After seven intensive days on the show floor, CCO Mark van der Burgt looks back on Interpack in Düsseldorf with a smile. The trade show brought new contacts, valuable conversations, and a real energy boost for the team. “For us, this was truly a win on all fronts.”
Mark, what’s your overall feeling?
“I’m super positive! Thursday, Monday, and Tuesday were standout days – the booth was buzzing with visitors: customers, prospects, and people who’d never heard of us before. We even spoke with people from international branches of existing clients, for instance from Egypt. That’s what makes a trade show like this so worthwhile. And we genuinely had a great time together, like at relaxed dinners with clients. You get to know each other in a whole different way.”
What do you think made your approach at the show so effective?
“Above all, the fact that we were there as a real team. For the first time with such a broad delegation: colleagues from sales, packaging technologists, and engineers. Everyone was on the same page and had the same open, welcoming energy. Visitors noticed. People literally said: Mark, what a great group of people.”
How did people respond to the Vetico story?
“A lot of visitors were surprised by everything we’re capable of – not everyone knows us, of course. As a co-packer, we’re not just an executing party; we think along with clients on technology, materials, and custom solutions. Our Innovation Center especially resonated: if something doesn’t exist yet, we can develop it ourselves.”
Did you get a chance to walk the floor yourself?
“Of course – with a very curious eye. What struck me was that a lot of machine suppliers are heavily focused on robotics. I didn’t see any major new breakthroughs. That confirms we can keep making a difference with client-specific solutions.”
What are you bringing home from the show?
“Extra energy, great leads, and a stronger story. We’ve deepened existing relationships and gotten new potential clients excited – for example about single-client solutions as an integral part of their supply chain.”
“We’re now busy evaluating the leads and figuring out which expert on our team is the best fit for each need. That way we can work in a targeted way toward the right solution. New clients don’t come in overnight, but Interpack delivered exactly what we were hoping for.”
