Label Summit Indonesia 2013 gathered a unique audience of 255 delegates, comprising senior figures from the South East Asian and Australasian label and package printing industry, including converters, brand owners and designers. The inaugural conference and table-top exhibition, held in Bali during 29-30 May, provided an exclusive insight into the growth opportunities the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region offers.

Conference highlights included the case study-led keynote presentation given by HP Indigo’s Christian Menegon and Jeniaty Satjawiguna of Master Label. Focusing on making the move from a conventional to digital workflow, they looked at how the converter needs to adapt their business to have a digital capacity to improve business efficiency by being able to handle short print runs and deliver high value print and product quality. 

Described as one of the most candid and open panel discussions ever held at a Label Summit, the printer panel featured five of the region’s top converters including Prestige Labels from Singapore, Pyramid Labels of Indonesia and the Philippines’s Super Enterprise. Accepting numerous questions from the audience, the panel were keen to share their advice on embracing new technologies as well give guidance on overcoming obstacles such as developing workforce skills and how to capitalize on commercial opportunities. 

Another big draw, Brenton Barrett from Multi-Color Corporation, gave a detailed industry overview and examined some of the current challenges facing converters in the global marketplace. Exploring the latest trends, he highlighted that the Asia Pacific region is experiencing massive growth in both label consumption at 7 percent and will account for 73% of global retail packaging volume growth through to 2016.

Attracting delegates from Indonesia, the Philippines, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia, the event also incorporated a busy exhibition floor with over 30 exhibitors. In addition delegates had effective networking time with a private beach party at Sakala Bali in Tanjung Benoa on the first evening. 

Lisa Milburn, managing director, Labelexpo said: “We would like to thank everyone who took part in Label Summit Indonesia and for their positive and glowing feedback. The 2013 Summit marks an exciting time as we’re on the cusp of the South East Asian industry burgeoning and becoming one of the largest players in the global market. Not only have we demystified new technologies and shared best practice, but the Summit has provided a unique insight into the latest commercial opportunities across the continent, looking beyond just growth figures but also the truth behind the realities of investing and operating in the South East region.”

Quotes from exhibitors:

Dario Urbinati, MD, Gallus South East Asia Pte. Ltd: “Labelexpo proved far-sightedness by bringing the Label Summit to Indonesia. For us, as we have strengthened our position since the last two years in operation on site in Singapore – providing also a local sales, service and technical set up in Indonesia - it offered an opportunity to communicate with business partners, current and potential customers and discuss about trends in this dynamic market.” 

Hope Hu, regional manager, Asia Pacific for Martin Automatic: “Martin Automatic saw a number of familiar faces and a number of new faces at Label Summit Indonesia 2013. It was nice to see so many participants at this inaugural event and we will continue to support it in the future.” 

Federico d’Annunzio, MD, Nuova Gidue: “Indonesia is the next tiger to come in the Asian and world market and it should be considered the next “Brics-style” emerging country. Labelexpo’s choice of holding a Label Summit in Bali is extremely positive. The quality of its contents was high and it gave a good insight of the labels and packaging market and of the local culture, with an interesting point of view focused on converters. GIDUE and Flexo Eye, the local GIDUE sales and service point, during the Label Summit were happy to meet existing and new customers, and to confirm their strong presence in the Indonesian market, with several press installations happening in 2013.”

Stéphane Rateau, general manager SMAG: “SMAG is at present looking to develop, extend its business to South East Asia. Label Summit Indonesia was then a perfect opportunity to smell the market, meet its existing customers and find distributors. Good event, great conferences and looking forward for the next event in Jakarta!”

Yomie Harlin, country manager Indonesia, UPM Raflatac: “Label Summit Indonesia was a great platform to connect with converters and brand-owners from South East Asia. The information shared over the two days was valuable and positive for the labeling industry in this region.”