There is a new hope for the markets in Russia based on the expected turn of events that should happen soon. This is a relief after the difficult period that has just been experienced which was characterised by political tension, the drop in the price of oil, and a weak rouble. The analysts are now working based on the assumption that the domestic economy will soon be moving out of recession. The World Bank is forecasting an economic growth in Russia that will also occur in 2017. The western companies are anticipating an upswing, and they have regarded this troubled period as a confirmation of their policy of maintaining economic ties even during a crisis. The increasing development of the major consumer segments has also led to increasing demand for the production of plastics and rubber products as well as packaging.

The launch of the SAVE FOOD initiative in the Russian market attracted a lot of media attention. The event took place at the Upakivka trade fair. The Russian office of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), headed by Eugenia Serova, invited some senior officials from the various ministries and related industries to discuss the issues related to food losses and wastage in Russia. The aim of this gathering was also to proffer solutions to these problems. Several companies currently operating in the Russian market such as the Metro retail group, the Rus food bank, the agriculture group Olam and Lavka Lavka, a cooperative of small and medium-sized Russian agricultural enterprises had previously expressed their interest in the SAVE FOOD initiative before the upakovka event. The reports indicate that an estimated 25% of the entire food produced in Russia is not consumed. However, this value is lower than the worldwide average of one third, but it is still too high.

While developing the plans for the special thematic areas regarding the upakovka event, organizers of the Moscow trade fair benefitted from the Messe Düsseldorf’s expertise which was prepared for all the events slated for the packaging and retail processing industry under the label of the interpack alliance. Bernd Jablonowski, who is the global portfolio director of processing and packaging, is happy about the success of the premiers. The two special thematic areas of innovation which are parc and SAVE FOOD were acknowledged with a large number of positive responses. Combined with the impressive presentations made by our exhibitors, there was an increase in the number of trade visitors, regardless of the difficult competitive environment. This is an indication that we had not fully realised the importance of upakovka as a leading event in the industry. Working with our partners in the industry, we will continue to do our best in presenting a market focused and progressive content to the Russian trade visitors. Upakovka2018, for example, will be dedicated to the theme of the industry 4.0.

The German manufacturers of food and packaging machinery are the most significant suppliers to the Russian enterprises. Vera Fritsche, a member of the food processing and packaging machinery association within VDMA (the German Machinery & Plant Manufacturers Association), expresses a cautious optimism regarding the current situation. There is still a high demand for German engineering. This was evident at this year’s upakovka event. There is a steady increase in the production of food in Russia and the Russian, as well as other international companies, are focused on investing in the development and the expansion of local production capacities. After quite a long period, the demand for German-made food and packing machinery in Russia increased in 2016.