Interpack as a Springboard: Brazil’s Path onto the Global Packaging Stage

Boom in the food sector, modernization in mechanical engineering: Armando Aquino, President of the Machinery for Food, Pharmaceutical & Industrial Refrigeration sector at ABIMAQ, on AI, sustainability and interpack as Brazil’s springboard to the global market. 

The exponential growth of processed food production in Brazil challenges manufacturers of packaging and processing machinery – as well as producers of peripheral equipment and accessories – to continuously advance their systems in terms of performance, efficiency and innovation. At the same time, the need for operational data is increasing, from production indicators to control information, enabling companies to better understand their processes and products. Based on these insights, food manufacturers are driving modernization, innovation and continuous improvement, strengthening quality assurance, production and energy efficiency, and optimizing additional product- and process-relevant factors. 

As a result, Brazil’s machinery sector for food packaging and processing is undergoing an ongoing wave of modernization. The industry is steadily reaching higher standards in terms of technological sophistication, productivity and efficiency, positioning itself as a key driver of growth in the production of processed foods. 

The most dynamic development is occurring in the areas related to animal proteins. This is where the greatest need for modernization and process optimization lies. Companies are increasingly working to add value to their products — through more diverse product formats and new marketing channels. Instead of selling raw materials as standard commodities, quality-based differentiation is becoming more worthwhile: after analysis and classification, products can be graded higher and priced accordingly. At the same time, by-products that were once considered problematic and had to be discarded are now being used economically – they are integrated into the portfolios of the food industry or serve as raw materials for a wide range of applications.

Brazil is a leader in almost all areas of processed foods – whether due to its size and demand volume or its long-standing tradition and role as a producer and exporter. Accordingly, the country is home to a significant group of equipment manufacturers with established infrastructure, as customers for this type of machinery typically require local support. Brazilian food producers therefore prefer European, North American or Asian manufacturers, provided they produce locally or at least maintain a reliable structure for technical service and spare parts within the country. This infrastructure is often used to support business across Latin America – at minimum throughout South America. 

In addition, domestic manufacturers of machinery and equipment are gaining international relevance, supported by their strong access to real-world requirements that drive the development of practical and efficient solutions. As a result, local machine builders are, in many cases, better positioned than traditional international manufacturers of comparable equipment. Expanding sales into other countries in the Americas is therefore a logical step and enables major Brazilian manufacturers to establish themselves as key reference suppliers – including through locally based production or service units. 

The available data refer specifically to the machinery and equipment sector for the food, pharmaceutical and refrigeration segments. No separate breakdown exists for packaging machinery, only for the food-related subset. 

Looking at the last ten available years (2014–2023), imported products accounted for an average market share of 42.53% in these specific segments in Brazil. In 2023, this share was 30% – indicating the strong role of domestic production, which thus covered 70% of Brazil’s demand for machinery and equipment in the food, pharmaceutical and refrigeration sectors. 

Developing skills is considered the core of sustainable growth in the packaging industry. Therefore, the Thai Packaging Association has launched the Packaging Future Skills Initiative to elevate industry personnel and prepare them for the challenges of the modern world. The program focuses on three main areas:

• Digital Skills: Using technology and data to improve design and production processes
• Green Mindset: Understanding and applying circular economy principles and sustainable manufacturing practices
• Innovation Thinking: Creating new ideas that address both market needs and environmental considerations

In addition, we collaborate with universities and international institutions to develop long-term training programs, such as design for recyclability, data-driven production systems, and sustainable materials management. The goal is to enable Thai professionals to compete effectively on the international stage.

We believe the future of the packaging industry relies fundamentally on people, making investment in skills and knowledge the most critical factor for success.

Without a doubt, the exploration and application of artificial intelligence across all areas of activity play a crucial role. Manufacturers of machinery and equipment are continuously challenged to ensure that their systems supply various platforms with the most comprehensive information possible — whether for analysing production processes or monitoring equipment and entire lines. 

On this basis, companies have developed their own control mechanisms, systems and indicators that enable well-founded decisions to improve their products and processes — extending all the way to self-adjusting models and automatic optimisation aimed at achieving process excellence. 

Sustainability is a global requirement – and it knows no borders. For manufacturers, it has become essential to actively engage and demonstrate measures and results in order to remain competitive. Many machinery and equipment producers have therefore integrated corresponding functions into their systems and adapted structures and supply chains to identify areas with improvement potential. The key lies in understanding their own data and continuously monitoring progress. Increasingly, this information is shared with all stakeholders to convey a positive image of the company and its equipment. 

As a result, sustainability has become a unifying argument among machinery and equipment manufacturers and has a positive impact on customer relationships – especially with companies that can demonstrably develop and implement measures that enhance sustainability when their systems are used in production and/or packaging lines. 

As an exhibitor with a strategic focus on Brazilian companies and other Latin American partners, our presence at interpack underscores the growing importance of the Latin American market for European stakeholders. Participation goes far beyond showcasing our technologies and capabilities: it enables Brazil to position itself on the global stage as a competitive and innovative supplier, opens doors to high-value partnerships in Europe and other key markets, strengthens long-term business relationships, and increases the visibility and international profile of Brazil’s machinery and equipment manufacturers. 

For Brazilian companies visiting interpack, the trade fair represents a strategic opportunity to observe global technological trends up close and benchmark themselves against the world’s most innovative solutions in packaging and processing. It allows them to identify new suppliers, explore emerging technologies and gain insights that support modernization, competitiveness and international expansion. As one of the industry’s most important global platforms, interpack enhances the market intelligence of Brazilian companies, fosters valuable international contacts and supports informed investment decisions that directly influence productivity and long-term growth.