PACK EXPO International 2010, Oct. 31 to Nov. 3 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, is
expanding its focus on the packaging supply chain to include processing solutions. The new approach aligns PACK EXPO with the total systems approach that brand owners are taking with their manufacturing teams.

As part of this expansion, the Packaging Machinery Mfrs.’ Institute (PMMI) is launching the Processing Zone to highlight the latest technologies for diverse market sectors including beverage, baked goods, snack food, meat, dairy, produce, pharmaceuticals and
cosmetics. Exhibits will include technologies to enhance food safety, reduce waste, ensure product freshness and improve sustainability.

“Consumer and industrial goods companies are clearly focused on overall operational excellence—a total systems approach that reaches across the production line,” says Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO of PMMI. “By broadening the exhibitor base to include processing solutions, PACK EXPO will mirror the industry it serves, and that benefit its attendees as well as exhibitors.”

Value through industry partnerships
To bring the greatest value and latest innovations in processing equipment to PACK EXPO, PMMI will continue to collaborate with leading packaging associations. This outreach has already produced results, with the National Confectioners Association (NCA) agreeing to sponsor a new Confectionery Pavilion at the show.

The Confectionery Pavilion will occupy more than 10,000 net sq ft of space within McCormick Place’s South Hall, PMMI says. Ross Bainbridge of Bainbridge Associates, chairman of NCA’s supplier advisory committee, comments on the partnership: “I have spoken to a large number of our supplier members, and everyone is looking forward to this new partnership and the opportunities for supplier and manufacturing members,” he says.

“We are expecting a strong exhibitor presence in the new Confectionery Pavilion and, with PACK EXPO’s resources, we will be able to market effectively to the entire confectionery manufacturing industry.”

The NCA has represented the candy, chocolate and gum industry since 1884, and its members include the world’s leading candy and confection brands, such as Ferrara Pan Candy Co., Goetze’s Candy Co., Crown Candy Co., Ghirardelli Chocolate Co., Liberty
Orchards Co. Inc, Mars Snackfood U.S., Russell Stover Candies Inc., The Hershey Co. and Tootsie Roll Industries Inc.

“With the leading global packaging and processing solutions providers showing their newest products, PACK EXPO will be as comprehensive and full of value as ever before,” notes Yuska. “Our goal now is to collaborate with the industry’s leading suppliers and ensure that PACK EXPO continues to deliver the solutions the industry needs, efficiently and effectively.” Additional association partnerships will be announced throughout the course of the year.