Miami Beach, Florida– September 27, 2005 -- Graphics of the Americas, the second largest U.S.-based annual international graphic communications exhibit and conference, today announced plans to highlight the growing package printing market at the upcoming Graphics of the Americas, February 3-5 in Miami Beach, Florida. While package printing in the United States is a growing and specialized market, it comprises a large portion of the total Latin American commercial printer’s portfolio of products and services. In addition, the United States is the single largest exporting country of package printing equipment and supplies. As a result, given the large Latin American attendance, Graphics of the Americas has become the annual “hot zone” for buyers and sellers of package printing equipment, suppliers, substrates and consumables. “Latin American and U.S. buyers have found Graphics of the Americas to be a highly productive environment to view, compare and purchase the latest equipment and related products,” said Chris Price, vice president and general manager of Graphics of the Americas. “High demand has stimulated the expansion of our focus for both buyers and sellers of package printing related products to meet the growing need.” As an example, Mark Andy/COMCO, one of the largest narrow and mid-web press manufacturers in the United States has been a regular exhibitor at Graphics of the Americas for a number of years. The company reports brisk sales of equipment right off the show floor and for months following the show. Their continued success has led to a significant increase in booth space for 2006. The Latin American market for package printing is $26 billion dollar industry according to Conversión Magazine. In a 2004 survey conducted by the publication, a number of sectors are showing strong growth including labels at 13%, folding cartons at 12.8%, flexible packaging at 10% and corrugated board at 15.9%. The survey goes on to add that the United States is the primary supplier to the Latin American package printing market while Europe as a whole claims a 58% market share. On the buying side, Mexico is by far the largest importer of equipment and supplies, followed by Brazil and Argentina. Graphics of the Americas draws approximately 40% of their attendance from Mexico, Central and South Americas, as well as the Caribbean and Canada. In addition, the exhibition has been certified by the U.S. Department of Commerce and has the distinct advantage of being marketed by government’s Department of Commerce. Graphics of the Americas is also a participant in the government’s International Buyer Program (IBP) that helps clear travel documentation for qualified international buyers interested in attending the event. Together, Graphics of the Americas has become the international marketplace for the package printing industry where suppliers introduce latest products of the new year and package printers can upgrade equipment and products.