Ishida was one of the exhibitors at interpack this year, where they showcased the company’s new technology solutions.
interpack has proven to be the largest scale event showcasing trends and innovations with an influence on the industry globally, among Europe’s trade fairs this spring. European Baker learned what makes the show dedicated to packaging and related processing industries a must-attend event in the exhibitors’ perspective.
The triennial trade fair in Germany comprised all innovations in packaging and processing technologies, including those pertaining to processing of potato products. We’ve asked Ishida what interpack means for them.
EB: How many times have you attended/exhibited at interpack and what are the reasons for choosing to be present at Messe Düsseldorf?
Ishida: Ishida has been exhibiting since 1984 and Ishida Europe since 1987, so this was our 11th interpack stand. interpack is by far most important general packaging exhibition in the world, so it’s absolutely essential to exhibit. For us, it is also the biggest investment, taking a huge portion out of our marketing budget every 3 years.
EB: What is the key feature showcased at your stand this year, if you were to pick only one?
Ishida: The key product was our new RV multihead range, as we have brought it to another level, to make our multiheads clear leaders in the world in terms of efficiency, giveaway, weighing consistency, hygienic design as well as the usual benefits of reliability and availability (minimum downtime) and our unsurpassed customer service and support.
EB: What are your thoughts on the evolution of industry applications regarding snacks, bakery and confectionery, in terms of packaging and processing – short to mid-term?
Ishida: One strength is the integration of weighing, packing and quality control solutions from a single source (including project management), which will reduce cost, increase efficiency and, in the end, margins.
Another evolution is making the machines more versatile whilst keeping changeover downtime in check so food manufacturer can react much quicker to changing customer demands.
Another evolution is making the machines more versatile whilst keeping changeover downtime in check so food manufacturer can react much quicker to changing customer demands.
A third development is that more companies see snacks, confectionery and bakery as one type of product: food on the go – whether is sweet or salty / savoury. This means more companies decide to offer both snacks, confectionery and bakery products, or ensure they have those products (through co-operations or acquisitions in their portfolio).
A last change is shorter life cycles of product – as consumers become more demanding regarding new products, tastes and packaging, innovation is absolute key, but innovations can only work if the products can be marketed with a profit. Therefore, the product innovations need to go hand-in-hand with making the new products fit to go to market, so weighing, packing and quality control need to be integrated into the shorter innovation cycles.
A last development is given by online shopping, as it changes the way products are displayed, grouped and showcased online (as smell and touch falls away), and it implies the packaging used for transportation as well.
EB: What are the direct benefits of exhibiting at interpack, in your experience?
Ishida: Lead generation, confirming orders , new product introduction to a high level audience, generating awareness of what we do (like X-ray inspection and grading), re-establishing / strengthening existing ties with customers; networking with OEM’s and potential employees.
EB: Please name one highlight of the show that impressed you the most.
Ishida: From our stand, the highlight was our new high speed solutions for potato chips, increasing speeds from 110 to 150 packs per minute for small bags. Overall, we were impressed with the fully integrated line display on the Bosch stand.
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