April 25, 2008 – Innovation was a little less present at the fifth edition of the International Food Fair (SIAL)1, which took place in Montreal from April 23 to 25, 2008. But the desire to offer products that are closer to nature was palpable. Brief tour of this meeting of the global agri-food industry.
the Montreal SIAL hosted 550 companies from Canada and 30 other countries. More than 14,000 visitors were expected there. |
“Unlike in previous years, we feel less of the presence of major innovations,” says Frédéric Blaise, president of the company Enzyme, which specializes in food trends and marketing. The industry is trying more to launch products that will stay on the market for a long time. “Because innovation is expensive,” he explains.
“Naturalness” on the menu
Consumers are looking for products that are more and more natural, and therefore less and less processed, and which respect a certain ethic. This is called “naturalness”, a trend that will continue for several years to come, according to Frédéric Blaise. From an ethical standpoint, however, very few products presented at SIAL in Montreal could boast of being “fair”.
Some new health products sold in Quebec
Several of the products exhibited at SIAL reflected this trend towards “naturalness”. Here are a few that caught the attention of nutritionist Josiane Cyr, for their health aspect … and their availability in Quebec.
Avocado oil
Avocado oil, which is increasingly found in Quebec grocery stores, is a good illustration of this penchant for naturalness. Its nutritional and culinary properties are also similar to those of olive oil.
Whether it comes from South Africa or Chile, “avocado oil is rich in monounsaturated fats which promote the assimilation of omega-3 from other foods, such as fish,” explains Josiane Cyr.
Rich in vitamin E – an antioxidant that protects the membrane of the body’s cells – avocado oil is also more resistant than olive oil to cooking at high temperatures.
Frozen snails
Often eaten with a quantity of garlic butter and even cheese, the snail tries to regain its letters of nobility at SIAL in Montreal. But not just any: the Burgundy snail.
Plain or prepared, with or without the shell, this product from France is sold frozen. “In addition to containing various minerals, the snail contains 18% protein and only 2% lipids (fat), points out Josiane Cyr. Which makes it a food of choice for followers of the Cretan diet. “
Collected in the vineyards of Eastern Europe and now available in Quebec, this snail can easily be incorporated into spaghetti or even a seafood dish.
Frozen sushi
A new ready-to-eat dish filled with omega-3s will soon make its debut in Quebec: frozen sushi. The result of a Japanese innovation, the different varieties of sushi can be kept for more than a year in the freezer.
Immediately after making, the sushi is subjected to rapid freezing in order to retain all its freshness. Once at home, all that remains is to thaw them in the microwave.
Sweet potato pasta
How about sweet potato pasta or black bean pasta that looks like rice? “They can bring healthy diversity to everyday meals,” says Josiane Cyr.
Bagged pesto
A range of Quebec products stands out for its exquisite taste and practical packaging: tapenades and pesto ready to spread on a slice of bread or a rusk.
These products already existed, but they are now sold in an airtight bag with a resealable cap. The basil and parsley pesto literally gives the impression of tasting the aromatic leaves straight from the garden.
The products are a bit salty, however. “It should ideally be used as a condiment that we will integrate into a dish to which we will not add salt,” concludes the nutritionist.
Respond to this news on our Blog.
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net
1. To find out more about SIAL Montreal: www.sialmontreal.com [consulté le 25 avril 2008].