interpack MEA 2026: New Era for Regional Packaging
The Middle East and Africa packaging printing industry continues to showcase robust growth, with the market valued at $58.7 billion in 2025. Driven by increasing consumer demand, industrial expansion, thriving e-commerce, and a rising focus on sustainability initiatives, the region presents significant opportunities for manufacturers, converters, brand owners, and technology providers alike.
In response to this momentum, the 7th edition of interpack MEA is scheduled to take place from 7–10 December 2026 at Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC) in Cairo. The trade fair will feature over 300 exhibitors and thousands of brands and solutions, positioning it as a definitive event shaping the future of processing and packaging in the region.
Rebranded for Global Connection
Formerly known as pacprocess MEA, the trade fair offers excellent opportunities in the processing, packaging, and printing sectors. As a member of the globally recognised interpack alliance, the exhibition brings together local and international industry stakeholders from across the entire value chain to showcase cutting-edge technologies and forge lucrative partnerships. “The shift to interpack MEA strengthens our connection to the global interpack network and reinforces our position as the region’s leading platform for processing and packaging solutions,” says interpack Director Thomas Dohse.
interpack MEA serves as a vital platform to address the requirements of thriving industries like food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, industrial goods, non-food consumer goods, and other related sectors in the Middle East and Africa region.
The accompanying conference programme will address the evolving needs of the processing and packaging industries, as well as the challenges faced by the sector and relevant issues for the future, such as sustainability. Additionally, interpack MEA 2026 will showcase advanced technologies and innovative solutions in packaging and processing that minimise environmental impact and improve operational efficiency.
Another highlight is the Hosted Buyers Program, a dedicated B2B platform, which facilitates business undertakings and maximises return on investment for participants through expansion of their business networks and closing deals on the spot.
By creating localised and international business opportunities, interpack MEA 2026 acts as a strategic gateway to regional and global markets while highlighting one of North Africa’s major economic hubs. With an annual growth rate of 4.1% for the period between 2021 and 2025, Egypt currently ranks as the third-largest market for packaging products in the MEA region.
Upward Trend in Regional Packaging Printing Markets
The packaging printing market in the Middle East and Africa is expected to grow from $58.7 billion in 2025 to $86.9 billion in 2031 at a healthy CAGR of 6.8%. The region’s packaging automation sector is projected to grow from $3.89 billion to $5.31 billion between 2026 and 2031.
Paper packaging leads segment volumes, climbing from $25.42 billion to $35.13 billion by 2031. Food packaging is on track to reach $18 billion dollars by 2033 from a baseline of $12.1 billion, while flexible packaging will grow from $12.9 billion to 20.03 billion by 2034.
Specific material markets are following similar upward trends. Egypt’s plastic packaging market is estimated at $2.49 billion in 2026 and is forecast to hit $2.94 billion in 2031 at 3.37% CAGR. Additionally, Egypt’s paperboard packaging market is projected to steadily rise from $2.42 billion in 2025 to $3.09 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 4.13%.
interpack MEA 2026 will run alongside the 11th edition of Food Africa. The dual events are organised by Messe Düsseldorf under the umbrella of interpack alliance, together with local partners IFP Egypt and Konzept Exhibitions & Event Management.
Opening hours: 10 am – 6 pm (all days).
