Mega deals inked at print & pack trade fairs

The figure far exceeds recorded amounts from previous shows, reflecting the huge developments in the industries and recognition that Gulf Pack and Gulf Print are the region's premier platforms to do business.

Attendance records were smashed with total numbers exceeding 11,000 trade professionals, according to independently audited Media Matters. Another significant trend is that more than 40% registered on-line prior to attending the show.

Led by a multi-million dollar project by Saudi Arabia's SAPIN for a new packaging factory at Dubai Techno Park, signed with FMCG giants Nestle for their Nido brand, both packaging and printing firms did good business. On-site sales were substantial and most exhibitors expect a much larger volume of orders as a consequence of their participation.

One of the most established names in the world of Middle East printing, Alhashemi Trading, notched up sales worth $2m, with Protek's figure registering US$6m. Other major deals were recorded by OKI and Daetwyler, both breaking the US$3m mark, and GSS at US$2m.

According to Ms Virginia Kern, Chairman of Gulf Pack and Gulf Print's organizer's F&E, this was the most successful event to date. She said, "Numbers speak volumes. We are delighted that so many exhibitors generated good sales, but equally thrilled that we attracted so many top quality visitors. This clearly puts our Dubai shows up there with the best industry events in the international calendar."

Visitor feedback indicated that many people attended to see the many product launches. One of the hottest items on show was HP's sneak preview of their new large format printer the 'Design Jet Z6100'.This generated sales of at least 12 machines ahead of its official release date. HP also recorded high volume sales across their entire product range on show at Gulf Print.

Exhibitor satisfaction with the results of the event was demonstrated by the large numbers who have committed to take part in the next edition of Gulf Pack and Gulf Print. These include companies such as Xerox, HP, IMPZ and SAPIN set for 6 - 9 April 2009; the events are understandably predicted to be a complete sell-out.