With seven years of success, the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair is recognised as one of the most important international shows in the industry, and is a one-stop shop covering everything from Printing & Packaging solutions, materials selection to logistics services. It has a proven track record as an effective trading platform for exhibitors to forge broader connections and do business with corporate users, designers, retailers and distributors in a wide variety of industries as well as Printing & Packaging service companies. The 2012 show achieved remarkable results, attracting more than 340 international exhibitors and more than 11,600 buyers from 101 countries and regions. The fair’s eighth edition, to take place in 2013, is set to build on that triumph.
Printing hub
As one of the world’s major Printing centres, Hong Kong has played a key role in the show’s success. In 2011, Hong Kong exported printed matter to the value of US$2,406mn, with the US taking the largest share of almost 27%. In the same period, it exported packing materials for industries worth US$3,993mn, representing a 15% increase over the previous year; the biggest market is the Chinese mainland with almost 63%. The timing of the show is also crucial – it takes place during the peak sourcing season of April when Hong Kong and neighbouring Guangdong Province in the mainland play host to thousands of buyers from all over the world. The show runs concurrently with the well established HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, the largest event of its kind in the world, which creates synergy for the Printing & Packaging Fair.
Opening up new channels
The fair provides plenty of potential for suppliers to explore new markets, meet new contacts and forge fresh business. With its strong international profile, it opens doors of opportunity appropriate for all sectors of the Printing & Packaging industry.
Key sectors
All aspects of Printing & Packaging are covered at the show, with theme zones highlighting categories that are growing in importance. Product zones include Printing Services, Packaging Services, Food & Beverage Packaging Solutions, Printing Consumables & Packaging Materials, Printing & Packaging Equipment, Digital Printing Equipment, Integrated Packaging Solutions, Integrated Pre-press & Trade Services and De Luxe Zone, as well as Green Printing & Packaging Solutions Display Area.
Fair highlights
Of the three theme zones for 2013, De Luxe Zone puts the luxury products business in the limelight; a booming sector in Asia, particularly the mainland, the demand for appropriate Packaging is surging. Suppliers in this zone not only understand the know-how of premium Packaging solutions for luxury products, they are also Printing experts that provide unique Printing solutions designed to enhance the product image on promotional materials. In addition, paper and raw material suppliers are also able to provide valuable advice on material selection that highlight to best effect the special features of different luxury products. Green Printing & Packaging Solutions Display Area showcases a wide range of environmentally friendly products and services, including sustainable products, those using recycled, recyclable and/or biodegradable products and energy-saving devices. Food & Beverage Packaging Solutions Zone brings together exhibitors specialising in an array of services and products in beverage packaging, blister packaging, flexible packaging, metal Packaging and wine packaging.
In addition, the fair will also focus on current market trends, notably RFID tag/barcode printers & scanners, and one-stop services in the Printing & Packaging supply chain.
Marketing expertise
The Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and CIEC Exhibition Company (HK) Limited. Together, they have many years of experience in managing world-class trade events, and their marketing efforts have a global reach. The show is intensively promoted through a number of channels including trade publication advertisements, website advertisements, press releases, editorial coverage, direct mail campaign, press events and road shows in key cities. They identify and invite VIP buyers, with big budgets, to the show. A total of 70 buying missions, representing 2,388 companies from 42 countries & regions, attended the 2012 fair following invitations from the organisers.
Value-added activities
A programme of events adds value to the show experience. Social events such as the networking luncheon and reception help build up personal relationships within the industry. Seminars featuring industry experts offer insights into various aspects of Printing & Packaging business – the 2012 edition presented sessions on digital Printing, creative Packaging design and the integration of Printing technology and Packaging material, for example.
Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair-HKTDC 2013
