Epson targets sign & graphics to tap MENA, CIS and Levant region

Almoe Digital Solutions, the sole representatives of Epson in the Middle East is targeting Middle East's largest signage exhibition to tap new markets like North Africa, CIS and Levant.

As the race to gain foothold and establish control over new emerging markets gains momentum, Sign & Graphics 2007, has emerged as the most preferred business platform for leading vendors of digital printing solutions, from all across the world. More than 250 companies from 31 countries are scheduled to participate in the show starting from 27 February - March 1, at Dubai World Trade Centre. Organised by International Expo Consults (IEC), the 2007 event would be the single largest vertical showcase of products, applications and innovations in the signage industry.

Epson's participation in Sign & Graphics comes in the wake of 30 percent increase in sales during 2006. The gains were spread across the Epson range of large format digital printing solutions.

'The sales increase confirms the growing popularity of Epson large format printing solutions. This is the right time to consolidate our gains by reaching out to a broader cross section of people and new markets. Sign & Graphics is the perfect platform for fully tapping the Middle East and North Africa markets and reaching out to new markets like CIS and Levant as it attracts serious trade people from all around these regions.

Through our participation, we aim to network with our end users, and create brand and product awareness. Additionally, in our previous participations we have been able to accomplish 15- 20 percent of our annual sales target during the show itself.'

According to Mohammed Al Noori, Head of Advertising Section Dubai Municipality, 'the number of companies seeking a share of outdoor space has increased substantially. The industry is in for a boon particularly the large format outdoor signage. The mega projects in Dubai have fuelled a tremendous demand in large signage category. The biggest and the largest trend is catching up with outdoors, Dubai is on its way to create the biggest outdoor signs in the world.'

Attributing sales gains to the surging demand for innovative large format digital solutions, Niaz said , ' The demand for large format digital solutions is increasing as every new development announced is on a colossal scale. The advertising sector is reflecting the market taste for the biggest, largest and the tallest. The market is also reacting more positively towards new technologies, as innovation gets increasingly equated with greater value for money in terms of reduced cost of ownership and greater return on investment. New integrated technology in digital solutions is becoming increasingly popular. Innovation in Epson products has empowered the end users with greater choices in terms of layout sizes, colour and effect displays, media used and many other multiple services. The end users of these solutions are able to broaden their consumer base which effectively increases and speeds up the return on investment. For example, new technologies have highly improved the options and finishes available in canvas printing. This technology has hugely benefited the hospitality sector - restaurants and hotels to cut down costs on interiors.'

According to IDC- a premier research company, the last quarter of 2006 saw the large format printer market touch $6.81million as 618 units were sold. The unit sales of digital solutions dedicated to graphics was pegged at 232 units contributing 37.5 percent in terms of unit share but 61.6 percent in terms of value share. With 386 units sold the CAD solutions contributed 62.5 percent to the total sales but only 38.4 percent to the overall sales value. IDC has rated Epson amongst the top three vendors in terms of sales.

Sign & Graphics will bring an extensive preview on various Epson products with special focus on photography, proofing, POS and CAD/GIS printing solutions. The latest K3 Ultrachrome 8 colour series would be a major attraction for advertisers, photographers, studio managers, and the publishing industry at large. The high end K3 technology is patented by Epson and allows greater control on greyscale gradations and neutral tones with 3 black inks.

The major highlight of Almoe's participation would be the showcasing of solutions involving the Epson Micro Piezo Print head. The award winning technology that works without the intervention of thermal heating allows precise control of ink droplet size ensuring good print quality. As inkjet systems are introduced more widely in commercial and industrial applications, much value is being placed on the potential of Epson's Micro Piezo.

This technology makes it possible to control not only water-based pigment ink with superior water and light resistance, but also a wide variety of substances in miniscule quantities, and fire them with high precision. The use of this technology across a broad range of applications significantly reduces the total cost of ownership.

Sign & Graphics Middle East will showcase new technologies, innovations and products for the Middle East market. Over eight percent of the regions rapidly increasing advertising spend is attributed to exhibited/signage media.

Commenting on the show Mr. Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, President of International Expo Consults said , ' with the kind of developments going around, there is a huge scope for the industry to grow. The international interest in the Middle East Signage industry is evident from the fact that Sign and Graphics is a complete sell out. The show will focus on latest technologies and products as global industry leaders gather in Dubai for the ninth edition of Sign & Graphics.

Clearly, technology and innovation are the driving factors for creating a base in this expanding yet highly competitive market. Sign and Graphics has emerged as an important industry platform is clear from the repeated participation of reputed industry names and also from the fact that the show is considered a good launch pad for new innovations.'

Sign & Graphics Imaging Middle East is the only international B2B exhibition dedicated to Signage, Graphic Imaging and Screen Printing in the Middle East. Spread over a floor space of 13,000 sq m, the show is expected to attract over 12,000 trade visitors from across the world.