The All-Ukrainian Food Technology Forum featuring the leading trade fairs of the Ukrainian food industry: 24th International Exhibition of Equipment and Technologies for Food Processing Industry INPRODMASH and 16th International Exhibition of Equipment and Materials for Packing UPAKOVKA was held in Kiev on September 8-10.

The official opening ceremony of the event was attended by Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine on European Integration Vladyslava Rutytska, Director of Food Department Dmytro Shulmeister, Agricultural Counsellor at Royal Netherlands Embassy in Ukraine Evert Jan Krajenbrink, as well as heads of Ukraine’s industry units and associations.

Opening the event, Vladyslava Rutytska stressed that Ministry of Agrarian Policyand Food of Ukraine supports INPRODMASH & UPAKOVKA as events that are of paramount importance for the development of domestic food industry and export potential of the country... She also said that “Food industry concentrates efforts of the entire agricultural sector and creates additional value that enriches the country. Under current conditions, it is not enough just to produce raw materials. Our task is to gear national economy toward innovative production, development and promotion of the brand 'MADE IN UKRAINE'. Our priorities include not only European quality standards, but also the European way of life, ideals of a healthy and balanced diet, organic production and support of local production traditions”.

Head of Food Department Dmytro Shulmeister noted that the most pressing issues for manufacturers are production efficiency, safety and quality: “Nowadays, when we are adopting European standards, we should pay special attention to production performance. Some Ukrainian production industries are slightly behind our European colleagues because we do not use our resources effectively and that influences production costs”.

On the basis thereof, it becomes clear that further development of this industry and competitiveness of domestic food products are inseparably linked to modernization of equipment and introduction of modern technology, which, first of all, are the result of innovative research of scientists and research teams.

These trade fairs are a unique platform for demonstrating the best scientific achievements of world leaders in the field of equipment, technology and packaging for the food processing industry, as well as a perfect opportunity for communication of leading experts and researchers from all around the world, search for new partners and establishment of active business contacts in order to transfer innovation.

Despite the difficult situation in the country, exhibitions are still expected, relevant and interesting.

Equipment, tools, materials and ingredients for various industries: meat, dairy, fat, confectionery and bakery, grocery, canned food, as well as for poultry and livestock farms were exhibited at INPRODMASH 2015. In addition, companies supplying spices, ingredients and materials for the production of various food products showcased their products here.

Holland Pavilion exhibits at INPRODMASH & UPAKOVKA over the past 3 years. The Netherlands is the world's 2nd largest exporter of agri-food products after the United States. Dutch entrepreneurs, participating in these exhibitions, have extensive industry experience and the majority of them are already working successfully with the Ukrainian manufacturers. At this crucial time for our nation, they genuinely want to help the Ukrainians increase competitiveness of products and are eager to share their experiences. This year, they have focused on technologies for processing and storage of root crops, vegetables, fruits and berries because it is these products that are most in demand on the European market.

Evert Jan Krajenbrink mentioned in his welcome speech that even if manufacturers offer good quality products, they still have to pay attention to their export strategy in order to promote them in the European market. Dutch companies are ready to assist Ukraine.

Modern packaging technology, equipment and materials for both large and small enterprises, as well as filling and packaging lines for retail and catering were showcased at UPAKOVKA 2015. Equipment for glass decoration, production of labels and holograms, flexographic machines, as well as a wide range of labeling systems and logistics solutions were also demonstrated at this year's exhibition.

Apart from the latest machines, participants offered restored and used equipment, as well as related tools, components and services.

Thus, visitors of this Forum could see promising innovations for all technological cycles - from raw material processing to packaged finished products.

The uniqueness of these exhibitions lies in direct dialogue between providers and consumers. Annually, these fairs are visited by more than 7000 professionals involved in different branches of food processing industry and agricultural sector. Most of them attend INPRODMASH & UPAKOVKA regularly. The main purpose of their visit is to get acquainted with technological innovations and to meet with partners.

Business program of exhibitions included a number of industry events.

The 4th Scientific and Practical Conference "Resource-and Energy-Saving Technologies of Production and Packaging Food Products - the Main Components of Their Competitiveness", which was held on September 8, was attended by Head of Food Department of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Dmytro Shulmeister, leading specialists of the Institute of Food Resources of NAAS of Ukraine, National University of Food Technologies and commercial companies.

National Association "Ukrmolprom", organizer of Scientific and Practical Conference "Pressing Issues of Safety Matters and Competitive Growth of Domestic Dairy Products", brought together manufacturers of dairy products. This conference was devoted to introduction of provisions of the Law “On Basic Principles and Requirements for Safety and Quality of Food Products”, as well as application of modern technology, namely nanotechnology.

Conference "Achievements and Development Prospects of Confectionery Industry" covered a wide range of issues - from innovative production technologies, development of formulations and product range expansion to training confectionery industry specialists. Also, the ceremony of awarding winners of confectionary Tasting Competition "Sweet Triumph" and Confectionery Packing Competition "Triumph of Package" was held within the framework of the Forum.

Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine on European Integration Vladyslava Rutytska emphasized that INPRODMASH & UPAKOVKA is a unique platform for communication of all producers, buyers and suppliers of products from the entire manufacturing spectrum. Business communication is the basis for ambitious projects to be implemented in our country.

INPRODMASH & UPAKOVKA always bring new ideas, prospects and development opportunities.