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May
2008 INTERPACK 2008 EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONSAt the recent staging of interpack PROCESSES AND PACKAGING 2008, 2,744 exhibitors from 60 countries presented innovations in machinery for the production of packaging, confectionery and bakery goods as well as packaging materials to 179,000 visitors from 121 nations. In the event’s fifty-year history rarely has the mood in the halls been as positive, the contacts generated by the companies as abundant and the volume of orders placed as high. The exhibitors at the largest edition of interpack to date reported closing very good deals that exceeded the already optimistic expectations before the show and generated many promising contacts which indicate a lucrative post-show business. As a result, 97% of the participating companies plan to exhibit at the next interpack staging. A total of 69% of the interpack 2008 exhibitors were from countries other than Germany, with Italy, the Netherlands, France and Great Britain as the leading foreign exhibitor nations. From the U.S., 93 companies took part, 35 of which displayed their products within the successful U.S. Pavilion, organized by Messe Düsseldorf North America. Exhibitors praised the international mix of the visitors and their extensive decision-making authority: 65% of the attendees were experts with decisions-making authority and the proportion of visitors attending from outside of Germany increased to 62%. The majority of the visitors arrived from European countries (62%) but visitors from Asian nations (20%) and the Indian subcontinent in particular also formed a large contingent. Visitors from South and Central America also made their presence felt. Erhard Rustler, President of interpack PROCESSES AND PACKAGING 2008, confirmed the positive atmosphere among the exhibitors: “Throughout the show we have heard nothing but positive reports from the companies. In particular, the deals sealed are more than gratifying. These will contribute to the industry’s further robust development and stem equally from the segments machinery, process technologies and packaging.” Rustler also pointed out the significant growth in interest in complete lines and process technologies. The first-time inclusion of stand-alone solutions for packaging production in the list of exhibits was also very well received by the trade visitors. “We have been able to utilize the upbeat mood in the run-up to the event and thus provide a basis for closing business deals. This proves that our concept is right on target for the market. What better validation could you ask for than satisfied customers,” commented Wilhelm Niedergöker, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf. A large proportion (78%) of the visitors was interested in process technologies and machinery for packaging as well as packaging production. The second largest segment at interpack 2008 – packaging materials and packaging – was a main attraction for 50% of the attendees. Machinery and process technology for confectionery and bakery goods were on the agenda for 14% of the visitors. Compared to interpack 2005, the floor space in all three segments increased. The two special presentations “Bioplastics in Packaging” and“INNOVATIONPARC PACKAGING” were very popular with the visitors. The partner organizations of the INNOVATIONPARC PACKAGING - PRO CARTON International (the European Association of Cartonboard and Carton Manufacturers), the EHI Retail Institute and the Pan-European Brand Design Association (PDA) - and the 45 participating companies were pleased with the concept and the results. The 40 exhibitors representing all bioplastics categories in “Bioplastics in Packaging” were just as satisfied with their participation. Visitor interest in sustainable plastic materials as a complement to established materials was very high and promises further growth in this segment. The next interpack in Düsseldorf, Germany is scheduled for May 12 - 18, 2011. For information on visiting or exhibiting at interpack 2011, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America, 150 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2920, Chicago, IL 60601. Telephone: (312) 781-5180; Fax: (312) 781-5188; e-mail: info@mdna.com; www.mdna.com. # # # |