As the four-day biennale event, part of a global series of exhibitions, also held in Europe, the US and China, begins, the air is rife with excitement and anticipation. And why not, considering the fact that the Indian label industry is showing a tremendous growth rate.

Considered to be the largest label event in India, the show is expected to be attended by all key label printers in South Asia. The organiser is expecting a footfall of around 9,000 visitors, a 10-15% rise from the previous edition of the show, which was held in 2012.    

The show boasts of more than 150 exhibitors, showcasing latest trends and technologies in label and packaging printing machinery, software and equipment.

Compared to the previous edition of Labelexpo India, the current trend in the Indian label industry has changed markedly. “We have seen an evolution in the industry,” said Douglas Emslie, group managing director, Tarsus Group. “In the earlier shows, we had more international participation. Now, however, we are seeing more and more domestic manufacturers competing with the international players. This is a good sign. Not only in India, in the entire South Asia, including China, the domestic market is growing,” he added. This year, 30 companies from China are displaying their products at the exhibition.

The first Labelexpo India was held in 2002. About the biennale nature of the show, Emslie said, “Innovation in India is slow, and thus, it makes sense to organise the event every two years.” The idea behind the show is to maximise the returns for the exhibitors. “We want to be the biggest show in the segment. We are happy with the participation of more domestic and Asian players.”

Emslie said organising an event with both high-end international players and mid-range domestic companies has its own advantage. “It’s like being in a supermarket,” he said. “A customer can make the informed choice, and invest in both cheap and expensive products.”

Emslie said the timing of the event could not have been better, as the country is poised for growth, with the economy recovering and with the government’s new policies. The idea of the event, according to Emslie, is not just to show the machines, but also showcase latest innovations, trends and technology, also in other ancillary areas, such as substrates, ink, etc. The show also gives an opportunity for the participants to learn about new development, and also gives them a chance to network.

Emslie said education of operators is the need of the hour, especially in India. To this end, the Tarsus Group has initiated an online training programme called Label Academy. “The idea is to standardise education for the label printing industry,” he said.