Cibus Tec 2016 showcases excellence in food processing

THE ROAD to increased competitiveness leads from investment to innovation. This statement was made by Carlo Calenda, Minister of Economic Development when he introduced the Industry 4.0 package. The figures are emerging for Cibus Tec, the specialist trade event at Fieri de Parma and Koelnmesse (Cologne Exhibition Centre), dedicated to the cutting-edge technologies of the main food production chains.

The 51^st edition reflects the continuing success of the show. Compared to the previous event, the number of exhibitors this year has increased 30 percent to 1,200. The number of top overseas buyers is 3,000, among them are Barilla, BRF (Brazil), Cremonini-Inalca, Fonterra (New Zealand), Kagome (Japan), Lactalis-Galbani, Leche Pasqual (Spain), Parmalat, Solico and Kalleh (Iran), The Morning Star and Coca Cola (USA), Unilever (EU), Arcor (Argentina) and Amul (India). 

Organizers expect the number of visitors to reach 35,000 this year, or 15 percent higher than the 2014 edition. 

Cibus Tec is scheduled from October 25-28 in Parma, Italy’s center of agri-food system which through the years has given rise to a food processing and packaging system based on traditional produce that is now one of the most dynamic “Made in Italy” sectors.  In 2015, the turnover for packaging machines reached nearly 6.2 billion euro, of which 80.7 percent  came from exports  with the US, France, Germany, China, and Turkey as the biggest markets.

“Cibus Tec operates in the heart of a territory  – the “Food Valley” of Emilia Romagna – that has made exceptional progress, above all proving itself capable of integrating top-quality raw materials with industrial innovation. Here we not only produce the best preserves, but innovative processed food including delicatessen, ready-to-use and ready-to-eat products as well. This capacity is also a factor in the success of this exhibition, which has become an unmissable event for all industry operators seeking innovation, sustainable technology, and tailor-made quality,” said Fiere di Parma Managing Director Antonio Cellie.

The CEO has at least two good reasons to be satisfied: by the end of this year, Fiere di Parma will have taken 40 million euro in revenue (with EBITDA) of nearly 16 million), and Cibus Tec is one of the vehicles for further growth. Moreover, this is the first edition of Cibus Tec under the auspices of Fiere di Parma ‘s partnership with Koelnmesse, the international event organizer based in Cologne, Germany. Koelnmesse also organizes the leading trade shows Anuga, ISM, and Anuga FoodTec. The Koeln Parma Exhibitions (KPE) company has been operational since April 2016, with Thomas Rosolia as chairman and Antonio Cellie as CEO. This alliance has attracted more foreign exhibitors and buyers, and enhanced the digital promotion services available to companies.

Opening ceremony: from left, Giandomenico Auricchio, president of Fiere di Parma; Gerald Bose, president and CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH, Antonio Cellie, CEO of Koeln Parma Exhibitions (KPE), and Thomas Rosolia CEO of Koelnmesse and chairman of Koeln Parma Exhibitions (KPE) 

Thomas Rosolia who is also CEO of Koelnmesse Italia said, “Our agreement has already greated boosted efforts to expand Cibus Tec globally, with 20 percent more foreign exhibitors and 40 percent more foreign visitors. We are making progress because the key to the future lies in an increasingly united approval, including the breaking of new markets.”

Events such as a start-up show, scheduled to open in Parma, are an example of the processs of continual improvement that takes place within the world of processing, This is brought to you by Parco Tecnologico Pafano di Lodi, responsible for launching companies such as Orange Fiber Srl, who are developing sustainable fabric from orange peel, or Impact Zero Srl, producer of acquaponics system for sustainable “in door” agriculture.

At Cibus Tec 2016, there will be 12 international workshops featuring rusts, entrepreneurs and universities; events such as Tomato Day, Meat Day, Milk Day; a Vegetable Innovation Lab; and Industry 4.0 technologies and alternative business models, which are instrumental in providing Italy’s competitive edge on the world market.

There will be more than 600 new products on showcase at this year's edition.