Drink Technology India will now be rebranded as Drinktec India. It is the only other country to be given this honour. The brand Drinktec was exclusively held by the event’s Munich edition.

The announcement was made during a press conference by Petra Westphal (vice president of Yontex, a subsidiary of Messe Munchen), Markus Kosak (executive director of the Drinktec cluster at Yontex), and Avisha Desai (business unit head for consumer and capital goods at Messe Muenchen India).

This strategic shift signifies a new era of growth and innovation for the industry.

During the press conference, Westphal provided a comprehensive overview of the event’s evolution, shedding light on the key milestones that have shaped its trajectory.

"It really goes back to, believe it or not, to the year 2006. Alexander Miller and myself, we went on a discovery tour to Mumbai and Delhi. We met with many people from the industry, as well as with associations to find out about the needs of the Indian market," Westphal recounted, highlighting the event's humble beginnings.

From those early days, Drink Technology India has undergone a remarkable transformation. Petra shared that the first event in 2007 was a conference held at the Taj Hotel, with a modest 30 exhibitors and 300 square metres of exhibition space.

“The main purpose was to launch the transfer network. Back then, we started with 30 exhibitors and around 300 square metres, and when we started the first event at that moment, we did not know how to move on, because we wanted the industry, the community, to make the decision and luckily, already at the end of the first day of the show in 2007 everyone was saying, 'Please go on. Please continue doing this event. This is just what the Indian market needs,” Westphal recounted, highlighting the industry's enthusiastic response.

The event's growth trajectory has been nothing short of impressive. Petra revealed that by 2010, the platform had evolved into a full-fledged trade fair, showcasing the latest machinery and equipment for the industry. Over the years, the event has expanded significantly, with nearly 200 exhibitors and 6,000 square metres of exhibition space as of today.

The rebranding to Drinktec India represents a pivotal moment, as Westphal emphasised, “Being allowed to bear the brand Drinktec, it's just really something you have to deserve. It's just something about quality and massive scale, and especially in the team around Avisha Desai, they have done a tremendous job.”

Westphal’s words underscore the significance of this transition, as the Drinktec India brand carries the weight of global recognition and a commitment to excellence. The event's new identity is poised to open up new horizons, as Westphal noted, “Drinktec India would also expand horizons to the southeast regions, bringing in visitors, bringing in quality buyers, bringing in manufacturers, and making India the platform to the neighbouring countries, and making it competitive for a global standard.”

With Petra's visionary leadership and the unwavering support of the industry, Drinktec India is set to become the premier destination for innovation, networking, and business growth in the beverage and packaging sectors. As the event continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry, both in India and across the Southeast Asian region.