Messe Düsseldorf has taken the decision to postpone the international trade fair, Interpack, one of the largest of its kind in the world. It will now take place from February 25 to March 3, 2021.

In a recent press release, Messe Düsseldorf pointed out that it was following the recommendation of the crisis management team of the German Federal Government and taking into account the principles of the Robert Koch Institute, when assessing the risk of major events. Based on this recommendation and the recent significant increase in the number of people infected with the new virus (SARS-CoV-2), in Europe, Messe Düsseldorf has reassessed the situation. In addition, there is the general ruling issued by the city of Düsseldorf on March 11, 2020, stating that major events with more than 1,000 participants present at the same time are generally prohibited.

“The decision was taken in close consultation with our advisory board and sponsoring associations,” emphasizes Werner M. Dornscheidt, chairman of the Board of Management of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH. It also reflects the wishes of individual industries: “As their partner, we are currently doing everything in our power to reduce the economic losses suffered by our exhibitors”.

Moreover, Thomas Geisel, lord mayor of Dusseldorf said: “The city of Düsseldorf is following the instructions of the state government. Our aim is to slow down the spread of the coronavirus so that the health system can continue to function properly.”

Similarly, the organizers of the largest private label trade show, PLMA, have also taken the decision to postpone the event for 2-3 December 2020.

PLMA is expected to attract more than 17,000 visitors from 120 countries. Visitors include retailers representing supermarkets, hypermarkets, discounters, drugstores and department stores, as well as importers and exporters, manufacturers, consultants, sales agents and packaging and design experts. On the trade show floor they have the opportunity to visit more than 2,800 exhibiting companies. The exhibitors are manufacturers and suppliers of fast-moving consumer goods, including food, household and health and beauty products from more than 70 countries.