With over 76,000 visitors from more than 170 countries, drinktec has chalked up the best-ever result in its 66-year history and surpassed all expectations. The number of visitors rose by 10,000 over the previous event in 2013. In particular at the international level, where drinktec is already very strong as it is, the trade fair was able to grow attendance again, this time by 12 percent. The ratio of visitors from outside Germany thus rose to 67 percent.
The number of exhibitors increased to 1,749 from 80 countries - likewise a new record. That is mainly attributable to the wine technology trade fair SIMEI, which was held as part of drinktec for the first time, as well as further growth in the number of exhibitors at drinktec itself.
John Kyle Dorton, Vice President Brewery Systems, Alfa Laval Business Unit Food Systems, Sweden: “drinktec is without a doubt an important date in the trade fair calendar of Alfa Laval. We specifically reach all target industries, loyal customers and new contacts there - and indeed from all corners of the globe. We were already able to achieve our ambitious goals during drinktec 2017 on the fourth day. We were not only able to initiate a specific new business deal, but we were also able to conclude various contracts at the fair."
World’s most important innovation platform
In view of these record figures, Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, Deputy CEO of Messe München, spoke of an “outstanding result. drinktec has proven itself to be not only the world’s most important innovation platform in the industry, but also the most important investment platform. The cooperation with the wine technology trade fair SIMEI is a tremendous gain. I’m especially delighted that exhibitors here at SIMEI obviously encountered the international audience they expected.”
The best drinktec ever
The verdict of Volker Kronseder, President of drinktec’s Advisory Board and Chairman of the VDMA’s Beverage Machinery and Dairy Technology Association, after the five-day fair was also extremely positive: “For me, it was the best drinktec ever. Particularly interesting aspects were that SIMEI was integrated in drinktec for the first time and a new record for the number of exhibitors was set. We were able to achieve a high degree of internationality again, with many high-ranking visitors. This trade fair will give the global beverage and food industry a major boost for the next four years.”
Expectations surpassed
Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the VDMA’s Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association, was also enthusiastic: “drinktec once again surpassed our high expectations. We’re over the moon at the international spread and expertise of the visitors! drinktec is a trend-setter: Visitors’ focus was on innovative solutions for tomorrow’s applications.”
Ernesto Abbona, President of Unione Italiana Vini (UIV), drew the following conclusion for his association: “We’re very proud that SIMEI has transcended its national boundaries and, together with drinktec, has opened the door to internationalization for our companies. I’ve spoken with a number of our exhibitors over the past days and they all agreed that the trade fair was a success. We were able to address new target groups from the southern hemisphere who we would otherwise probably not have been able to reach. As expected, the grape harvest reduced the number of winemakers who attended from some European and North American countries.”
