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    Dates

    18–20 May 2027

    City / country

    Shanghai, China

    Venue

    Shanghai New International Expo Center

    20 Floor Picks

    Matched booths for SIAL China - Asia's Food Marketplace

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    Notable exhibitors

    Companies exhibiting at SIAL China - Asia's Food Marketplace include 1 Alrai Valutation, 7th Heaven, A & W Food Service(Shenzhen) Ltd., A And B Vietnam Investments, Jsc and A. Darbo AG.

    • 1 Alrai Valutation
    • 7th Heaven
    • A & W Food Service(Shenzhen) Ltd.
    • A And B Vietnam Investments, Jsc
    • A. Darbo AG

    Event overview

    Overview

    SIAL China 2027 is Asia's premium food and beverage trade fair, taking place from May 18 to 20 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

    This event serves as a launchpad for food and beverage companies looking to expand abroad and connect with industry professionals.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Dates: May 18-20, 2027
    2. 2Location: Shanghai New International Expo Center
    3. 3Expected attendance: 180,000+ professionals
    4. 4Exhibitors from 75 countries
    5. 5350,000 products showcased

    Why visit

    Visitors will gain access to a diverse range of products and innovations, networking opportunities with key industry players, and insights into the latest trends in the food and beverage sector.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibitors can showcase their products to a targeted audience of industry professionals, gain visibility in the Asian market, and connect with potential buyers and partners. SIAL China is crucial for connecting global food and beverage professionals, facilitating trade, and showcasing innovations in the industry. It provides a platform for networking and discovering new market trends.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Importers and distributors
    Retailers and wholesalers
    Food service professionals
    Catering companies
    Food manufacturers
    Industry analysts and media

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Food and beverage manufacturers
    Packaging suppliers
    Logistics and distribution companies
    Food technology providers
    Retail solution providers
    Catering service providers

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Dairy products and alternatives
    Meat, poultry, and seafood
    Beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic
    Snacks and confectionery
    Organic and health foods
    Frozen and chilled foods

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    Shanghai New International Expo Center

    Shanghai, China

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Comexposium Group

    Website

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Current edition

    2027

    Forecast — not final

    Photos

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    SIAL China 2027 is Asia's premium food and beverage trade fair, taking place from May 18 to 20 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. This event serves as a launchpad for food and beverage companies looking to expand abroad and connect with industry professionals. SIAL China is crucial for connecting global food and beverage professionals, facilitating trade, and showcasing innovations in the industry. It provides a platform for networking and discovering.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors can showcase their products to a targeted audience of industry professionals, gain visibility in the Asian market, and connect with potential buyers and partners. Exhibitors from 75 countries. 350,000 products showcased. SIAL China is crucial for connecting global food and beverage professionals, facilitating trade, and showcasing innovations in the industry. It provides a platform for networking and discovering new market trends. Meet qualified buyers and. Exhibitor categories include Food and beverage.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    East Asia — Shanghai (Yangtze River Delta), China; Asia-Pacific food and beverage sourcing hub

    Why it matters

    SIAL China places exhibitors inside China's food and beverage import market, one of the largest in the world, with Shanghai acting as the gateway city for imported dairy, meat, seafood, snacks, wine and premium grocery lines. The Yangtze River Delta around Shanghai concentrates retail headquarters, importers, cold-chain operators and food-service groups, so a single show week can cover sourcing, distribution and e-commerce channel conversations. The Comexposium SIAL network also links the Shanghai edition to the global SIAL and Anuga circuit, which matters for brands planning a multi-market Asian launch sequence.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Digital buyer journeys

    Professionals expect pre-show agendas, product finders, and meeting tools; suppliers align demos and literature to short on-stand decision cycles.

    02

    Sustainability in procurement

    Energy use, recyclable materials, and carbon reporting increasingly appear in RFPs and exhibitor scorecards across industrial trade fairs.

    03

    Automation and labour efficiency

    Visitors benchmark machinery, software, and services that reduce downtime, staffing pressure, and total cost of ownership.

    04

    Regional supply-chain resilience

    Buyers diversify suppliers across Europe, MENA, and Asia while favouring vendors with local service, spare parts, and training.

    05

    Hybrid engagement models

    Live demonstrations remain decisive, but follow-up webinars, digital catalogues, and year-round supplier portals extend the commercial window after the show.

    Peer food and beverage trade circuit

    Rolling: February (Middle East), May–June (Asia), October (global flagships, alternating biennial editions)

    SIAL China sits in a global calendar of large food and beverage trade fairs. Asian and Middle East editions cluster in the first half of the year, with the flagship European shows in October, so brands often sequence a Shanghai appearance around one Asian and one global show per cycle.

    February

    Middle East buying season anchored by Gulfood (Dubai)

    May–June

    Asia cluster — THAIFEX–Anuga Asia (Bangkok) and SIAL China (Shanghai)

    October

    Global flagships — SIAL Paris (even years) and Anuga (odd years)

    Peer circuit compiled from organiser and industry event calendars during enrichment; confirm dates and edition cycles on each event's official website before planning.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · CNY

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    PVG

    Shanghai Pudong

    Maglev + metro or taxi to Pudong expo clusters.

    to venue

    45–70 min to SNIEC

    by car

    SHA

    Shanghai Hongqiao

    Hongqiao is closer to central Shanghai halls.

    to venue

    30–45 min

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    Longyang Road / Huamu Road, Pudong (one Metro stop or 10–20 min walk from Shanghai New International Expo Center)

    USD 45–80 / night

    Domestic economy chains cluster along Metro Lines 2 and 7 near the venue; rooms are compact but the transfer is short. Book early — show week sells out the immediate radius.

    source
    Mid-range
    Huamu Road / Century Park, Pudong (adjacent to or within a short taxi ride of the venue)

    USD 80–150 / night

    Best balance of walkability and rate for a 2–3 day show visit; several properties are a 10–15 min walk from the SNIEC gates.

    source
    Premium
    SNIEC-adjacent and Lujiazui / Pudong CBD (5–25 min taxi)

    USD 180–350 / night

    Direct venue access and club lounges suit meeting-heavy exhibitor and buyer schedules; rates spike during SIAL China week.

    source

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    metro

    Estimated costCNY 3–6 per ride (USD 0.5–1), stored-value Shanghai Public Transport Card or Alipay/WeChat Pay metro QR
    Best forMetro Line 7 to Huamu Road Station or Line 2 to Longyang Road Station → SNIEC halls (gates within walking distance)

    Cheapest option in peak traffic; Line 2 connects Hongqiao airport/railway station and downtown Puxi, Line 7 serves the expo centre directly. Expect crowding 08:00–09:30.

    maglev

    Estimated costCNY 50 one way (CNY 40 with same-day air ticket) — approx. USD 6–7
    Best forShanghai Pudong (PVG) → Longyang Road Maglev Station, then Line 2/7 or a 15–20 min walk/taxi to SNIEC

    7 min 20 s ride; the fastest airport transfer, closest rail station to the venue. Runs roughly 06:45–21:40.

    taxi

    Estimated costCNY 150–200 taxi estimate incl. expressway tolls (approx. USD 21–28)
    Best forShanghai Pudong (PVG) to Shanghai New International Expo Center

    30–45 min off-peak, 60 min plus in Monday-morning or Friday-evening traffic. Use the official taxi rank, not touts in the arrivals hall.

    taxi

    Estimated costCNY 150–220 taxi estimate (approx. USD 21–31)
    Best forShanghai Hongqiao (SHA) to Shanghai New International Expo Center

    45–60 min off-peak; Hongqiao also serves the high-speed rail station, so this route is common for domestic exhibitors arriving by train.

    ride_hail

    Estimated costUSD 20–32 typical rideshare estimate; surcharges at peak
    Best forDiDi / app-based car from either airport or hotel cluster to SNIEC

    DiDi accepts international cards and Alipay/WeChat Pay; set the pickup point to the correct SNIEC gate (halls W and E have separate drop-offs).

    airport_bus

    Estimated costCNY 20–30 typical fare (approx. USD 3–5)
    Best forPVG / SHA airport shuttle lines to Pudong hotel and Longyang Road zones

    Cheaper than taxi but slower and less frequent; confirm current routes and stops as they change seasonally.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa required
    ATA Carnet: accepted

    Several nationalities currently enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for business or tourism under the unilateral trial scheme, and 55 nationalities can use 240-hour visa-free transit through Shanghai. The lists change frequently — confirm on the National Immigration Administration site (https://en.nia.gov.cn/) before booking.

    China Customs accepts ATA Carnets for goods temporarily imported for approved trade fairs and exhibitions, including in the Shanghai region. Confirm your equipment category is covered, pre-register exhibits with the organiser, and allow extra clearance time for samples and food-grade products.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    Mid-to-late May in Shanghai is late spring: average highs near 25 °C (77 °F) and lows near 17 °C (63 °F), with rising humidity and roughly 10–12 rain days (~110 mm) as the city approaches the June plum-rain season. Pack light layers and a compact umbrella for outdoor transfers and airport queues.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to China.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Greetings and business cards

    A light handshake is common in international business settings. Offer and receive business cards with both hands, take a moment to read the card before putting it away, and use surnames plus Mr/Ms until invited otherwise. Punctuality is respected for meetings at the venue, though large banquets often start slightly late.

    Tipping and payments

    Tipping is not customary in mainland China — restaurants, taxis and hotels generally do not expect it, and service charges are sometimes already included. Mobile payment (Alipay or WeChat Pay, both linkable to foreign cards) dominates; carry a small amount of cash for taxis and small vendors.

    Dining and toasting etiquette

    Business is often built over meals in Shanghai. If you are hosted, let the host order and seat you; communal dishes are served to the table. Toasting with 'ganbei' can involve baijiu, but declining politely with tea or a soft drink is accepted when handled graciously.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: PVG

    Book flights to PVG when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare SHA only if fares are materially lower.

    Visa

    Most international visitors need a Chinese visa unless their nationality is covered by China's unilateral visa-free scheme (up to 30 days) or they qualify for 240-hour visa-free transit through Shanghai Pudong/Hongqiao while continuing to a third country. Business visitors normally apply for an M (business/trade) visa through a China Visa Application Service Centre with an invitation letter from the organiser or a Chinese partner, allowing several weeks before travel. Visa fees vary by nationality (indicatively USD 140 single entry for US citizens, reciprocity-based). Confirm your nationality's current status on the National Immigration Administration site before booking.

    Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

    Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

    Fee shown is the indicative US-citizen (reciprocity) single-entry fee; fees vary materially by nationality and by number of entries. Apply through the China Visa Application Service Centre with an invitation letter from the organiser or a Chinese partner company. Country list and permitted stay are revised periodically; verify your nationality against the latest published list before booking fligh

    Official

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    Areas to stay

    Huamu Road / Century Park, Pudong (adjacent to or within a short taxi ride of the venue) · Longyang Road / Huamu Road, Pudong (one Metro stop or 10–20 min walk from Shanghai New International Expo Center) · SNIEC-adjacent and Lujiazui / Pudong CBD (5–25 min taxi)

    budget

    $45-$80 USD/night

    Book

    mid range

    $80-$150 USD/night

    Book

    premium

    $180-$350 USD/night

    Book

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Shanghai Pudong (PVG): 45–70 min to SNIEC; Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA): 30–45 min. Allow road or rail time to Shanghai New International Expo Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Shanghai New International Expo Center: Longyang Road / Huamu Road, Pudong (one Metro stop or 10–20 min walk from Shanghai New International Expo Center): Jinjiang Inn (Longyang Road / New International Expo Centre area), Home Inn (Shanghai Century Park), Hanting Hotel (Longyang Road area); Huamu Road / Century Park, Pudong (adjacent to or within a short taxi ride of the venue): Dorsett Shanghai (Huamu Road, adjoining the expo centre), International mid-scale brands in the H

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Shanghai; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to Shanghai New International Expo Center.

    Parking: On-site parking is available at Shanghai New International Expo Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: May 2027

    Temperature: 16–26 °C (61–79 °F), averaging around 21 °C (70 °F) during the 18–20 May 2027 show dates

    Seasonality: Late spring, humid and changeable: expect roughly 10–12 rain days and about 110 mm of rain across May, with short showers rather than all-day rain ahead of the June plum-rain season. An umbrella and a light waterproof layer are worth packing.

    Packing: Late spring, humid and changeable: expect roughly 10–12 rain days and about 110 mm of rain across May, with short showers rather than all-day rain ahead of the June plum-rain season. An umbrella and a light waterproof layer are worth packing.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Day 2 — Wednesday 19 May 2027

    Opening day carries the heaviest registration and crowd peak, while the final day is shorter and some exhibitors begin dismantling after midday. The middle show day (19 May) typically offers the densest meeting, seminar and tasting schedule with exhibitor teams at full strength, making it the most efficient single day for buyers who can only attend once.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    09:00–12:30

    Badge collection, show directory mapping and international pavilion sweep

    SNIEC registration (north gates) → Halls W1–W5 country and regional pavilions
    13:30–17:30

    Category deep-dive and first distributor meetings

    Halls E1–E3 (snacks, dairy, meat and seafood zones) and the business-matching area
    09:30–13:00

    Conference sessions, tastings and buyer briefings

    SNIEC conference and seminar rooms, expo centre
    09:30–13:00

    Follow-up meetings, sample/quote collection and shortlist close-out

    Return visits to shortlisted stands across the W and E halls

    Side trips

    2

    The Bund and Yu Garden (Huangpu, Puxi)

     

     

     

    Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town (Qingpu District)

     

     

     

    Networking spots

    3

    On-site business matching and B2B meeting area

     

    Organiser-run matchmaking area where pre-booked buyer–supplier meetings take place — the highest-yield networking slot on the floor if you reserve sessions in advance.

     

    International pavilion hospitality stands

     

    National pavilions typically host buyers and delegations with coffee and tasting counters; useful for meeting trade-promotion bodies and first-time exporters.

     

    Kerry Hotel Pudong lobby and bar

     

    Venue-adjacent upscale hotel where exhibitors and visiting buyers often continue conversations after the floor closes; practical for evening meetings without crossing the city.

     

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visa_fee

    visitor · M visa, single entry (US-citizen indicative, reciprocity-based)

    USD 140 / per applicant

    estimate

    hotel

    visitor · Budget (Longyang Road / Huamu Road)

    USD 45–80 / per room per night

    estimate

    hotel

    visitor · Mid-range (Huamu Road / Century Park)

    USD 80–150 / per room per night

    estimate

    hotel

    visitor · Premium (SNIEC-adjacent / Lujiazui)

    USD 180–350 / per room per night

    estimate

    local_transport

    visitor · Airport taxi, PVG to SNIEC

    USD 21–28 / per trip

    estimate

    local_transport

    visitor · Metro (Lines 2/7 to the venue)

    USD 0.5–1 / per ride

    estimate

    visa_fee

    visitor · Entry visa

    USD 140 / per application

    official

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    You have a sourcing, distribution or market-entry objective that can realistically be progressed in 2–3 days on the floor with pre-booked meetings.

    Best for

    Buyers, importers, distributors, retail and e-commerce category managers, and brand teams scouting suppliers or partners for the China market

    Min. budget

    $510.00

    Timeline

    4–8 weeks ahead: trade registration, flights, hotel near Longyang Road/Huamu Road, and visa application if your nationality is not visa-free

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    Shanghai hotel rates spike during show week in the Huamu Road and Century Park clusters.

    Visa processing and invitation-letter lead time can exceed four weeks in peak season.

    Three show days is not enough to cover every hall — pre-plan a category route.

    exhibit

    You have a defined China route to market and can staff a stand with sales-capable, Mandarin or interpreter-supported personnel for all three days.

    Best for

    Food and beverage producers, exporters and country pavilions seeking Chinese importers, distributors or cross-border e-commerce partners

    Min. budget

    $2,550.00

    Timeline

    6–9 months: stand booking and space selection, stand build and freight, ATA Carnet or customs arrangements, staff travel, and visa processing

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    Booth pricing, minimum stand size and shell-scheme rates must be confirmed directly with the organiser.

    Duty, quarantine and labelling rules for food samples require early customs planning.

    Staffing and translation costs, plus freight and stand build, add materially to the floor budget.

    skip

    Travel budget, visa lead time or category relevance make a Shanghai trip uneconomic — monitor the organiser's post-show reports instead and revisit the next edition.

    Best for

    Teams with no China sourcing or market-entry mandate this cycle, or those whose objectives can be met through a regional distributor or online channels

    Min. budget

    Not yet confirmed

    Timeline

    None

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    Gallery

    Photos

    Official imagery from SIAL China - Asia's Food Marketplace
    Official imagery from SIAL China - Asia's Food Marketplace
    Official SIAL China - Asia's Food Marketplace event branding
    Official SIAL China - Asia's Food Marketplace event branding

    Trust footer

    Sources

    6

    References

    2

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    SIAL China

    2

    Comexposium Group

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