EuroMeatNews.com attended the Regional Press Conference in Belgrade, Serbia, dedicated to interpack 2026, the landmark event for the global processing and packaging industry. During the meeting held in the Serbian capital, Mr. Thomas Dohse, Director of interpack, presented the vision and revolutionary concepts being prepared for the upcoming May edition.
Against an economic backdrop marked by profound transformation, Thomas Dohse emphasized that “interpack 2026 is more important than ever.” The core message delivered in Belgrade was a call to action: in a dynamic market, innovation is no longer an option but a prerequisite for survival.
AI, sustainability, and automation: Central themes of interpack 2026
The presentation made by Director Thomas Dohse highlighted the pillars that will define the exhibition in Düsseldorf (May 7–13, 2026):
- Artificial Intelligence and Automation: Exploring how new technologies can optimize processes and compensate for the scarcity of skilled labor.
- Innovative Materials: New solutions for eco-friendly packaging in the face of increasingly complex global regulations.
- Resource Efficiency: Technologies that contribute to reducing raw material costs, which have become increasingly expensive and limited.
Record figures and an impressive global presence
During the conference, it was confirmed that approximately 2,800 exhibitors from over 60 countries are already preparing for the event. Thomas Dohse provided details on the structure of the 18 exhibition halls, where global leaders such as MULTIVAC, Krones, Syntegon Technology, and ULMA Packaging will set new industry benchmarks.
“Now is the time to take action together”, stated Thomas Dohse, noting that interpack is not just an exhibition, but a “global summit” where strategic decisions are made for the entire value chain—from food and pharmaceutical processing to logistics and marking.
Positive outlook for the food and pharma markets
Data presented in Belgrade suggests an optimistic forecast: global sales of packaged food are estimated to grow by 11.1% by 2029, reaching 968 million tonnes. Similarly, the pharmaceutical market is on an upward trajectory, with production value projected to hit €2.4 trillion by 2029.
New services for visitors
The organizers announced the official opening of the Ticket Shop and the launch of the exhibitor database, providing digital tools such as the interpack app and “MyOrganizer” to facilitate efficient visit planning.
EuroMeatNews.com will continue to keep you updated on all the technological innovations revealed at interpack 2026, providing access to the most significant trends shaping the global packaging industry.
