India Label Show lays foundation for future industry growth

The India Label Show, which took place on December 3-6 in New Delhi, was hailed a success by visitors and exhibitors alike. Despite the atrocities in Mumbai just five days previously, which caused a number of people to cancel their travel plans, the event attracted nearly 5,000 visitors from India, Europe, Australia and the Middle East.

Organized by the Labelexpo Global Series for the first time, the India Label Show drew around 200 exhibitors and hosted a large amount of working machinery on display. Cristina Toffolo, of Gidue, said: ‘I was pleasantly surprised to see such a focused crowd. Visitors to our stand were very well prepared; they knew what they were looking for and our team was eager to answer their questions.’

Samir Patkar, of Gallus, commented: ‘In the current situation of the credit crisis and the tragic terror attacks in Mumbai the India Label Show delivered the right audience for us. The quality of attendees was very high.’

Roger Pellow, MD of Tarsus’ Labels Group, emphasized the importance of going ahead with the event despite the events in Mumbai: ‘We felt that it was very important to continue with the planned show, expressing our solidarity to the Indian label industry despite the difficult circumstances. I would like to thank all our exhibitors and visitors for their loyalty and support.’

A three-day conference, chaired by Mike Fairley and Andy Thomas of Labels & Labeling, ran alongside the exhibition. Sessions included topics such as brand protection, digital technology, end user requirements and relationships between converters and print buyers. Panel discussions had a mix of designers, converters and suppliers, as well as end users such as Colgate, Moser Bauer and Unilever.

On the first evening of the show, the Labelexpo team organized the Indian Label Awards 2008 on behalf of LMAI (the Label Manufacturers Association of India). At a gala evening attended by 650 people, various Indian converters were recognized and awarded for their contribution to the advancement of the Indian label industry. Manish Desai, the president of LMAI, and Roger Pellow, MD of Tarsus’ Labels Group, were joined on stage by Mandira Bedi, a Bollywood star who orchestrated a glittering evening of award presentations and entertainment.

The next India Label Show will take place in December 2010.