Global exhibition organiser Easyfairs has put another layer of wrapping on its European packaging credentials and expanded its operations in Italy by moving to take a majority stake in Packaging Première. The Milan show next takes place 26-28 May, 2020.
Packaging Première has grown exponentially since its launch in 2017, with the third edition in 2019 boasting 242 exhibitors, 13,000sqm and 6,700 visitors. The show’s focus is on packaging for fashion and accessories, cosmetics, wines and spirits, fine foods and other luxury goods.
The Easyfairs UK & Global team will work in partnership with Packaging Première’s existing management team, which retains a stake in the event. Easyfairs will maintain the team in Italy to work alongside the company’s wider packaging team in London.
The show becomes the 31st annual event in Easyfairs’ growing packaging portfolio and follows other major acquisitions in recent years including ADF&PCD and the Pentawards.
Easyfairs’ existing global portfolio of packaging events runs across Europe and North America, with brands including Packaging Innovations, Luxury Packaging, Label&Print, Empack, ADF (Aerosol Dispensing Forum), PCD (Packaging of Perfume, Cosmetics & Design), PLD (Packaging of Premium & Luxury Drinks) and Pentawards.
The acquisition marks Easyfairs’ first significant presence in the Italian market and clearly complements the ADF&PCD and PLD events in Paris, ADF&PCD in New York and the Luxury Packaging exhibition in London.
The partnership should also enable further growth in Italy as a focus region for the international organiser.
Matt Benyon, CEO of Easyfairs UK & Global, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to bring this impressive event into our growing packaging portfolio; the quality of the exhibition and the market in which it operates has absolute synergy with the shows we run across Europe and represents the same values. We have a strong reputation already across the global packaging market, especially in Europe, and this helps us build that reputation further into Italy and will provide a springboard for other events and launches in this region. I am very much looking forward to working closely with the Packaging Première team to share best practices and develop this great event further.”
The Founder of Packaging Première Pier Paolo Ponchia will remain directly involved with the event, on both strategic direction and implementation of that strategy. He stated he was “proud” of what had been achieved already with this event. “It is a special community with which I am delighted to be closely involved. The partnership with Easyfairs will enable us to take the show to the next level, by benefiting from a wider infrastructure and global network of events.”
