Clark Influence
5 key marketing takeaways from SIAL Toronto

Valentine Fourmentin, Senior Business and Project Development Manager

Clark Influence Toronto partnered with the SIAL Canada 2023 to help increase visibility and drag influential voices from the food service industry at the show. The event was a success, reuniting over 3 days, 1000+ Canadian and international exhibitors and allowing businesses to showcase their products, meet new clients, and explore new markets, both domestically and internationally.

The #ClarkTeam had the opportunity to meet most of those participants and will share, in this article, 5 key takeaways that will shape the industry's future in Canada.

1. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Cuisine: Canada is known for its cultural diversity, and this diversity was well reflected at the event. The future of food service in Canada will likely see an increasing demand for authentic ethnic cuisines as consumers seek unique and diverse dining experiences. Restaurants and food service providers that offer a wide range of international flavours and cater to different cultural preferences are likely to thrive.

Check out our campaign for Martinique Gourmande.

2. Local and Sustainable Sourcing: Canadian consumers are increasingly conscious about the environmental impact of their food choices and show a preference for locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. The farm-to-table movement is gaining momentum, with an emphasis on supporting local farmers and reducing carbon footprints.

Check out our campaign for Quebec Pig Farmers.

3. Health-Conscious Choices: Canadians, like many consumers globally, are increasingly health-conscious. There is a growing demand for healthier menu options, including plant-based and vegetarian/vegan offerings. Food service providers that offer nutritious and well-balanced meals, catering to various dietary preferences and restrictions, were represented through new pathways around organic food, plant-based and sustainability at the show.

Check out our campaigns for the Nortera Group.

4. Digital Innovation and Convenience: Canada has a tech-savvy population, and the adoption of digital technology in the food service industry is expected to continue. Online ordering, mobile apps, and delivery platforms will likely remain popular.
Additionally, innovations such as contactless payment options, digital menus, and virtual queuing systems may become more prevalent to enhance convenience and improve the overall customer experience.

Check out our campaign for Skip The Dishes.

5. Food Tourism and Culinary Experiences: Canada's diverse landscapes and vibrant culinary scenes make it an attractive destination for food tourism. The future of food service in Canada may witness an increase in culinary tourism, with travellers seeking unique dining experiences and exploring regional cuisines. Restaurants and food service providers that highlight local flavours, offer immersive culinary experiences, and promote food tourism can benefit from this trend.

Attending SIAL Canada can help your business gain a competitive edge by staying informed about consumer trends, industry innovations, and market demands. But why wait until next year? Our team of strategists is ready to guide you to apply the invaluable takeaways from SIAL Canada directly to your business. All you have to do is give us a call!

About Clark Influence INC.

Clark Influence was established in 2017 in the vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis that is Montreal, where diverse cultures, lifestyles and backgrounds intersect. When visionary entrepreneurship met with the city’s dynamism, Nicolas Bon and Vincent Bronner created Clark Influence, a creative agency dedicated to influencer marketing. Nestled on one of the liveliest boulevards in the city, just west of Clark Street, the agency is in tune with Montreal’s eclectic fast-paced spirit.

After implementing creative and effective influence marketing campaigns based on powerful insights, Clark quickly became the #1 influencer marketing agency in Quebec.

With the strength of this multidisciplinary experience, and having established such notoriety in Quebec, the agency began its expansion throughout the world. In December 2020, our Paris branch officially opened its doors and the agency has since more than tripled in size. After two successful years, in June of 2022, MJ Cadorette joined the team to open our Toronto office. With this new location in Canada, Clark's goal is to expand its presence throughout the ROC and the United States, as our teams continue to grow in strength, expertise, impact and numbers.