pacprocess Middle East & Africa will once again become the cynosure for the newest technologies and concepts, building important bridges for partnerships that go beyond borders. To be held from 12 to 14 December, 2023, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC), the event offers new horizons, contacts, and innovations in processing and packaging.
Into its 4th edition, pacprocess MEA is a comprehensive and highly-targeted exhibition addressing the requirements of thriving industries including food and beverages, bakery and confectionery, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, industrial goods, non-food consumer goods, and services in the MEA region. The event underscores the efforts undertaken by Egypt and Africa as a whole for economic growth and technological progress, as well as the importance of international trade and industry for the region.
Demographic dynamics and business potential
The positive development of pacprocess MEA reflects the high-speed development of the market. Along with Africa’s rapidly growing population expected to reach approximately 2.5 billion by 2050, the continent is also facing a significant change in consumer habits, caused by a rise in average incomes, growing urbanisation, increased use of smartphones, and a rising demand for health and wellness products – great opportunities for the food industry, manufacturers of consumer goods, and the packaging industry.
In addition to benefitting from the strong food industry in Egypt and a robust consumer market, the Egyptian packaging, printing, and processing industries have reported considerable growth in the last few years. The Egyptian printing and packaging market is also expected to expand with a yearly forecast growth rate of 4.1% between 2021 and 2025.
An agenda looking towards the future
The event is characterised by a multi-faceted programme concentrating on topics of the future and sustainable developments. Part of the trade fairs’ repertoire are lectures, live cooking and barista shows, as well as a hosted buyers’ programme which allows participants to directly contact suppliers and establish new business relations. More than 500 purchasers have already signed up for B2B matchmaking. To support women, for the first time there will be a ‘SHE Pavilion’ for businesswomen and women founding their own companies, organised by USAID and Egypt’s Chamber of Food Industries, and a ‘women in business’ get-together. Another premiere is the innovation competition for small and medium sized enterprises, organised by GIZ and USAID along with Egypt’s Food Export Council (FEC), and Export Council for Printing and Packaging.
Focus on sustainability and SAVE FOOD
This year, pacprocess MEA is placing a special focus on sustainability and the fight against food loss and waste. As part of the conference programme, visitors can expect not only inspiring award ceremonies, but also panel discussions focussing on these central issues. One highlight is the premiere of the ‘Sustainability Design Award’, which honours products that are especially sustainable. The winner of the project competition of the SAVE FOOD Initiative will also have the opportunity to present their pioneering project for the future. Another milestone for 2023 is the partnership with SIG as a sustainability partner. The cooperation with the Swiss aseptic packaging solutions provider makes it possible to drive the issue of sustainability forward in the MEA region.
Conference highlights: Future trends in packaging design, marketing, and sustainability
The pacprocess conference offers an insight into marketing and branding of FMCG with a discussion of future trends in packaging design and marketing. Further talks will deal with topics like sustainability, protecting the rights of original inventors, innovations against food loss and waste, strategies for entering the market for packaging manufacturers active in emerging markets, and safety, quality, and logistics in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and cosmetics industries.
Dual events
pacprocess MEA will be held concurrently with Food Africa, the foremost international exhibition in the African region dedicated to the agro-food industry. The dual events are organized by Messe Düsseldorf, IFP Egypt, and Konzept Exhibitions & Event Management, under the umbrella of interpack alliance. The synergy between the two events is always special since the food industry is the largest consumer of packaging products.
Opening hours: 10am to 7pm (all days)
The next edition of pacprocess MEA and Food Africa will take place from 3 to 5 December, 2024.
