Packaging Equipment Exports Grow

ARLINGTON, Va.—Last year’s exports grew 9.5% year over year. Total value of the shipments was $950 million, according to U.S. Census estimates.

In examining the data, PMMI (Packaging Machinery Manufacturing Institute) notes that expansion of consumer packaged goods companies in emerging markets helped account for significant growth. Those operations were in India +44.81%; China +38.29%; Venezuela +25%; Mexico and other Latin American countries +24%; and Brazil +19%.

"Despite current economic trends, the processed food industry is projected to show continued growth in 2009," claims Jose Martinez, PMMI’s Latin America Office director. “Mexico continues to be an attractive market for the global packaging industry.”

Mexico is the second largest market for soft drink products and third largest producer of beer in the world. The Mexican Chamber of Processed Foods predicts continuing growth of 4-5% through 2009.