The 23rd annual SIAL event is due to take place on 19-23 October at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre in Paris, France.

The event, which will boast 215,000m2 of exhibition space, is expected to welcome approximately 5,500 exhibitors, 4 per cent more than in 2006, from at least 100 countries.

According to organisers, many countries will be appearing at the event for the very first time, including Afghanistan, Barbados, Bolivia and Macedonia.

In addition, Croatia, Norway, Paraguay and Romania will be setting up new international pavilions.