More innovation emerges as Sial Montreal ends

MONTREAL Innovations come in many forms at Sial Montreal, closing today at Palais des congres de Montreal.

In the case of Le Grande, the innovations came in the form of packaing and product. The company makes pesto sauces, tapenades and aromatic sauces including sesame and pink peppercorn, orange and sunflower seed and lemon confit and pumpkin seed. The company just gave up its traditional glass jars in favor of super thick plastic pouches that stand on their own, pour through a resealable spout and are far lighter to transport than the former packaging. The product line, which had been available throughout Canada and in Zabars and Fairway in New York, got the interest of Whole Foods in its new form and it preparing to roll out at the retailer's stores throughout North America.

Other innovative introductions include ice cider from Intermiel, which also produces maple liquor and its among the top producers of mead -- or honeywine -- in North America, a product it is looking to export to the United States. In the snack category, G.o.o.d.b.o.n is highlighing its Crunchy delight, maple chunk candies meant to provide a natural treat and act as a nut substitute for kids with allergies. And on the beverage side, Tasty Enterprises introduced hone and aloe vera iced teas. The company is making inroads in Florida and Washington, DC, but continues trying to expand its healthy green teas and line of bubble teas in the U.S.