“Pasticceria Internazionale” comes back to Sirha in Lyon (from 23 to27September), the first major post Covid live event hosting two international competitions, the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie and the Bocuse d’Or.
We ask Marie-Odile Fondeur, general manager of the fair, what we could expect from this new edition concerning safety (to understand how to attend the competitions and to visit stands) and about the new post-pandemic food economy trends.
2021, the edition of courage. What is to be expected and what do you expect from this Sirha?
This edition will clearly mark the recovery of the foodservice sector both in France and internationally. We are very positive because we expect more than 2000 exhibitors and brands, so we will have a very good offer in all the sectors. Professionals are very eager to meet their colleagues and suppliers, to renew contacts and to discover new products. Our exhibitors will launch more than 300 new products at the show, some of which are world premieres. Sirha 2021 will therefore be a very fine event despite the still uncertain context.
And it will be the edition of change. On the security front, will the organization of visits at the exhibition stands and the audience participation in the major competitions change?
Of course, we will apply the essential rules. The health pass (negative PCR test or proof of complete vaccination) will be requested, wearing of a mask will be mandatory inside, but tastings will be allowed and the big competitions will take place as planned. All the measures will be taken to ensure safety, with the possibility of testing at the entrance.
How will the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie and Bocuse d’Or events be experienced as spectators?
Visitors and supporters will have access to the areas where such great gastronomic international events as the Bocuse d’Or and the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie will take place. We have arranged 2000 seats, so the competition atmosphere will be assured there.
A new post-pandemic food economy and a new professional outlook for chefs and pastry chefs: what is emerging from the research carried out for this new edition?
In collaboration with Food Service Vision, which has been working with us for several editions, we have carried out a study concerning the new products which will be launched at the show. This analysis has enabled us to define the “innovation territories” that will mark the major trends in the foodservice sectors for the years to come.
There will still be a strong attraction for health-conscious nutrition and locally-oriented choices, which will contribute to a further economic growth in these sectors. The pandemic has driven consumers to buy more local and healthier and this is very clear.
The other trend that emerges strongly is “functionality”. Professionals are looking for products that are easier to use and, above all, equipment that is multifunctional, less energy-consuming and more ergonomic.
These two main emerging trends will be in the spotlight at the Sirha.
For the Pastry World Cup – live streaming will be available:
• On the 24th of September: from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
• On the 25th of September: from 9:00 am to 6:45 pm
www.cmpatisserie.com/en/streaming
For the Bocuse d’Or – live streaming will be available:
• On the 26th of September: from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• On the 27th of September: from 9:00 am to 6:45 pm
www.bocusedor.com/en/streaming