The Dutch packaging industry came together in the Netherlands in Utrecht recently. About 9,000 people turned up. A visit from the Irish MP, John Halligan, gave the first day of the trade show a truly international flair. He was accompanied to Empack by an Irish delegation of packaging companies. The Irish Minister said, "We are very impressed. If you are active in the packaging industry, you have to be here. This event has so much to offer."
The fresh fruit and vegetable sector was also well-represented among the exhibitors. About 120 companies had 'something' for this sector. People such as Jac van den Oord from the potato sector attended the fair. Delegates from Mitrofresh represented the mushroom sector. The presentations and workshops, held in the knowledge theatres, drew a lot of interest. They were about both Empack as well as Packaging Innovations. Numerous session were sold-out according to Irma de Hoon, Easyfairs Group Event Director. "That confirms that the knowledge programmes is in line with what the visitors want. This was one of the show's goals", she said.
This year, Empack and Packaging Innovations was held under the same roof for the first time. The two shows, combined, boasted 460 exhibitors. Empack will be held in Den Bosch again next year. It will have a fresh fruit and vegetable-related them.