Labelexpo Europe’s return after a four-year hiatus has been welcomed by the industry as a vibrant and pleasurable experience, with the show closing with a strong visitor total.
As one of the last major print industry trade shows to make its post-Covid return – drupa next year is looming large – Labelexpo Europe 2023 was anticipated by many as a place for the narrow web print industry to reconnect in a formal setting. This year was also the last to take place at Brussels Expo ahead of the show’s move to Barcelona in 2025 and coincided with a number of industry names retiring. Collectively, this made Labelexpo Europe 2023 a special show for many in more ways than one.
The official figures for the show reflect this, with 35,889 exhibitors from 138 countries attending and exposed to 637 exhibitors across 36,588sqm of floor space. A claimed 250 product launches took place at the show, largely focused on flexible packaging, digitisation and automation. Equipment manufacturers announced multiple sales across the four days and an exhibitor rebook rate of 96% was reported for Labelexpo Europe 2025. For simplistic comparison purposes, Labelexpo Europe 2019 hosted 37,903 exhibitors from 140 countries. 693 companies exhibited across 39,752sqm of floor space.
Jade Grace, managing director at Labelexpo Global Series, said, ‘The feedback we have received from visitors and exhibitors alike has consistently shown the high quality of leads, enquiries and contacts made at the show, with an incredible number of sales secured on the exhibition floor. We have also secured a rebook rate of 96% for Labelexpo Europe 2025, which bodes well for our first show in Barcelona.
‘I would like to thank all our exhibitors for your partnership and commitment in supporting the diverse and exciting industry of labels and package printing, together with us.’
A B Graphic CEO Richard Knight said, ‘Our dedicated and hardworking team went above and beyond to make the event memorable. We showcased a variety of brand-new innovations, illustrating to our customers how keen we are to offer cutting-edge solutions and continue to push forward as a market leader. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who visited our stand, taking part in demonstrations and watching our presentations. This support and enthusiasm are what drive us forward.’
Noam Zilbershtain, vice president and general Manager of HP Indigo and Scitex said, ‘It’s through trade shows like Labelexpo, industry leaders have the opportunity to connect, network and discuss the trends driving our industry, such as digital innovation and sustainability. I love being in the thick of it all connecting with our customers and partners.’
‘It was also a pleasure speaking with peers within the print industry, discussing how we are committed to making bold moves that push innovation boundaries and deliver value for customers. The label Industry is now poised to become the first fully digital industry, and it is through digital print solutions we will transform businesses globally.’
Dr. Hönle noted that Labelexpo Europe 2023 illustrated how important trade fairs are as a personal networking platform to initiate innovations and further development, with packaging and label printing in particular still ‘very important and growing markets’.
Dieter Stirner, the company’s head of sales, commented, ‘We had the opportunity to exchange views face to face with customers, companions and interested parties, to get to know their needs and plans directly. We had interesting discussions about joint projects and very concrete purchase enquiries. This is exactly what a trade fair should be. We are looking forward to Labelexpo Europe 2025 in Barcelona.’
Hybrid Software bids farewell to Brussels
Olivier Moeyersoms (left), Pascal Pernot (second from left), Guido Van der Schueren (right) of Hybrid Software ring the bell to celebrate a new order with Christophe Seguin (second from right), managing director at ELC Etiquettes
Hybrid Software picked up orders from more than 30 customers for packaging workflow and editing software at last week’s Labelexpo Europe 2023, as the company joins the industry in bidding farewell to Brussels Expo as the show’s longstanding home.
The 2023 edition of the biennial label and package printing industry trade show was the last to take place in Brussels, Belgium as it is relocating to Barcelona, Spain in 2025. The final edition to take place in the Belgian capital concluded last week (14 September, 2023).
For Hybrid Software, that show saw more than 550 attendees visit its stand for product demos during the four-day show. More than 30 customers placed orders for packaging workflow and editing software, with an order value of more than €1.5 million. One of those to place an order was France’s ELC Etiquettes (pictured, above).
Hybrid Software shared a stand with group companies ColorLogic, Meteor Inkjet, Xitron and Global Graphics Software, which used the occasion to formally introduce SmartDFE for digital printing of labels and packaging. SmartDFE is built entirely using technology from all Hybrid Software Group companies and is claimed as, ‘the fastest available digital front end for digital printing of labels and packaging.’
Hybrid Software chairman Guido Van der Schueren said, ‘Although I look forward to the next incarnation of Labelexpo Europe in Barcelona, I will always remember the Brussels exhibitions fondly and am very pleased that the final Brussels show was such a big success for Hybrid Software and our customers.’
Ms Grace continued, ‘It has been the hardest show yet for us to deliver, but the most rewarding. We are looking forward to the next chapter in 2025 where we will be bringing Labelexpo Europe to its new home at the Fira in Barcelona, with many plans to stimulate growth and collaboration in the industry.’
For more feedback and fallout from Labelexpo Europe 2023, read Digital Labels & Packaging issue 6 (September/October) 2023; register here to receive the magazine
