Substantial growth expected at next yearÂ's Propak East Africa

Propak East Africa, the largest packaging, printing and plastics exhibition in East Africa, is set to grow by 50% compared to last year. The exhibition sold out last year and subsequently the organisers have added an additional hall to accommodate the demand.

Last year, Propak East Africa attracted 90 companies and 2235 visitors from 38 countries. With the exhibition bringing in more senior buyers than any other of which 44% came to purchase new products, it confirmed its status as the number one event for the region. Next year the organisers estimate over 120 exhibitors and in excess of 3000 visitors will be in attendance.

The event next year is running from the 7-9 March 2017 at the KICC in Nairobi and has already sold 60% of the space. With international brands including Ishida and Krones, alongside local market leaders such as Statpak Industries and KEP Services all confirmed, the event looks on track to sell out for a second year running, even with the expansion.

Propak Africa, the respective event in South Africa, ran in March this year and the organisers have attributed a lot of the recent demand to the exposure there. Alexander Angus, Montgomery ECO's Regional Director for East Africa who was at Propak Africa said, “From the 4 days that we spent at Propak Africa, we have received verbal commitment from 25 new companies about their intentions to exhibit and a huge amount more who are interested in the event. This really shows that Kenya and the wider region is an area that international brands are looking at expanding into.â€'

When asked about the importance of such events to the industry, Joseph Nyongesa, the Secretary General of the Institute of Packaging Professionals Kenya said, “Packaging has been the missing link in Eastern Africa. Propak East Africa supports the region to bridge the gap and realises the social economic aspirations of creating employment and generating wealth. The exhibition brings technology, networking, skill and competencies to the region in a visual and impactful way.â€'

Next year's event welcomes back the immensely popular Propak East Africa Conference that is running alongside the exhibition. Last year speakers included Coca Cola, TetraPak and Sidel amongst others and gathered over 100 delegates. With topics covering a market overview; innovation; safety and many more, each session was fully subscribed with delegates praising the quality of the speakers.

With space selling out fast, if you are interested in exhibiting at Propak East Africa then the organisers suggest that you get in touch soon to avoid being disappointed. For more information on the event, please visit www.propakeastafrica.com or contact alexander.angus@montex.co.uk.