On May 16, Asia's largest food innovation exhibition SIAL China was launched at Shanghai New International Expo Center. The Swedish Pavilion, organized by Business Sweden and representing eight Swedish companies, stood out with its quality food products, innovative design and on-site cooking courtesy of the chef at the residence of the Swedish Ambassador in Beijing who had flown in for the occasion. Swedish Minister for Rural Affairs Sven-Erik Bucht, Consul General of Sweden in Shanghai Lisette Lindahl, Counsellor for Agricultural Affairs Lennart Nilsson, Trade Commissioner at Business Sweden David Hallgren and other Swedish government officials attended the inauguration of the pavilion.
At the inauguration, Mr Bucht drew people's attention to Sweden's focus on the quality of food ingredients and the environment and encouraged the visitors to try more Swedish food. "Sweden is world class when it comes to environmental consideration, animal welfare and low antibiotic use," said the Minister, "This is something that we should be proud of and it is a competitive advantage when we enter new markets. "
More than 20,000 people visited the Swedish Pavilion on the opening day. Cooking shows, lucky draws, food tasting and food product displays provided the visitors a good opportunity to get to know and experience Swedish food culture. The cooking shows presented by chef Stefan Brundin and the Minister attracted a large audience.
SIAL China 2018 is open to the public until May 18.
