Bookings for exhibition space are racing ahead for New Zealand’s Foodtech Packtech 2004 trade show which runs at Auckland Showgrounds, Greenlane, from October 12 to 14. "There’s no doubt that bookings are significantly ahead at this time compared with the very successful show in 2002," says sales manager Irene Smith of organisers dmg world media.
Data collected from previous Foodtech Packtech events indicate that more than half the visitors make a purchase as a direct result of attending. This helps explain why more than 130 past exhibitors have re-booked and 40 first-time exhibitors have so far signed up.
Exhibitors this year will include major manufacturers, processors, producers, importers and exporters serving some 20 industries from chemicals and cosmetics to supermarkets and wholesale distribution.
Food technology on display will cover systems for storage, wrapping, labelling, barcoding and distribution. Packaging technology will include weighing, handling, freezing, refrigeration and instrumentation. Visitors can be sure that many other key sectors will also be well covered.
On all three days of the Show, the NZ Packaging Council will run a series of educational seminars. A breakfast function will be sponsored by the NZ Institute of Packaging.
A clear compostable packaging made from material based on corn starch will be launched at the Show by Signum NZ. Produced from an annually-renewable resource, this product competes on performance with plastic and is claimed to be ideal for food packaging due to its gloss, clarity, printability and favourable barrier properties.
The first live Show demonstration of an innovative conveyor belting for the food industry will be running on the Skellerup Industries – Conveyor Division stand. Comprising lightweight, transmission and modular belting systems and accessories, this product is backed by a nationwide distribution network and comprehensive after sales service.
An advanced box motion system and a complementary high-speed weighing system will be demonstrated by Walls Machinery. The box motion system features very flexible control, easy cleaning and production of up to 200 packs per minute. The safe, precise weighing system handles 400 units per minute and has a large colour screen to prevent improper operation.
A 3-D computer imaging service for creating compelling brands, packaging, point of sale and other promotion tools will be launched and explained by VISIONZ Marketing NZ Consultants and WOW Creative. Visitors will see how this service first provides a clear understanding and expression of branding internally and externally, and then develops all associated graphic design outputs for the marketplace.
Smith explains that the event is divided about equally between food and packaging technologies. "New Zealand definitely has a respected place in the world of food packaging," she says. "Some NZ firms in the food sector export 100 per cent of their output and the show will further enhance our international status."
A highlight of Foodtech Packtech 2004 will be a showcase of the ‘2004 Awards for Excellence for Environmentally Acceptable Packaging Entries’ by the Packaging Council of New Zealand who are once again proud to endorse the show on behalf of its members and promote the 2005 Awards programme.
"The political issues related to packaging in the environment are fundamental to all involved in the packaged goods industry. This is a forum for the Packaging Council to promote the Packaged Goods Accord 2004 - a voluntary agreement affecting all involved with packaging. The Packaging Council, on behalf of its members, is proud to endorse this event," the organisation said in a statement.
The Council will also host a breakfast seminar with guest speakers on the 2004 New Zealand Packaging Accord – its progress and practical implementation. As the Packaging Council is an endorsing party, its members are offered a five per cent discount when booking their stand.
Among working displays, on the Tronics stand will be the latest highly-flexible Videojet 43S inkjet printer, which features airless operation and three lines of print. Eurolift will demonstrate the new 39X 2-3.5 tonne forklift from Linde. This model replaces the world’s most produced forklift and offers higher productivity, lowest ‘on-going’ running costs, environmental cleanliness and much comfort for the operator.
A new filling machine with three interchangeable pumps (peristaltic, gear and lobe) will be launched at the show by Lateral Link. A live display will demonstrate its versatility, ease of use and easy cleaning.
Walker Datavision will showcase a new production line data capture system with integrated automatic label printing. Also demonstrated will be an electronic system for communicating production data to mobile workers via a hand-held device.
Overseas exhibitor interest includes a packaging company based in Saudi Arabia.
The success of Foodtech Packtech in New Zealand dates back to 1980. "We organise more than 20 world class trade fairs and exhibitions around the country every year," says Irene Smith, "and we are confident this year’s Foodtech Packtech will break new records".
Foodtech Packtech has been the major event of its type in New Zealand since 1980. The organisers, dmg world media, run up to 25 world-class trade and consumer exhibitions in this country every year.
