SIAL Shenzhen 2024 concluded with tremendous success on September 4. Celebrated for its focus on internationalization, innovation, and trade, SIAL Shenzhen drew over 1,500 exhibitors from 32 countries and regions and welcomed 65,637 global professionals. The trade fair solidified its reputation as the premier gateway to Southern China's booming food and beverage market, while also extending its influence into South and Southeast Asia.

Held in the fast-growing Greater Bay Area, SIAL Shenzhen served as a critical gateway for businesses looking to expand their Asia reach. True to its theme, “Inspire Food Business,” the exhibition facilitated transformative partnerships and showcased China’s rising influence in the global food sector.

Record-Breaking Deals and Matchmaking Success

SIAL Shenzhen achieved impressive results with 4,115 one-on-one trade matchmaking sessions, leading to a flurry of high-value deals. These included contracts worth over $18.5 million USD with Hubei agribusinesses and $16.4 million USD with Shenyang-based companies. These outcomes underscore SIAL Shenzhen’s capacity to connect businesses and foster enduring trade partnerships that drive both regional and global economies.

Exhibitors and buyers alike praised the exhibition for its effective matchmaking. A Thai buyer, previously sourcing walnuts from other countries, discovered high-quality alternatives from Shanxi province. After in-depth discussions with Chinese exhibitors, the buyer committed to purchasing up to 50 tons of walnuts annually, demonstrating the exhibition’s ability to reshape global sourcing strategies.

Brazilian food distributor Delly's Food Service echoed this sentiment. “It’s my first time attending a food exhibition in China, and I’m incredibly impressed. The variety and quality of products here have far exceeded my expectations. I’m already looking forward to visiting Laiyang’s vegetable bases after meeting with their representatives at the show,” said Delly’s procurement director.

Empowering Chinese Brands to Go Global

SIAL Shenzhen continues to serve as a launchpad for Chinese food and beverage brands seeking to expand internationally. Many exhibitors leveraged the event to connect with global buyers and gather valuable market insights. A Zhejiang-based company used the platform to engage with Indonesian buyers and learned about local preferences, such as flavor profiles, packaging designs, and shelf life requirements, which are crucial for entering the Indonesian market.

Ningxia pavilion exhibitors reported similar success, noting the deep connections they forged with buyers from both the Greater Bay Area and overseas. “This year, we participated in SIAL Shanghai and exceeded our business expectations, closing several significant deals. At SIAL Shenzhen, we brought even more products and were able to establish deeper connections with key buyers from the Greater Bay Area and abroad,” said a representative from Ningxia.

Celebrating Innovation and Excellence

Innovation was at the heart of SIAL Shenzhen, with the 22nd SIAL INNOVATION recognizing trailblazing products that are shaping the future of the food and beverage industry. This year’s Gold Award went to a sea buckthorn seed oil gel candy developed by Heilongjiang Zhongmu Sandthorn Industry Co., which uses advanced CO2 extraction technology to retain the medicinal properties of sea buckthorn.

“The SIAL INNOVATION has given us a platform to showcase our hard work and cutting-edge product to an international audience. It’s an honor and a testament to the four years we’ve spent developing this product,” said Zhang Chunxia, CEO of Zhongmu Sandthorn.

Exhibitors found not only abundant business opportunities but also a platform to elevate their brands on the international stage. Over three days, the exhibition hosted dynamic activities such as the SIAL Snacking Awards, the SIAL in China Awards, the SIAL Chic & Tea Contest, the SIAL CUP Barista, and  SIAL Coffee & Tea Market offering food and beverage professionals a rich platform for networking, brand promotion, and global exchange.

A Vision for the Future

As SIAL Shenzhen 2024 draws to a close, anticipation builds for the next major events: SIAL Shanghai from May 19-21 2025 and SIAL Shenzhen in September 2025. Both exhibitions promise to continue serving as vital platforms for global trade, innovation, and industry growth.

Looking ahead, SIAL Shenzhen’s success has proven once again that it is more than just a trade show—it’s a powerful catalyst for global business transformation, offering unmatched opportunities for networking, innovation, and international collaboration in the food and beverage industry.