interpack 2008 proved once more to be a success for the 2,744 exhibitors that attended the giant trade fair in Düsseldorf, and which drew in 179,000 visitors.

The exhibitors at the biggest edition of interpack to date reported closing very good deals that exceeded the already optimistic expectations in the run-up to interpack, as well as making many highly promising contacts for lucrative post-fair business. As a result, 97 per cent of the participating companies have already indicated their intention to exhibit at the next interpack in three years’ time.

The proportion of visitors attending from outside Germany increased to 62 per cent, and 65 per cent of those that attended had purchasing power. Altogether, 121 countries were represented. Visitors from Europe were in the majority, but those from Asian nations and the Indian subcontinent also formed a large contingent.

Erhard Rustler, president of interpack 2008, said: “Throughout the show, we have heard nothing but positive reports from the companies. In particular, the deals signed are more than gratifying. These will contribute to the industry’s further robust development, and are split equally between machinery, process technologies and packaging.”

Of the visitors surveyed, 97 per cent gave interpack 2008 top marks. Wilhelm Niedergöker, managing director of Messe Düsseldorf, said on the response from exhibitors and visitors: “We have been able to harness the upbeat mood in the run-up to the event, and translate it into a basis for closing physical business deals. This proves that our concept is right on target for the market. What better validation could you ask for than satisfied customers.”

British exhibitors attended interpack in abundance in 2008. Chris Buxton, chief executive officer of the PPMA, reported: “interpack has clearly maintained its position as a true international venue. All our members had excellent visitor attendance, high footfall and reported high levels of enquiries on all days of the show.”

The next interpack in Düsseldorf will run from May 12-18 2011.

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