Vietnamese show targets new processing/packaging technology; grows 44% this year

Organised by SES Vietnam Exhibition Services, in partnership with VCCI Exhibition Service, Propak Vietnam 2017 is set to return from 21-23 March 2017 at Saigon Exhibition & Convention Centre (SECC), with a range of technology and integrated solutions catering for all segments of the processing and packaging industry.

Since its inception in 2003, Propak Vietnam has grown in stature to become a valuable and opportune platform for industry players to build up their brands, forge new partnerships and close fruitful business deals, says SES. Into its 12th edition, this year, the event marks the biggest scale in its history, taking over 8,800 sq m of exhibition space, accounting for 44% increase compared to the last edition.

The three-day staging will bring together more than 380 participating companies from 28 countries and regions. There are also eight international group pavilions from Italy, Germany, China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

Some of the companies participating include Bericap, Bosch Rexroth, Chumpower, DKSH, Flowcrete, Fuji, Heat and Control, Ishida, Joiepack Industrial, MNB Technologies, Mekong Technology, Phu Loc Trading & Services, Rickermann, Song Song, Uchida, amongst others.

Machinery, applications and systems catering to the industry demand will be on display, with Food Processing & Packaging; Pharmaceutical Processing & Packaging; Bottling & Beverage Technology; Canning Technology; Barcoding, Printing & Labelling; Filling Machinery and Systems; Food Safety & Hygiene Technology commanding the majority of the exhibits.

Following significant attendance in the previous editions, it is anticipated that over 8,000 trade visitors from 43 countries and regions will attend the event, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive editions in years, says SES.

A conference programme will be held alongside, hosted by various industry associations in Vietnam. For instance, Vietnam Association of Food Science and Technology (VAFoST) will be organising an “ASEAN Food Conference”, pre-conference and seminar programme. Supported by Federation of International Food Science and Technology Associations (FIFSTA) and International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFOST), this programme will be a one-day symposium geared towards food safety education and training where several international experts invited to discuss the topics. It will be held on the 22nd March 2017, followed by the FIFSTA and IUFOST meeting on the 23rd March 2017.

The VAFOST Symposium will also include topics on healthy food and drink, and traditional rice products – on aspects of safety, quality and commercial production.

The last edition of Propak Vietnam in 2016 garnered the attention of more than 7,200 trade visitors and 351 exhibitors from 32 countries/regions; 208 buyer delegations from major local and regional establishments also made their way to attend the event, such as Acecook Vietnam, Ajinomoto Vietnam, Bibica, Dalat Milk, New Viet Dairy, Pepsico, Runam Coffee, Sapporo Vietnam, Shiseido Vietnam, Unilever Vietnam, Vifon, Vinamilk, to name a few.

The organiser also says that 93% of visitors surveyed were satisfied with the overall experience at the 2016 show, and that 91% were eager to attend the next edition in 2017.

Two educational seminars were held alongside the 2016 edition, including “Food Safety, Processing and Packaging innovations” conference organised by VAFoST on the food processing and packaging industry, including food safety management systems, ionised water technologies and new trends in packaging designs. VINATEST Association hosted the seminar entitled “Trace chemicals monitoring, control and removal techniques in water used in food processing industry”, continuing to provide in-depth information concerning all the aspects of the water used in the food processing industry in Vietnam.