The upcoming Hispack, trade show for packaging, processing and logistics, among other goals, has set its sights on growth, adding one more hall than in the previous edition, and will also be taking place from 18th to 21st May 2021, three weeks later than initially planned. This change of dates is due to an adjustment of the tight calendar of events at the Gran Via venue of Fira de Barcelona for that year.

In terms of size, Hispack is the second largest event in the portfolio of fairs organised by Fira de Barcelona, coming a close second to Alimentaria. In its 2021 edition, the packaging, process and logistics fair aims to increase the participation of companies by 18%. And bringing together nearly a thousand direct exhibitors and representing more than 1,800 brands. Hispack is planned to occupy a net surface area of more than 45,000 m2 in halls 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Gran Via venue.

Packaging and Processing

It is worth remembering that the bulk of Hispack’s offering is in the packaging equipment and accessories sectors; manufacturing technology for packaged products. But also bottling; labelling, coding and marking; automation and robotics; and logistics, handling and storage. Precisely in order to facilitate the participation of companies exhibiting machinery, the decision has been taken to postpone the dates for Hispack to give more time for build up and breakdown works. This on the heels of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, the world’s main seafood product trade show, which will be held in the Gran Via venue at the end of April 2021.

Hispack’s director, Xavier Pascual, underscored the strategic and crossover role of packaging to help a host of industries and businesses innovate processes and products. “In this next edition, we intend to take an important qualitative leap in the offer and activities related to knowledge and business. Generating a permanent ecosystem beyond the show which highlights the value of the innovation contributed by packaging solution suppliers and the impact of packaging on manufacturing, logistics, marketing, user experience, and sustainability in all types of products, both consumer and industrial”.

Strategy

In this regard, Hispack is already working on the objectives set out in its 2021-2024 Strategic Plan, focusing on ensuring sustainable organic growth by attracting market leaders and purchasing decision-makers; on setting up a cross-sectoral hub that will stimulate and provide permanent knowledge to the different parties involved in the supply and demand of packaging; and on placing Spanish packaging innovation on the map, further promoting its internationalisation and the presence of buyers from other countries.

In its last edition held in 2018, Hispack added 823 exhibitors and 1,400 brands were represented, attracting nearly 40,000 visitors, 10% of them from abroad.