Interpack organiser Messe Düsseldorf backs FoodAfrica Cairo event
Interpack organiser Messe Düsseldorf is expanding its presence in Middle East Africa region with backing for the FoodAfrica Cairo trade fair event, writes Neill Barston.
The organisation had previously begun its work in the area through its involvement with pacprocess MEA in 2019, as part of the Interpack alliance, and it has seen further potential for expanding its interests for these fast-developing markets.
An agreement to this effect was signed by Wolfram N. Diener, Chairman of the Board of Management of Messe Düsseldorf Group, Albert Aoun, Chairman & CEO of IFP Egypt S.A.E. as well as Tamer Safwat, General Manager and Dalia Kabeel, Director Operations of Konzept during pacprocess MEA and FoodAfrica Cairo 2021, which took place simultaneously at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre in Cairo on December 12-14.
Having unfortunately been forced to cancel the last edition of Interpack itself due to the ongoing pandemic, Interpack, which was last staged in 2017, is finally set to be staged again in May 2023, covering the entire packaging and processing sector, with confectionery, snacks and bakery being core market concerns.
“When we entered North Africa for the first time in 2019 with pacprocess MEA, the market dynamics and role of Egypt as a gateway to the Middle East Africa region with its extensive free trade agreements were key arguments for doing so, as our trade shows create platforms for the development of industries and economies. They thus become catalysts for dynamic developments. With our involvement in FoodAfrica Cairo, we are now taking the next step in an important growth market,” says Wolfram N. Diener.
Already at its premiere, pacprocess MEA has benefited from the support of the highest decision-makers and government institutions: Egyptian President H.E. Abdel Fattah Al Sisi acted as patron and Prime Minister Mustafa Madbuli underscored the appreciation of political leaders with an opening tour. In addition, the fair’s high-profile advisory board includes members of international companies in the food, pharmaceutical and confectionery/bakery industries, as well as representatives of numerous Egyptian organisations and associations.
In terms of content, pacprocess MEA is closely linked to FoodAfrica Cairo, which is considered the most important platform for the food industry in Africa. The international food industry is the largest consumer of packaging and the number of packaged food products has been growing significantly worldwide for years. A phenomenon that is particularly present in developing countries. Therefore, even at the premiere of pacprocess MEA in 2019, the general tenor of the exhibitors was that the parallelism of the two trade shows would allow many synergies in the food sector. FoodAfrica Cairo covers the entire range of food products including confectionery, baked goods and beverages.
In addition to the food and beverage sector, pacprocess MEA addresses the core target groups of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, confectionery and bakery products, consumer goods and industrial goods – in each case across the entire value chain; it also appeals to suppliers of packaging materials and the corresponding production technology. Recycling and environmental technology also play a role.
The cooperation with the organisers IFP Egypt and Konzept has already been tried and tested through the premiere of pacprocess MEA two years ago. They will remain partners in the organisation of the interpack alliance trade show, as well as continuing this alliance with FoodAfrica Cairo.
After a pandemic-related break in 2020, pacprocess MEA and FoodAfrica Cairo took place on December 12-14 at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre in Cairo – with a total of 436 companies participating as exhibitors. About 16,000 visitors took the opportunity to inform themselves personally about the companies’ offers and to establish personal contacts. The upcoming pacprocess MEA and FoodAfrica Cairo are scheduled for 05 to 07 December 2022. Exhibitors can register at www.pacprocess-mea.com and www.foodafrica-expo.com, respectively.
