Frankfurt/D. "The results and the mood in the exhibition halls at IFFA 2010 leave no doubt that the crisis is over", says Detlef Braun, Member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt. Over 58,000 trade visitors (2007: 61,328) from 130 countries came to see the range of products and services offered by 949 companies (2007: 908) at IFFA 2010, the world's leading trade fair for the meat processing sector. The proportion of trade visitors from outside Germany rose significantly compared to the last event three years ago, from 47 to 59 percent - more than ever before. This means full order books for manufacturers of meat-processing and packaging machines and a sector distinguished by a much greater willingness to invest following a very difficult year. The drop in attendance is due entirely to a decline in the number of German visitors - the result of a powerful process of concentration that has been taking place in both the butchers' trade and the industry over the last three years.

"IFFA is the unchallenged leading trade fair for the sector - worldwide. An increase of five percent in the number of exhibitors, more exhibition space sold and, at 59 percent, a higher proportion of international visitors than ever before provide impressive confirmation of the great importance of IFFA, especially in times of economic difficulty", says Detlef Braun.

The role of IFFA as the foremost meeting place for the international meat-processing sector is also reflected by the top ten visitor nations, which were, apart from Germany, Russia, Italy, Spain, Poland, The Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, the USA, Belgium and Australia.

After the meat-processing industry, butchers formed one of the most important groups of visitors, accounting for approx. 12 percent. 94 percent of them - from both home and abroad - said they were very pleased with the range of products and services to be seen at the fair. Important subjects at this year's IFFA were increased automation, safety, traceability and hygiene. The fields of additives, spices, aromas and packaging are growing in significance for meat and sausage production in the wake of increasing consumer expectations with regard to healthy food and convenience products.

Quelle: Messe Frankfurt