major changes for global food retail

Food distribution is undergoing rapid developments. Faster than ever before! Structures, organisations, positioning, quotations, partnerships... no part of the sector can escape these changes.  An interview about the subject with SIAL exhibition manager Nicolas Trentesaux.

Anyone who gets their groceries will notice: the current food retail no longer resembles that of the past. From the range of shops to the payment method or delivery, the transformation is radical. And this phenomenon continues for the time being, driven by the appetite of consumers, hungry for new products. And also because of the industry's ingenuity, always at the forefront of innovation. Unlike other sectors, food distribution has hardly changed in the past 30 years. Currently, this sector is undergoing an accelerated development. Proximity, services and hybridization are undoubtedly the most important characteristics of this revolution. The world rankings of the largest food retailers have changed enormously in recent years, including, for example, the rise of Amazon.

Are these developments also taking place at a global level?

Yes indeed! This can be clearly seen in October during the SIAL Paris 2018, where the focus is on global food retail. There is a strong correlation between the results of our specialists, the feedback from exhibitors and visitors spread over the entire SIAL network and the conclusions of research in cooperation with partner organisations. The whole planet is involved in the current developments. A globalization of food distribution that is all the stronger as smells and tastes travel the world to other places, such as the international success of the burger, sushi or French baguette.  

Does online sales lead to less taste variation and greater distance between consumer and product?

Digitisation is in fact a tool to bring the consumer closer to the product! In the food retail sector, we are currently seeing an effect of personalisation. A few examples? Sales space is limited almost everywhere, the number of small supermarkets, pickup points and markets is increasing, while hypermarkets are shrinking in size. In city centres, new investments are being made by distributors who left earlier; and short supply lines are successful!

Proximity will therefore become the essential value in food retail?

I would rather speak of a pleasant experience. In fact, the consumer is getting closer to the product and can taste it in the store more and more often! This is what it's all about: sharing and passing on pleasure thanks to daily products! A trend that is strongly echoed in the rise of 'food halls' such as Eataly or SIAL Paris, which in 2018 will position itself more than ever as the largest food hall event worldwide!

What or who is currently the pioneer of the retail sector?

Each country is a model on its own. When it comes to food retail, each region still has its own traditions, recipes and success formulas. In every country, Canada, Indonesia, France or India, you do your shopping in a different way. China is currently the world leader in this sector and has taken over the baton from California, which was the birthplace of food retail innovation. What is the power of the Chinese model? The enormous capacity to develop communication skills and services and to engage the consumer.

What example can you use to describe Chinese dynamics?

From the consumer's point of view, I will give a tasteful example. One of the largest supermarket chains in the country, with branches in all major cities, uses an excellent mobile app with various options for users: do your shopping online and have it delivered to your home within half an hour, or a meal prepared by a chef, with ingredients chosen by the customer, or choose products on the spot and taste them in the supermarket's catering area. In short, it's raining opportunities and all professionals are committed to serving the consumer in a simple and transparent way!

The changing food sector therefore has a major impact on the retail sector, with countless innovations that distort the market. How does the SIAL Paris 2018 respond to this?

I would describe the SIAL Paris as the largest supermarket for the food industry. All short, medium and long term trends that can be discovered in the store shelves are introduced on the SIAL. Why? Because we are a place for ideas, for all professionals and especially for distribution. To measure and anticipate the continuous developments of the retail sector, a visit to this unique laboratory is definitely worthwhile!

SIAL Paris 2018 in full preparation!

The registrations for the international food trade fair SIAL Paris, which will take place in Paris from 21 to 25 October 2018, are in full swing. This year, the fair opened the exhibitor platform a few months earlier than usual. From the Netherlands, the vast majority of the companies that participated in the fair in 2016 have already registered again.

It is expected that more than 7000 companies will participate in the SIAL Paris 2018 with a stand, of which about 85% will be non-French. The SIAL Paris therefore fills all the halls of the Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition complex. In 2016, an extra (temporary) hall was taken into use to accommodate all exhibitors. For 2018, the temporary hall will be extended because most exhibitors have indicated that they want to come back and new exhibitors are also queuing up.  

The Dutch business community is also more interested in participating than ever before. Dutch exhibitors can book an individual stand from 16 m² or register from 9 m² for a stand at one of the many Dutch Pavilions organised by Gielissen. Especially for companies that are taking the first step towards the SIAL Paris, participation via the country pavilions is an interesting option. More than 70% of the 155,700 visitors are of non-French nationality and come mainly from the other EU countries, but also from Asia (7%), the Middle East (6%), Africa (5%), South America (4%) and North America (4%).*

Discover the latest developments and most important innovations for the food sector at the SIAL Paris, from 21 to 25 October 2018 in Paris-Nord Villepinte. www.sialparis.com. In the Netherlands, the SIAL Paris 2018 is represented by Promosalons Nederland. Here you can contact us for all your questions regarding your visit or participation in the fair. (tel: 020-4620020, e-mail: [email protected])