New and proven packaging solutions at ProPack Middle East

IN 2014, the packaging industry in the MENA region is forecast to reach US$41.1 billion, according to Smithers Pira. The leading authority in packaging says food and beverage contributes 59% to this industry. 

F&B manufacturers interested in new packaging technologies will find ProPack Middle East, a component of Gulfood Manufacturing, another good venue to meet with major suppliers of raw materials, finished products, and equipment, as well as converters, from all over Europe.  

“The way foodstuffs and processed foods and beverages are packaged serves as a vital factor in consumers’ purchasing decisions. Local and regional food companies are actively exploring best available packaging solutions to address consumers’ growing expectations in food packaging - from freshness, health, visual appeal and branding,” said Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, Events & Exhibitions Department, DWTC. “Gulfood Manufacturing is a dedicated platform for food producers and service operators to meet with world-class packaging sector suppliers, as well as those in the processing, logistics and manufacturing sectors.”

Packaging providers from Europe will be the largest contingent at Gulfood Manufacturing. Serac, a French leader in the design and manufacture of packaging solutions for dairy, oils and sauces & HPC, will showcase a new technology which blows bottles from a plastic sheet and a Nova dosing systems for packaging complex products. With more than 40 years’ experience in filling and capping technology, Serac is just one international packaging giant launching new-to-region technologies at the show.

“The Middle East, Africa and South Asia already contribute more than 30% of Serac’s annual turnover and these territories represent important potential growth avenues in the coming years. With regional companies such as IFFCO, Nadec, Asian Paints, Afia Savola and Unilever among others already on our books, we are reinforcing our presence in the region through Gulfood Manufacturing,” said Olivier Chevreteau, sales director, Serac SAS – EMEA.

GEA Group, one of the world’s largest food processing industry suppliers, will show off the GEA PowerPak RT – a cutting-edge thermoformer which sets new standards in performance for medium-sized production capabilities. The machine will be used to pack dates on the GEA Group stand.

The Belgium-based manufacturer of bulk packaging equipment, Pattyn Packing Lines will demonstrate the super compact and convenient poly bag inserter ZIM-11 – a machine which automatically makes and inserts bags into boxes, crates or trays, offering substantial savings on packaging materials.

“The Middle East and Africa are important markets for Pattyn and we are aiming to explore further food packaging opportunities in the region. The majority of our current customers are from oils and fats companies in South Asia but the niche, segmented nature of Gulfood Manufacturing will allow us to meet with new customers and potential agents from different food industries across the Middle East and Africa,” said Gregory Van Dijck, international sales manager.

Gulfood Manufacturing boasts 1,100 global food manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, including a world-class line-up of international brands including IFFCO, Cargill Europe BVBA, Markel Bakery Group, Multivac, TNA Packing Solutions, Ishida Europe Ltd., D?hler Middle East and CSM Deutschland GmbH. The industry heavyweights will participate in themed sectors in more than 24 national pavilions including Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Iran, Switzerland, Taiwan, China, Thailand, India, Italy, Austria, France, the USA, the UK and Germany – also the show’s Official Country Partner.