#Montreal #Portugal #SIAL Canada #InovCluster

Taste & Feel Portugal 2.0 Project Strengthens Portugal's Agri-Food Sector at SIAL Canada

The Taste & Feel Portugal 2.0 initiative, a collaborative effort by InovCluster and NERE, has made significant strides in elevating the international profile of Portugal's agri-food sector at the renowned SIAL Canada 2026 event, held in Montreal from April 29 to May 1. This project successfully showcased the rich and diverse flavors of the Centre and Alentejo regions, aiming to create lasting business connections within the North American market.

At SIAL Canada, which stands as North America's largest trade show for the agri-food industry, the Portuguese delegation made a remarkable impression. Over three days, the Taste & Feel Portugal 2.0 booth became a central hub for international attendees, particularly buyers keen to explore high-quality Portuguese food products. The stand featured a vibrant selection of premium wines, olive oils, artisanal cheeses, and traditional cured meats, demonstrating both the authenticity and culinary traditions that characterize Portuguese cuisine.

This year's event gathered an impressive 850 exhibitors representing 55 countries and attracted more than 26,000 professionals from over 90 nations, marking it as the largest edition ever hosted in Montreal. The high level of participation led to a multitude of business meetings and innovative showcases, reflecting the rapidly evolving landscape of the global food sector.

A highlight for the Portuguese delegation was the effective networking facilitated during the exhibition. On the second day alone, they conducted 14 pre-arranged meetings with pivotal importers and commercial representatives, signaling a robust interest in Portuguese products among Canadian stakeholders. By the end of the event, several Canadian importers indicated a strong desire to incorporate the featured categories into their offerings, showcasing a clear pathway for potential commercial collaborations.

The delegation's commitment to enhancing international trade reflects in their statements: "This participation reinforces our dedication to internationalization and highlights the quality and authenticity of the best that Portugal has to offer."

The Taste & Feel Portugal 2.0 project is strategically positioned to fortify the collective efforts of Portuguese agri-food SMEs in expanding their reach abroad. It is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the COMPETE 2030 program, which underlines the importance of innovation and digital transformation in food marketing.

With follow-up discussions already in motion and optimistic prospects for developing concrete business relationships, the Taste & Feel Portugal 2.0 initiative has notably contributed to positioning Portuguese agri-food products on the international stage. As talks progress, it is anticipated that these newly established connections will cultivate fruitful partnerships that help Portuguese specialty foods gain a stronger foothold in North America and beyond.

In summary, the Taste & Feel Portugal 2.0 project has successfully utilized SIAL Canada 2026 not only to highlight the culinary offerings of Portugal but also to ignite a series of impactful business ventures that promise to unfold in the near future, promoting the richness of Portuguese agriculture as a key player in the global market.