New name and clear direction for a growth region: pacprocess MEA to become interpack MEA

pacprocess MEA will be known as interpack MEA in future and will continue to expand its role within the interpack alliance network. Messe Düsseldorf is thus strategically developing the event and strengthening its presence in the region. interpack MEA will continue to be held alongside Food Africa, creating additional opportunities for exhibitors and visitors to connect.

From 2026, there will be an interpack MEA. Six years after its inception, the former pacprocess MEA is thus focusing even more strongly on the international markets in the region. ‘The new name positions the trade fair as the central hub for the processing and packaging industry in the Middle East and Africa,’ says Thomas Dohse, Director of interpack and the interpack alliance. ‘It reflects the dynamic development of the industry and firmly anchors the event in our global network.’

This was announced during the opening ceremony of pacprocess MEA and the parallel event Food Africa, Africa's most important food trade fair, which is also part of the interpack alliance. The trade fair duo will take place from 9 to 12 December 2025 at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre in Cairo. More than 1,200 exhibitors from 45 countries will be present, the exhibition grounds are fully booked, and numerous key players are on board. Both events also benefit from the support of the local business community, authorities, associations and Egyptian government organisations. The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Industry, the Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, the Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, and the Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, among others.

Strong partnership combines expertise

Food Africa and the future interpack MEA are organised by Messe Düsseldorf in collaboration with its local partners IFP Group and Konzept. Both contribute in-depth market knowledge, many years of experience and a strong network – a combination that creates optimal conditions for exhibitors and trade visitors.

‘Industry in Egypt and the entire MEA region is investing heavily in efficiency, automation and quality standards. With the new interpack MEA brand, we are creating a link between this growing demand and international solutions that will enable the next step in development,’ says Tamer Safwat, Managing Director at Konzept - Exhibitions & Event Management. ‘With interpack MEA, we offer companies in the region exactly the platform they need for their growth course. We support them in investing more quickly, tapping into new technologies and positioning themselves more successfully in the market,’ says Albert Aoun, Chairman & CEO of IFP Group.

A location of strategic importance

The markets in the Middle East and Africa are among the fastest-growing regions in the global processing and packaging industry. The food packaging market here was worth around 23 billion US dollars in 2024 and is set to grow to more than 33 billion US dollars by 2032. Egypt plays a key role in this: the country is investing heavily in packaging and processing, establishing new production zones and modernising existing facilities. International brands are expanding their capacities, while local companies are professionalising their processes. With an expected market volume of around 4.9 billion US dollars in 2030, Egypt's packaging market is one of the fastest growing in the world. This creates significant opportunities for innovation, market entry and investment for technology providers, machine manufacturers and material producers.

As interpack MEA, the trade fair continues to gain international appeal – supported by the continuity, trust and global recognition that have characterised the interpack brand for decades. It offers exactly the platform that this growth region needs to translate its potential into concrete projects and partnerships.

The first interpack MEA will take place from 7 to 10 December 2026.