SIAL Shenzhen 2024: A showcase of global food and beverage trade and innovation
SIAL Shenzhen 2024, which concluded on September 4, cemented its position as a key event in the global food and beverage industry. Drawing over 1,500 exhibitors from 32 countries and regions and welcoming more than 65,000 industry professionals, the event showcased the ever-growing influence of Southern China’s food and beverage market on the global stage. Set in the vibrant Greater Bay Area, SIAL Shenzhen 2024 lived up to its theme, “Inspire Food Business,” by providing an expansive platform for companies seeking to enhance their international presence, with a focus on innovation, trade, and collaboration.
Trade Partnerships and Record-Breaking Deals
One of the hallmarks of this year’s event was the success in forging trade partnerships through over 4,000 matchmaking sessions between exhibitors and buyers. These sessions resulted in contracts worth millions of dollars, including $18.5 million in deals with Hubei-based agribusinesses and $16.4 million with companies from Shenyang(SIAL Shenzhen 2024-A Ca…). These high-value deals demonstrate the exhibition’s capacity to drive both regional and global economies, especially in the growing Asian market.
SIAL Shenzhen attracted not only Chinese exhibitors but also buyers from around the world. A Thai buyer, previously sourcing walnuts from other regions, discovered high-quality alternatives from Shanxi province, leading to a commitment to purchase 50 tons annually. Similarly, Brazilian food distributor Delly’s Food Service expressed excitement at the variety of products on offer, especially those exceeding expectations in quality and uniqueness.
Empowering Chinese Brands to Go Global
SIAL Shenzhen also served as a springboard for Chinese food and beverage companies eager to expand their presence internationally. Many exhibitors leveraged the opportunity to gain market insights and network with global buyers. Zhejiang-based companies, for example, engaged with Indonesian buyers to better understand local consumer preferences, including flavor profiles, packaging, and shelf-life requirements. Meanwhile, Ningxia exhibitors made valuable connections with buyers from the Greater Bay Area and beyond, further solidifying their position in both domestic and international markets.
Innovation at the Forefront
Innovation was a central theme at SIAL Shenzhen 2024, with the 22nd SIAL INNOVATION Awards spotlighting cutting-edge products that are shaping the future of the food and beverage industry. Among the winners was a standout product developed by Heilongjiang Zhongmu Sandthorn Industry Co., which took home the Gold Award for its sea buckthorn seed oil gel candy. This product utilizes advanced CO2 extraction technology to retain the medicinal benefits of sea buckthorn, a development that reflects China’s growing leadership in food innovation.
Spotlight on Chinese Innovation: SIAL INNOVATION Awards
Chinese companies shone brightly at the SIAL INNOVATION Awards, with several innovative products capturing the spotlight. A notable winner was Heilongjiang Zhongmu’s sea buckthorn seed oil gel candy, which integrates advanced extraction technology to preserve the health benefits of the fruit. This product exemplifies how Chinese food companies are not only keeping up with global trends but are actively shaping the future of the food industry.
In addition to the sea buckthorn product, other innovative offerings included vegetable crisps from Shandong Guangtou Liji Food Co., which impressed judges with their unique proposal of chocolate-covered mushrooms. The concept of blending nutritious vegetables with indulgent chocolate reflects a growing trend toward healthier yet still enjoyable snacks.
Shandong Xinnuo Food also made a mark with its probiotic fermented ginger drink, a sparkling beverage that taps into the global trend of natural fermentation and probiotic-rich drinks. This product, designed to support digestive health, is part of a broader movement toward functional foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
Other winners include innovative trail mix snacks designed for better sleep, reflecting the industry’s increasing focus on personalized nutrition and wellness. These products demonstrate China’s capacity for both creativity and technological advancement in the food sector, showcasing the country’s commitment to not only competing on the global stage but leading in key areas of innovation.
A Glimpse into the Future of Food
The SIAL INNOVATION Awards, along with other contests like the SIAL Snacking Awards and SIAL CUP Barista Competition, provided exhibitors with a platform to showcase their creativity and innovative prowess. These events are crucial for companies looking to stand out in a crowded global market. From high-tech food production methods to eco-friendly packaging solutions, the future of food was on full display at SIAL Shenzhen.
As the event came to a close, anticipation grew for the upcoming SIAL exhibitions, including SIAL Shanghai in May 2025 and the next edition of SIAL Shenzhen in September 2025. These future events promise to continue pushing the boundaries of food and beverage innovation, offering a global platform for businesses to connect, collaborate, and drive industry growth.
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