Join us for the 7th edition of interpack MEA from 7–10 December 2026 in Cairo, Egypt, showcasing the latest in processing and packaging technologies.
Dates
7–10 Dec 2026
City / country
Cairo, Egypt
Venue
Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC)
Time
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
The interpack MEA 2026 is the leading international trade fair for processing, packaging, and printing technologies in the Middle East and Africa.
It will take place from 7–10 December 2026 at the Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC) in Cairo, Egypt, bringing together key stakeholders, international exhibitors, buyers, and technology leaders under one roof.
TL;DR
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a wide selection of packaging and processing products, build relationships with key suppliers, and discover new market trends and technologies.
Exhibitors can position their business amidst a large concentration of buyers, negotiate contracts, and gain insights into market trends and demands. interpack MEA serves as a crucial platform for connecting local and international industry stakeholders, facilitating business opportunities across the processing and packaging value chain.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Cairo, Egypt
Attend
What's on
Food Africa
Held alongside interpack MEA, Food Africa is Africa’s leading international food and beverage trade exhibition, connecting manufacturers, exporters, and buyers with processing and packaging technology providers.
WebsiteHow the last edition performed
Last edition
—
Exhibitors: 29,195
This edition
2026
Next edition
Not announced yet
Impact
The interpack MEA 2026 is the leading international trade fair for processing, packaging, and printing technologies in the Middle East and Africa. It will take place from 7–10 December 2026 at the Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC) in Cairo, Egypt, bringing together key stakeholders, international exhibitors, buyers, and technology leaders under one roof.
Exhibitor outcomes
Exhibitors can position their business amidst a large concentration of buyers, negotiate contracts, and gain insights into market trends and demands. interpack MEA serves as a crucial platform for connecting local and international industry stakeholders, facilitating business opportunities across the processing and packaging value chain. Exhibitor categories include Manufacturers of packaging machinery, Suppliers of food processing technologies, Distributors of packaging materials, Providers of printing.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Pacprocess Middle East Africa is the Messe Düsseldorf packaging and processing portfolio's dedicated Middle East and Africa edition, staged in Cairo by Messe Düsseldorf with IFP Group and Konzept. Cairo is the region's practical gateway for packaging and processing technology: Egypt's food, beverage, dairy, pharma and FMCG manufacturers are investing in local capacity, and Egypt's position as a manufacturing and re-export hub gives exhibitors access not only to the Egyptian market but to North African, Gulf and Sub-Saharan African buyers in a single location. For visitors, the show concentrates processing machinery, packaging equipment and materials suppliers that would otherwise require separate trips to Dubai, Bangkok or Düsseldorf.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainable and recyclable packaging
Egyptian brands and exporters are under growing pressure to shift to recyclable mono-material, paper-based and lightweighted packaging, driven by national waste-management regulation and buyer requirements in European and Gulf retail.
Localisation and import substitution in food & beverage manufacturing
Rising hard-currency costs have accelerated investments in local production of dairy, juices, edible oils, snacks and bakery goods, with Egyptian and regional groups modernising existing lines and building new plants.
Automation and digitalisation of packaging lines
Labour cost and quality requirements are pushing Egyptian and North African factories toward automated end-of-line handling, robotics, vision inspection and line-level data capture (OEE, track-and-trace).
Pharma and personal-care packaging growth
Egypt is expanding as a pharmaceutical manufacturing base for Africa and the Gulf, with accompanying demand for blister, vial, sachet and compliance-grade packaging.
Export competitiveness and compliant packaging
Egypt's push to grow non-oil exports makes compliant, shelf-ready and logistics-optimised packaging a commercial necessity rather than a cost centre.
Pacprocess Middle East Africa sits inside a global circuit of packaging and processing trade fairs. Buyers with Egypt/Africa briefs typically compare it with the Gulf's food-manufacturing show, Asia's Pacprocess sister event, the Düsseldorf flagship and the US/Africa regional editions.
Q4 2026 (Oct-Dec)
Northern spring (Feb-May)
Peer events identified from the organiser's global portfolio and public trade-show calendars; dates should be verified on each event's official site.
Plan your trip
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 45–85 / night
Good value and closer to the airport; budget 25-40 min by taxi/ride-hail to EIEC in morning traffic.
sourceUSD 80–150 / night
Closest practical cluster to the venue with the shortest show-morning commute; book early for the show week.
sourceUSD 150–280 / night
Full-service business hotels with meeting facilities - useful for hosting distributor meetings around the show.
sourceGet around the city with these convenient transport options.
ride_hail
Shortest and most predictable show-morning option for visitors staying near the venue; allow extra time on Day 1.
taxi
Approx. 30-60 min depending on departure time; heavy congestion 08:00-10:00 and 16:00-19:00.
metro_taxi
Metro does not serve EIEC directly - use it for the trunk journey then take a taxi for the final leg; not recommended with heavy luggage.
shuttle
Several business hotels near the venue run show-week shuttles or can arrange transfers - ask at booking time.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist e-visa (single entry) | Most non-exempt nationalities (EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia and many others) travelling for a short visit to the show | $25.00 | Typically 3-7 business days after online application | |
| Visa on arrival | Eligible nationalities arriving at Cairo International Airport, including many EU, UK, US, Canadian and Gulf-resident travellers | $25.00 | Issued on arrival (allow 20-40 min at the visa bank counter) | |
| Tourist e-visa (multiple entry) | Visitors making repeat trips to Egypt in the same period (e.g. pre-show site visits plus the show week) | $60.00 | Typically 3-7 business days after online application | |
| Business visa (embassy/consulate) | Exhibitors and commercial visitors whose purpose of travel is business meetings, contracting or exhibiting | $60.00 | Typically 5-10 business days via the Egyptian embassy/consulate in your country |
GCC nationals and citizens of a small number of other countries are visa-exempt or receive a free entry stamp for short visits; check your nationality on the official Egypt e-Visa portal before booking.
Egypt is generally not an ATA Carnet destination - machinery and display goods are normally handled under Egyptian temporary-admission/customs procedures. Confirm with the organiser's appointed freight forwarder and Egyptian Customs well before shipping.
Official visa pageWeather
December in Cairo is cool and mostly dry: daytime highs around 18-22°C and overnight lows of roughly 10-13°C, with occasional winter showers but very limited total rainfall. Evenings at the venue can be chilly, so a light jacket is worth packing.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Egypt.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping and service charges
Baksheesh (small tipping) is customary for hotel staff, drivers, guides and washroom attendants - typically EGP 20-100 depending on the service. Check whether restaurants already add a 12-14% service charge before tipping again.
Business dress and etiquette
Smart business attire is expected at the exhibition and in New Cairo business hotels. Handshakes are standard in business settings; allow an Egyptian counterpart to initiate any further greeting, and keep Friday (the main weekend day) free of business scheduling.
Alcohol, Ramadan and photography
Alcohol is widely available in hotel bars and licensed restaurants but not part of everyday business hospitality. Avoid photographing military or security installations, and note that restaurant hours change during Ramadan.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: PVG
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Cairo; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Most international visitors need an Egyptian visa. Apply in advance through the official Egypt e-Visa portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg) — single-entry approx. USD 25, multiple-entry approx. USD 60 — or buy a visa on arrival (approx. USD 25) at Cairo International Airport if your nationality is eligible. GCC nationals and a small number of other nationalities are visa-exempt. Passport validity of at least 6 months is normally required, and business travellers should carry an invitation letter from the organiser or exhibiting company for customs/immigration checks.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Apply on the official Egypt e-Visa portal before departure; print the approval and carry it with your passport. Pay in USD/EUR cash at the bank counter before immigration; confirm current eligibility for your passport on the official portal.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: PVG Airport (PVG); SHA Airport (SHA). Allow road or rail time to Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC); on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC): Heliopolis / Nasr City (25-40 min to EIEC): Ibis Cairo Citystars (Nasr City), Le Passage Cairo Hotel & Casino (Heliopolis); New Cairo - Fifth Settlement / Mirage City (10-25 min to EIEC): Tolip Al Narges Hotel (New Cairo), Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel; New Cairo - Fifth Settlement / Ring Road (10-20 min to EIEC): JW Marriott Hotel Cairo, Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Cairo; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC).
Parking: On-site parking is available at Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC); confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: December 2026
Temperature: 18-22°C daytime highs, 10-13°C overnight (Cairo, December)
Seasonality: December is Cairo's coolest and wettest month, but rainfall remains minimal - typically a few light showers rather than sustained rain. Days are usually sunny and dry; evenings are noticeably cooler.
Packing: December in Cairo is cool and mostly dry: daytime highs around 18-22°C and overnight lows of roughly 10-13°C, with occasional winter showers but very limited total rainfall. Evenings at the venue can be chilly, so a light jacket is worth packing.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 - Tuesday 8 December 2026
Day 2 is normally the peak day of the four-day run: exhibitor teams are fully staffed, machinery is running after the opening-day set-up, and the supporting conference/seminar programme and visiting buyer delegations concentrate mid-week. Day 1 is registration-heavy and Day 4 sees exhibitors begin dismantling equipment, so the widest supplier and speaker coverage for a single-day visit falls on Tuesday 8 December.
Registration, badge collection and orientation walk of the processing and packaging halls at EIEC
Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC), New CairoSupplier meetings and live machinery demonstrations on pre-booked stands
EIEC exhibition hallsConference and technical seminar sessions on packaging sustainability, automation and Africa market access
EIEC conference areaFollow-up meetings, contract/quotation discussions, and an optional visit to a New Cairo or 10th of Ramadan industrial facility
EIEC meeting zones / Greater Cairo industrial zonesEIEC exhibition hall B2B / meeting zones
Dedicated meeting points and hospitality areas on the show floor are where exhibitor sales teams take pre-booked buyer appointments — the single highest-value networking location during show hours.
Conference and seminar area (EIEC)
Technical sessions and market-access presentations draw engineering, R&D and plant-management attendees — good for peer-level conversations rather than stand pitching.
New Cairo business-hotel lobbies and executive lounges (Fifth Settlement)
Most exhibitors and visiting delegations stay in the Fifth Settlement/New Cairo corridor near EIEC, making hotel lobbies and rooftop lounges the practical after-hours networking venue.
Budget
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visa_fee
visitor · single_entry_e_visa_or_on_arrival
USD 25 / per person
visa_fee
exhibitor · business_visa_embassy
USD 60–180 / per person
hotel_night
visitor · mid_range_new_cairo
USD 80–150 / per night
per_diem
visitor · moderate
USD 60–110 / per day
visa_fee
visitor · Tourist e-visa (single entry)
USD 25 / per application
visa_fee
visitor · Visa on arrival
USD 25 / per application
visa_fee
visitor · Tourist e-visa (multiple entry)
USD 60 / per application
visa_fee
visitor · Business visa (embassy/consulate)
USD 60 / per application
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visa_fee | visitor | single_entry_e_visa_or_on_arrival | USD 25 / per person | official | |
| visa_fee | exhibitor | business_visa_embassy | USD 60–180 / per person | estimate | |
| hotel_night | visitor | mid_range_new_cairo | USD 80–150 / per night | estimate | |
| per_diem | visitor | moderate | USD 60–110 / per day | estimate | |
| visa_fee | visitor | Tourist e-visa (single entry) | USD 25 / per application | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | Visa on arrival | USD 25 / per application | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | Tourist e-visa (multiple entry) | USD 60 / per application | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | Business visa (embassy/consulate) | USD 60 / per application | official |
Decision
Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You need a shortlist of suppliers, machinery comparisons or market-entry intelligence and can commit at least 1-2 full days on site.
Best for
Procurement, R&D, packaging-development and operations teams sourcing processing machinery, packaging equipment, materials or turnkey lines for the Egyptian, North African and Sub-Saharan African market.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
2-6 weeks ahead: visitor registration, visa/e-visa, flights and a New Cairo or Heliopolis hotel booking.
Risks
Budget estimate from listing cost signals (visa ~USD 25, 2 nights mid-range hotel, 2 days per diem) — confirm live rates.
December is peak winter travel into Cairo; hotel and flight rates rise during major trade weeks.
Effectively no visitor entry fee for most trade fairs in this series, but registration must be completed online in advance.
exhibit
You have (or want) distributor coverage in Egypt/North Africa and a budget for stand, freight and travel beyond a plain visitor trip.
Best for
Packaging and processing machinery manufacturers, materials/consumables suppliers, automation and inspection vendors, and packaging-printing or filling-line integrators targeting Egypt and Africa.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
4-9 months ahead: stand space and hall selection with the organiser, freight forwarding and Egyptian customs clearance, visa letters, and stand build.
Risks
Budget estimate from listing cost signals and does not include stand construction, freight, staffing or customs duties — confirm booth pricing with the organiser.
Machinery shipped to Egypt requires temporary-import/customs handling; appoint an experienced freight forwarder early.
ROI depends on pre-booked buyer meetings — Cairo editions reward exhibitors who pre-schedule with African and Egyptian distributors.
skip
You have no Africa/Middle East sales channel, no follow-up capacity after the show, or the same supplier intelligence is available at a nearer regional show (e.g. Gulfood Manufacturing, ProPak Asia).
Best for
Companies with no MEA distribution, export capability or Egypt/Africa pipeline, or teams whose only objective is general market awareness.
Timeline
n/a
Risks
No major risks listed.
Trust footer
4
References
4
Publishers
0
Date checked
Pacprocess MEA
Messe Düsseldorf
IFP Group
Konzept
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