Trampoline Marketing attended the SIAL tradeshow in Toronto as a food trend observer and to assist our clients who were exhibiting. An express summary of the show.

The ‘innovation prize’ went to  A Acadien Atlantic of New-Brunswick with its delicious « Smoked Salmon Paté » . This ‘paté’ was honoured thanks to its recipe that contains more than 65 % of Atlantic salmon, freshly smoked both hot & cold and its healthy ingredient list.  Our taste test was delightful .

Noteworthy  : Apple Chips from Martin’s, MooMoo bars from Dairylicious.,and a variety of interesting lunch box snacks. Also, we really enjoyed the coconut lime sherbet from Solo Fruits.

In terms of originality, Trampoline Marketing gives CAVEMAN FOODS one bounce for its brand new beverages : a natural organic soda with probiotic, offered in 5 flavors with star ingredients such as tarragon, saffron, black pepper etc. We give 2 bounces for Tea Squared: an extensive offer for brewing solutions and tea service and recipes.

Other than the actual products, exhibition booths act as a ‘corporate packaging’ to best display the products or services and the company that provides them. Therefore, the booth that obtained a score of 3 bounces out of 3 (the WOW booth in our opinion) was TERRA DELYSSA with its olive oils. All key elements for a successful exhibit participation at SIAL were well planned and executed:  banners clearly showcasing the distinctive brand logo, access to the booth (living room feeling), displays, high tables (yellow barrels) and sufficient product samples, welcoming personnel, clearly presented information in their flyer. Lastly, to make our visit to their booth memorable, a pretty bag reflecting the brand’s image was given to each visitor.

A few dissapointments:

• the beverage category was underrepresented when excluding tea and coffee
• only one baby food exhibitor
• lack of enthusiasm or smiles from personnel at several booths  (imagine if we were buyers…)

We will attend other trade shows this year related to Food & Beverages and in other fields of activities as well.  If you wish to review your marketing strategies or target which trade shows your company should attend to best showcase your products or services in 2013 and 2014, we can definitely guide you.

Enjoy Spring!