Ipack-Ima and Pharmintech 2025 report significant rise in international participation
The 2025 edition of Ipack-Ima and Pharmintech concluded on 30 May at Fiera Milano with higher international participation and expanded engagement across processing and packaging sectors. The organizers reported a substantial rise in both exhibitor and visitor numbers compared to previous editions, with over 400 international exhibitors — more than double that of 2022 — and a 51% increase in foreign visitors.
The combined event hosted 70,560 professional visitors, surpassing the 2018 total of 68,802. Of these, 22,579 attendees (32%) came from outside Italy, representing over 100 countries. Ipack-Ima alone featured more than 1,300 exhibitors, 38% of which were from overseas. Pharmintech hosted over 300 exhibitors, with international companies making up 35% of the total.
The 2025 edition marked a notable expansion in the event’s processing segment, with participation from leading companies across the food, non-food, and pharmaceutical industries. Three fully operational demonstration lines — focused on flexible packaging, beverages, and coffee — were set up on the show floor, drawing sustained interest from professionals seeking practical and integrated solutions.
The four-day event included over 45 side events and panel discussions, featuring around 150 speakers from across industry and academia. According to the organizers, these sessions provided a platform to explore developments in smart manufacturing, automation, digitalization, and sustainable materials.
The strategic collaboration between Ipack-Ima and Pharmintech continued under the broader umbrella of The Innovation Alliance, which also includes GreenPlast, Print4All, and Intralogistica Italia. The joint initiative attracted 108,458 visitors from 143 countries and 1,857 exhibitors in total, 39% of whom were international.
Looking ahead, each of the partner exhibitions within The Innovation Alliance will operate on an independent schedule while continuing to share thematic and strategic alignment. Organizers confirmed that Ipack-Ima will return from 29 May to 1 June 2028.
Further international engagement is planned, beginning with participation at ProPak Asia through a partnership with Informa Markets. Additionally, a new initiative called Bevertech, developed in collaboration with the Italian Wine Union, will debut in 2026 alongside the Simei trade fair, focusing on liquid food and beverage processing.
According to Ipack-Ima CEO Simone Castelli, the 2025 edition demonstrated the potential for collaboration, including among competitors, to drive innovation and add value. Valerio Soli, chair of Ipack-Ima, described the event as a reliable platform for tracking market trends and facilitating knowledge exchange across the supply chain.