(Watch David Zwang's video interview with Esko president Mattias Byström here.) 

Esko is a name synonymous with “packaging.” It was evidenced by the more than 550 attendees that descended on Nashville for the 28th annual EskoWorld user event to see what is new in the Esko product line, learn how to use the products more effectively, and share experiences with other attendees. Over the last few years, with the continued development of WebCenter, Esko’s focus has expanded beyond packaging design, prepress, and converter production solutions to the further integration of the packaging value chain. Hence the “Packaging Connected” tagline of this year’s event. Coupled with the acquisitions of the MediaBeacon DAM solution more recently the label and artwork management BLUE software, Esko has increased their vertical packaging market focus with an eye on the addition of brand owners into the Esko sphere.

This was very evident at EskoWorld with the special brand owner track. Unlike the supplier tracks which address the needs of the historic Esko customer base, the brand owner track was dedicated specifically to their needs. As the need for packaging designs and versioning continues to grow it puts a tremendous strain on brand owners. Add to that the ever-changing increase in local and global regulations and it creates a significant challenge to manage it all. More importantly, brand owners need to implement new workflows that support this new reality in an efficient way. In order to give it the attention it needs, Esko has created a new Brand Owner group, under President Ali Moosani, who was previously the CEO of the acquired Blue Software.