The data provided by organizers of BTA & Hispack, the professional trade fairs for packaging and food technology, indicate both an economy and industrial recovery. Over 38,000 trade visitors attended the events, 8% more than expected, of which almost 11% were foreign, from 112 countries.
Along with European countries such as Portugal, France, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom, there was a notable increase in the number of industry professionals at this edition, from Morocco, Mexico, Tunisia and Colombia.
In terms of offer, the number of exhibiting companies of both Hispack and BTA have increased. The two trade fairs together drew 1,250 companies, 6% more than in 2012, demonstrating the different stages of food products, from ingredients to equipment and technologies for the manufacturing process, including packages and packaging, logistics and arrival at the point of sale.
The activities programmed for the shows proved very popular. Hispack featured over 200 presentations in its four themed areas (Trendpack, Premiumpack, Retail Area and Pack & Logistic Corner), while at BTA (Barcelona Food Technologies) there were close to 40 sessions on the latest trends in food tech innovation, presentations of new products and round table sessions. The Líderpack Bta. Innova and Bta. Emprende awards ceremonies also took place in the course of Hispack & BTA.
The next joint edition of the International Packaging Exhibition, Hispack, and Alimentaria FoodTech (the new name of BTA) will be in 2018.