Maiden edition of Labelexpo SEA Bangkok, a success!

When the Labelexpo Southeast Asia at Bangkok Thailand was announced by the Tarsus Group, there was mixed reaction all around the industry. Yet another Labelexpo! It meant more investment in shows by exhibitors and dilemma in minds of visitors as to which edition of Labelexpo was the most appropriate for them. Undoubtedly Labelexpo Europe remains the flagship show that attracts international label fraternity across the globe to Brussels every two years. As many industry constituents have said, “It is the Mecca of Label industry and the biennial visit to Brussels is an imperative, so as to remain updated.” Other than that there is Labelexpo at America, China and India. One can understand the regional organizing of this industry event as it brings important exhibitors to the region for at least for those printers who cannot travel to faraway destinations or for those who aspire to invest in manufacture of labels. The regional shows do bring in new enquiries that otherwise are extremely difficult to locate due to an extremely widespread industrial base. The show also contributes to the regional growth of labels in various geographical zones where it is held. However still given the relatively smaller size of label industry in Thailand as compared to Europe, America, China or India, Bangkok as a venue for Labelexpo was surprising. One would imagine that the show would have more of those visitors who wished to enjoy this holiday destination. A two in one motive would bring in the visitors driving in value for exhibitors and organizers. Surprisingly the show registered success.

Labelexpo SEA was held on May 10-12 2018 in one of the halls spread over 4100 sq ms at BITEC-Bangkok which is a world-class venue. The turnout of visitors at Labelexpo SEA was impressive as visitors came from the entire spread of Asia Pacific region. 7934 visitors came to visit the show from 62 countries! One could see visitors from Thailand, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc. It was a show that was not restricted to just one country. Most of the regular exhibitors of Labelexpo registered their presence at the show lending to it the importance, indicating their efforts to expand the label markets to different geographical zones that have potential of growth. As the established western markets show signs of saturation, Labelexpo moves to centers in the midst of countries that have double digit growth despite substantial population.

Leading press manufacturers exhibiting at Labelexpo SEA included Nilpeter, OMET, Mark Andy, Bobst, Lombardi and Weigang. Other leading industry suppliers who exhibited include Epson, Flint Group, GEW, HP, Konica Minolta, Lintec, UPM Raflatac, Xeikon and Yupo Corporation.

Harveer Sahni, Chairman, Weldon Celloplast Limited, New Delhi