IPACK-IMA closes on high note

ITALY – The three-yearly exhibition of packaging and processing machinery, technology and materials, IPACK-IMA, recorded a marked visitor increase in international high-profile buyers from emerging countries, which made up 40% of its visitors.

Total visitors exceeded 54,000, with 25% coming from outside of Italy, and particularly from Asia, Africa and the Americas. The fieramilano exhibition halls hosted 1,300 companies, 35% of which were from 35 countries around the world.

“The atmosphere was optimistic,” says Ipack-Ima Spa CEO Guido Corbella. “Exhibitors’ high satisfaction rates result from the massive flow of international visitors, who exceeded all expectations in terms of qualification and professionalism.”

“What we are most proud of,” adds Corbella, “is to have enabled our exhibitors to get ample return on their participation investment and establish important business partnerships. Ipack-Ima enjoys excellent health and significantly contributes to boosting our clients’ business.”

Major agreements sealed at IPACK-IMA
At the global level, one more success reaped by the exhibition is the agreement with Expo 2015 SpA that was announced during IPACK-IMA. It involves IPACK-IMA as an ambassador of the EXPO 2015 theme “Feed the Planet, Energy for Life” at major global trade shows.Ipack-Ima Spa CEO Guido Corbella

In ensure IPACK-IMA will run concurrently with the World Expo, the 2015 edition of the exhibition has been rescheduled for May.

“Our exhibition is not just a simple product showcase: is it the peaking event of a path that runs through the three year interval between one edition and the next, during which we meet businesspeople from the industry, promote the show in international events and explore market news,” comments Corbella.

IPACK-IMA’s key role is also reflected by the agreement with UNIDO (the UN agency for industrial development) and the East African Community, which in 2014 will give rise to the first food packaging and processing exhibition in East Africa. The agreement was announced during the international conference “Enhancing Food Safety and Food Security in Africa” at IPACK-IMA on 1 March

Africa is a leader in food production, holds 60% of the world’s unfarmed land and has been least affected by soil pollution. These three conditions make it the world region with the highest agricultural growth potential over the next years. Africa thus has the chance to provide food and bioenergy for the entire planet.

However, this goal can be achieved only through the use of technology and management approaches that reduce waste and increase productivity, currently only available in the West. “We are the first to appreciate the huge potential of the African market and we are proud of this agreement, which will contribute to Africa’s sustainable growth and will bring substantial benefits to all parties involved.” concludes Corbella.