Nearly 70% of exhibitors at the Total Processing & Packaging 2010 are anticipating a more positive outlook for the economy next year, according to research by organiser Reed Exhibitions.
In addition, 76% of respondents expect order activity to start rising before next year, moving upwards during the second half of 2009.
While conditions remain tough for many companies, the vast majority still recognise the value of marketing and new product development - 89% agree that it is important to maintain and invest in these activities during a recession.
In addition, 67% of respondents say they will continue to invest in equipment in the coming year.
"It is clear that many companies have recognised the importance of being prepared for the upturn, and this means remaining outward looking, continuing to market themselves, monitoring latest trends, and developing and investing in new products and technologies so they can cope with new customer demands as the market recovers," said Ian Crawford, group exhibition director for Total Processing & Packaging.
Taking place from 25-27 May 2010 at the NEC, Birmingham, UK, the exhibition showcases complete production lines, covering raw materials, pack design, solids and fluids handling, control and instrumentation, FMCG processing equipment and machinery, industrial plant and equipment, contract packing and manufacturing, and packaging machinery.
Exhibitors already signed up include Bosch Packaging Services, Buerkert Fluid Control Systems, Ishida Europe, Packaging Automation, Pago, Schubert UK, TNA Europe, Urschel International and Uhlmann UK.
Helen Christopher, marketing manager at Buerkert Fluid Control Systems, says the exhibition provides "the ideal opportunity to showcase new innovative products in the pharmaceutical, food and drink markets."
Highlights of the show include the new Interphex Hub, which will provide a focal point for companies supplying the pharmaceutical sector.
"The quality of pharmaceutical visitors has always been a strong feature of Total Processing & Packaging, which gives us the ideal opportunity to promote our business to our key target market," said Armin Auer, md of Uhlmann UK.
Meanwhile, the Packaging Innovation Hub will focus on packaging materials, containers, pack design and marketing, smart and intelligent packaging, and sustainable solutions.
