Exclusive Q&A: Gulf Print & Pack 2025 – Fujifilm Middle East
In this series, ME Printer brings you exclusive, show floor interviews with industry stalwarts representing some of the major exhibitors at Gulf Print & Pack 2025, Riyadh, the leading commercial print and packaging trade show in the Middle East. This was the inaugural edition of GPP to be held in Saudi Arabia.
In conversation with Sabarish Ramanunni, Division Manager, Fujifilm Middle East.
What are the new technologies and products launched by Fujifilm at Gulf Print & Pack 2025?
Fujifilm Middle East launched the new mid-range POD equipment, the Revoria EC2100S and the Revoria SC285S in two variants of 4 colour and 5 colour. We also showcased the Jet Press FP790 and the Jet Press 750S experience corner to cater to high end packaging and commercial customers.
What are the main features of the equipment you showcased in GPP?
The Jet Press FP790 is aimed at flexible packaging customers. This machine is positioned to take over the mainstream jobs and enabling quick turnaround for such jobs. The FP790 utilises water based inks and comes with a CMYK+WW configuration. This will enable the customers to convert 70% of jobs into digital, including the conversion of all mainstream jobs.
The Jet Press 750HS has proved to be the only successful equipment in its class of inkjet sheet-fed press, even while others are trying to catch up. With high productivity and highest quality in its class, it fits the highest demands of quality and we term it as the new standard in print. This is the only machine which is Fogra certified for proofing.
EC2100/ S and SC285/ S are the new mid-range toner-based products and includes multiple Fujifilm patented technologies to make available the quality and special colour options to all range of customers, from high-end production printers to mid-segment printers.
What are some profitable niche markets you believe printers and PSPs should explore in the coming years?
Mainstream flexible printing, corrugated printing, value-added printing, and finishing using toner-based printers are some of the niche markets. Digitalisation of normal jobs is going to take centre stage and more and more demand of customers will be to bring in the possibilities of conventional printing to digital printing due to change of market demand and ever changing customer dynamics.
How do your products help businesses optimise efficiency and reduce costs?
With Fujifilm’s products and services, customers can reduce the dependency and the number of errors. I would like to introduce our Revoria XMF PressReady workflow system that helps to improve efficiency in running a digital print shop. The system can communicate not only with Fujifilm but with all equipment with authorised front engines to manage the production workflow.
How does your company cater to the specific needs of printers and PSPs in this region?
Fujifilm is a company which can boast of integrating all aspects of print with such a wide spectrum of products. From traditional analogue printing to the latest water-based inkjet printing to the packaging segment, Fujifilm has a product suitable for every category.
Fujifilm has its manufacturing facilities of inks/ toners, equipment, workflow solutions, and consumables. We also have our own printhead manufacturing unit. The ultimate USP is in integrating all these technologies into ever changing customer demands and providing the solution they need.
What steps are you taking to adapt to the growing demand for digitalisation and eco-friendly printing?
Fujifilm takes its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) very seriously and our global aim of reducing carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 is well appreciated. Our flagship inkjet machines uses water-based inks. The JetPress 750S is one of the best in deinkability in inkjet printing. Our friendlier Super EA-Eco toner, which is now common to the entire product portfolio, also has the best deinkability.
What was the feedback you got from visitors and potential customers at the exhibition?
Feedback has been positive. Even while the booth design was well appreciated, the newly launched products have created curiosity, such as the entry-level printer with a fifth-colour option made available for the first time! We are trying to make the fifth colour available to everyone and I believe the customers will truly appreciate this approach.
Did the show meet your expectations in terms of audience reach and business opportunities?
Yes definitely.
How does the Saudi market differ from other regional markets, and what opportunities do you see here?
The Saudi market has the potential to grow. As the authorities are opening up the market culturally and economically, the country is seeing tremendous boost in investments and growth opportunities. We aim to be present in Saudi Arabia by establishing our regional headquarters in Riyadh. This will enable us to be a step closer to the market to support and be part of the region’s growth.
