U-Food Association Participated in the International Food Exhibition SIAL Paris 2018
In October 2018, the delegation of the Association of Food Producers of Ukraine (U-Food) participated in one of the world's largest food exhibitions — SIAL Paris 2018 (Paris, France). The event traditionally serves as a premier platform for meetings between leading manufacturers, distributors, and buyers in the global retail market
The main objective of the association's participation was to showcase the export potential of the Ukrainian food industry and promote finished, high-value-added products to the European and global markets
Presentation of Ukrainian Export Potential
Within the framework of the exhibition, the association coordinated the work of Ukrainian manufacturers, presenting products from key sectors of the Ukrainian food industry. The primary focus of international buyers was directed toward the following categories:
confectionery, sweets, and snack products
dairy products and groceries
sunflower oil and other processed agri-food goods
Priority during the presentations was given to companies that had already implemented international food safety standards (specifically HACCP, ISO, and IFS), which is a mandatory requirement for entering European retail chains
Results of B2B Negotiations
During SIAL Paris 2018, representatives of the association and Ukrainian enterprises held a series of direct B2B negotiations with foreign importers, distributors, and retail representatives from the EU, the Middle East, and Asia
The main outcomes of the meetings included establishing direct contacts for future export contracts, discussing packaging and labeling requirements for specific markets, and analyzing current global consumption trends, particularly the demand for organic and healthy products
Systemic participation in high-level events like SIAL Paris allows for the consistent improvement of Ukrainian brand recognition abroad and contributes to the gradual diversification of sales markets for Ukrainian food businesses