SIAL Shenzhen: A strategic gateway to Southern China’s booming F&B market
As anticipation builds for its upcoming edition, SIAL Shenzhen is rapidly establishing itself as a key player in the global food and beverage (F&B) exhibition scene. Set to take place from 1st to 3rd September 2025 at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, the event has grown in scale and importance since its inception just two years ago.
Launched as a complement to the long-established SIAL China in Shanghai, SIAL Shenzhen was born out of the increasing need to expand into South China — a region that is becoming the new centre of gravity for economic activity and food consumption in the country.
Tapping into the Greater Bay Area’s dynamic market
Shenzhen is not just a host city — it is at the heart of one of China’s most dynamic economic zones: the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. With a population of 150 million and a combined GDP of 40 trillion RMB, this 56,000 km² area leads all other bay regions globally in terms of international trade volume. Guangdong Province alone is responsible for over 18% of China’s food imports, ranking second only to East China. It is also the fastest-growing region for the HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, Catering) sector. Against this backdrop, SIAL Shenzhen presents itself as a strategic platform to capitalise on these growth trends and create a year-round business link-up across more than 21 sectors of the F&B industry.
The city of Shenzhen further amplifies this opportunity through its forward-looking initiatives, including the development of the Shenzhen International Food Valley. This ambitious project is designed to become a leading global demonstration zone for food nutrition and health, reinforcing the city’s role as a future hub for food innovation and trade.
Global reach, local relevance
SIAL Shenzhen is not only deeply rooted in regional market dynamics but also maintains a strong international appeal. In its 2025 edition, the show is expected to welcome over 1,100 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions, covering 40,000 square metres of exhibition space. Over 67,000 professionals are anticipated to attend, representing a broad spectrum of roles including retail, import-export, e-commerce, wholesale, and catering. Two-thirds of attendees are expected to come from South China, with the remainder arriving from other parts of China and abroad, reflecting the exhibition’s balance between local focus and global ambition.
Visitors can explore a diverse range of product categories, from meat, dairy, and seafood to health foods, baby products, pet food, and confectionery. The show will also feature highlight areas such as six thematic villages and various competitions and activities — most notably, the SIAL Innovation Competition. This signature initiative by SIAL China celebrates innovation in the agro-food sector, offering participating brands a prestigious platform to showcase cutting-edge developments and stand out in a competitive market.
An expanding international platform for F&B trade
The presence of SIAL in Shenzhen is part of a broader global strategy led by Comexposium Group, which introduced the brand to China in 2000. Today, the SIAL network spans major cities across the world, including Paris, Montreal, New Delhi, and Jakarta. With over 25 years of experience in the Chinese market, SIAL events have hosted more than 55,000 exhibitors and attracted over 1.5 million professionals from 125 countries and regions.
SIAL Shenzhen is now positioning itself as “The Exclusive Gateway to Southern China’s Booming Food and Beverage Market.” In tandem with SIAL Shanghai, now recognised as Asia’s largest F&B trade fair, it completes a dual-city format that strengthens the brand’s impact across China. With its promise of internationality, professionalism, and innovation, SIAL Shenzhen offers unmatched opportunities for exhibitors and buyers to connect, trade, and grow — both on site and through the show’s robust year-round digital matchmaking services.
As South China continues to emerge as the country’s economic and consumer powerhouse, SIAL Shenzhen is poised to become an indispensable meeting point for the global food industry.
Image credit: SIAL Shenzhen
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