Messe Düsseldorf has set out its stall for Interpack 2014, which takes place on 8–14 May, at a joint event with the Dubai Export Development Corporation at Al Bustan Rotana Hotel in Dubai.
UAE packaging firms were told the exhibition attracted 170,000 professional visitors on its last edition in 2010 by Thomas Dohse, account manager for the show.
“The event gathers more than 2,700 exhibitors from over 60 countries worldwide, to showcase their latest machinery, equipment and techniques for packaging, in addition to a wide array of services,” he said.
Mohammad Kamali, managing director of the Dubai Export Development Corporation, backed Dohse by recommending that “all local companies in this field take advantage of the opportunities provided at
Interpack 2014”.
The UAE’s food industry’s expansion is set to continue, he added.
In 2011, sales of frozen foods rose by 12% to hit AED 95m, he said. Dried food demand increased by 10% to AED 1.8bn, while frozen foods sales climbed 10% to AED 97m, and canned foods sales went up 12% to AED 285m.
International exhibitions such as Interpack have also been highlighted as an opportunity for UAE companies specialised in halal food, which has a global market valued at about $500bn and rapidly growing demand in Europe.
Bassel Amaneddine, general manager of International Fairs and Promotions (IFP) Emirates, which organised the Dubai meeting and represents Messe Dusseldorf in the UAE, said the gathering is one of a series of such events organised by his company.
For IFP, Interpack offers a gateway for firms in the UAE to enter European and global markets and to establish joint ventures with major international companies.
Local companies can also use Interpack to share experiences with regional and international companies, highlighting the UAE’s infrastructure, foreign investment and government support, said IFP.