Press releases

Opening Press Release
March 24th 2009

PACKAGING AND PRINTING: ITALIANTECHNOLOGY IS WORLD MARKET LEADER.
IN THE MORNING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF IPACK-IMA, GRAFITALIA AND CONVERFLEX.

Milano, March 24th 2009 - Fieramilano (Rho) this morning hosted the official opening of one of the most significant editions of IPACK-IMA, Grafitalia and Converflex. The exhibitions represent the world’s top food, non-food, processing, packaging and printing technology, for which Italy is world leader, until March 28th.

The importance of the event is shown by the participation of under-secretary to Economic Development Mr. Adolfo Urso in the opening ceremony, also featuring the presence of Ipack-Ima and Centrexpo CEO Guido Corbella and Fiera Milano CEO Claudio Artusi.

“We named these exhibitions - says Mr. Corbella - a true “Cosmic Event”, capable of combining three exhibitions into an unparalleled event; in spite of the global crisis, we can boast a 90.000 net exhibiting surface and over 2000 exhibitors. It was a hard challenge, but 41.000 visitor pre-registrations are the proof that we have won.”

“This is a new way to stage exhibitions, showcasing the entire production cycle and offering exhaustive content”, says Fiera Milano CEO Claudio Artusi.

“These are world-class exhibition - says under-secretary Adolfo Urso -, a paragon of performance especially in the light of the upcoming Expo 2015. The current economic situation is certainly challenging, and experts expect a 9% decrease in world economy for 2009. However, if we look at the domestic situation we find that our consumption levels are substantially unaltered; Italy is doing well and there are event interesting growth opportunities for such export-oriented industries as the ones represented in these exhibitions. Geographic areas such as the Mediterranean, the Balkans, the Persian Gulf, Brazil and Oceania are bound to become interesting export markets for the Italian industry. In addition, our economy will benefit from the support provided by our Government.”

Packaging is a key element of the production cycle: it plays a primary role in presenting the product and ensuring its safety. IPACK-IMA 2009 president Alberto Bauli underlined its characteristics and value especially for the food industry, which are showcased in the current exhibitions.

“Technological innovation - said Mr. Bauli - makes it possible for our products to be cost-effective for industrial production and eco-compatible. Over the next five days international industry professionals will get an exhaustive overview of new technology and perspectives which will help them guide their companies through the current world crisis.”

The market analysis by Assofoodtec president Emilia Arosio is also important to keep international market players’ interest focused on the industry. Assofoodtec is a major food industry association in Italy, with a 4.2 million euro turnover in 2008, 63% generated from export sales. Assofoodtec looks forward to the Expo 2015, also because of the IPACK-IMA edition on schedule.

The overall assessment of the printing and converting industries represented in Grafitalia and Converflex shows an excellent growth for 2008 (+4%), mostly due to the increase in exports (+10%). “The crisis - says Acimga president Ugo Barzanò,- serious as it may become, will not prevent extra-EU countries from seeking technological innovation. These exhibitions are a precious promotional opportunity and a chance to highlight the competitiveness of the Italian industry.”

“Grafitalia and Converflex - says Assografici president Piero Capodieci, - are a unique opportunity for managers and company owners to gather information and new ideas. The focus is on the increase in productivity and money saving, but also on essential aspects such as beauty and respect for the environment. The industry we represent has lost very few employees over the past ten years and has always been in the black.”

The international conference “More Technology, Safety & Quality, less Hunger”, organized by IPACK-IMA in cooperation with Il Sole 24 Ore is scheduled to take place over the entire day tomorrow. The conference is supported by the Italian Government through the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy and the Ministry of Economic Development, in addition to UN agencies Fao, Wfp, Unido, Ifad.

For further information:

ORGANIZER :

CENTREXPO SPA
Maria Grazia Facchinetti
Marketing & Communication Manager
Tel. +39.02. 3191091- fax +39.02. 33619826
e-mail: centrexpo@centrexpo.it ; web: www.centrexpo.it


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