which ends today, October 22, in Paris.

Hit but not broken by the general strike that is affecting public transport in France in the last few weeks, SIAL-Paris 2010, had a good start, proving to be one of the world's most important fairs in the agri-food business.

Organic farming products played an important role in the exhibition, as they could be found throughout the exhibition and not just in the devoted space. Special showcases in the green building hosting Hall 8 spotlighted organic products displayed by suppliers in other parts of the exhibition, thus providing an essential overview of the market. A theme trail dedicated to Organic Products also enabled visitors to find these exhibitors easily wherever they were located in the exhibition.

A special focus on sustainability was at the core of the whole fair, that displayed a comprehensive conference programme on this topic and organised a theme trail on “Fairtrade, responsible and sustainable products and initiatives”.

More than 5,700 exhibitors from 106 countries (80% non-French) attended and estimates speak of 148,000 visitors from 185 countries (60% non-French), including 45% of retail visitors (central purchasing groups, hypermarkets/supermarkets, hard discount stores, specialized retail, trade/dealers and import-export), 18% of commercial and collective foodservice visitors (buyers, wholesalers, retailers/distributors and chefs), and 32% of food industries.