October 24, 2002 Paris

Paris, France - Alibaba attended the world-leading International Food Products Exhibition "SIAL 2002" in Paris, 20-24 October 2002. The international show attracted over 132,000 visitors from 185 countries, mostly professionals from the Distribution, Commerce, Trade, Catering & Food services and Food industries. 81% of the visitors were involved in the purchasing decision. 

Alibaba stand was located in the high-profile Chinese Pavilion bringing together the largest Chinese representation ever seen on the show. 

Alibaba distributed thousands of "Pre-qualified China Suppliers CD ROM" which contain product catalogues and company information on Chinese suppliers pre-qualified through a strict screening process.

Alibaba "China Suppliers" is the first extensive export programme for Chinese suppliers, and it was clearly very well received by the large number of buyers keen to get their copy.




SIAL buyers were introduced in particular to 7 Alibaba Chinese Suppliers of tea, peanut butter, yeast, food additive, food colorant, chestnut, dry fruits, and were given the opportunity to taste some of the samples. These products attracted a high level of interest with a large number of buyers placing Requests For Quotation on the spot. 

At SIAL, Alibaba introduced its new "VIP Buyer Service", a free sourcing service helping international buyers identify suppliers in China matching their sourcing requirements. Alibaba VIP Buyer Service team has collected over 400 sourcing requests for various products such as canned fruits and vegetables, fruit juices, frozen chicken, seafood, etc.

ABOUT SIAL 2002

The International Food Products Exhibition (SIAL) is a major world event in the Food industry and an international showcase representing every industry in the market (over 5,000 exhibitors).  

SIAL is also a key consumer trends barometer and observatory for international food innovations.  

The show is organized in 17 Product sectors representing the global food market including: food ingredients and additives, dairy products, fresh meat, fresh poultry and game, fresh seafood products, fresh fruit and vegetables, confectionery/biscuits/pastry, cured meats, delicatessen, preserved products, deep frozen food, organic products, grocery/health foods/children products, alcoholic and alcoholic-free beverages, French region, national pavilions.