As the organiser of countless Labelexpo shows in Europe, the US, India and Asia as the force behind Label Summit events around the world, and as the publisher of such highly-regarded magazines as Labels & Labeling International And Package Print Worldwide, the Tarsus group certainly has an in-depth understanding of the global labelling and packaging industry. And this expertise was brought to bear on the first-ever Label Summit Africa.
As Roger Pellow, group MD, commented at the end of the show: ‘Label Summit Africa has been an enormous success – far exceeding our original expectations. Delegate and exhibitor feedback has been hugely positive, particularly about the Summit’s content and choice of venue.’
The conference programme delivered fresh ideas on ways to do business and was hailed by delegates as thought-provoking.
Proceedings included a keynote address by Jay Gouliard of Avery Dennison Label & Packaging Materials, who highlighted the importance of innovation, especially opportunities and benefits offered by eco labels, and ways in which improving sustainability can maximise profitability.
Corey Reardon of AWA Alexander Watson Associates presented key findings contained in his company’s Labeling Markets Africa & Middle East Market Study & Sourcebook 2012.
AWA’s study provides details of pressure-sensitive, glue-applied, sleeving, in-mould and other labelling technologies, segmenting the label market in Africa and the Middle East by application category, country/sub-region and end-use segment (go to reports@awa-bv.com for more information).
Apart from numerous other stimulating presentations, the Summit featured well-received panel discussions. The printer panel discussion addressed challenges and opportunities facing label converters and examined the requirements of export markets for global competitiveness. The retailer discussion group, which included panellists from Woolworths, Clicks and Shoprite, tackled private labels versus premium brands and also considered the importance of personalisation in the face of growing demand for short-run promotions. The beverage panel comprised wine producers such as Boland Cellar, Boer & Brit and Haskell Vineyards, plus label designer Fanakalo, discussing brand enhancement and ways to engage consumers through product promotion.
Supporting the conference, the Summit featured a table-top exhibition and impactful and innovative social programme.
Delegates’ and exhibitors’ time was productively spent with valuable networking opportunities throughout the event. For instance, 200-plus delegates attended a dinner and beach party at Grand Café & Beach in Granger Bay on the opening evening, while another 150 enjoyed wine tasting and a blending, bottling and labelling session at Zevenwacht wine estate.
And last word goes to Roger Pellow: ‘It’s clear that the speaker programme gave the audience inspiring and fresh insights into ways of doing business and opening up new opportunities. We’re confident that the mix of technology presentations, discussion panels and customer case studies allowed delegates to gain new ideas on to increase business across the African continent. We will be returning in 2014.’
