Italy’s packaging machinery industry is highlighting AI, automation and export strength at interpack 2026. PKN talks to UCIMA president Riccardo Cavanna and Ipack-Ima CEO Simone Castelli, about growth and future plans.
Italy has reinforced its position as the largest international exhibitor group at interpack 2026 outside Germany, with more than 400 Italian companies participating across the show.
Jointly exhibiting in Hall 11, Stand B19, UCIMA – the Italian Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Association – and Ipack-Ima are using the event to showcase both the scale of the Italian machinery sector and its growing focus on artificial intelligence and digitalisation.
Speaking with PKN Packaging News at the show, Riccardo Cavanna, president of UCIMA and CEO of Cavanna Group, said the Italian packaging machinery industry now generates annual turnover exceeding €10 billion, with exports accounting for around 80 per cent of production.
Cavanna described packaging machinery as Italy’s most important capital goods sector, with a manufacturing heritage approaching 100 years.
Among the major announcements at interpack is UCIMA’s development of EVA, described as the first large language model (LLM) built specifically for the packaging machinery industry.
According to UCIMA, the platform has been designed to create a common AI language base for member companies, supporting machinery documentation, service functions and digital integration across the sector.
Cavanna said AI integration, increasing automation and greater machine flexibility were emerging as key priorities for Italian machinery manufacturers, particularly as food producers respond to evolving retail formats and faster product launch cycles.
“Manufacturers need machines that are increasingly flexible and adaptable,” he said.
Alongside UCIMA, Simone Castelli, CEO of Ipack-Ima srl, outlined plans for the next edition of the Italian processing and packaging exhibition, scheduled to take place at Fiera Milano from 29 May to 1 June 2028.
Castelli said planning for Ipack-Ima 2028 had begun immediately following the conclusion of the 2025 event, with a strategy centred on greater internationalisation and stronger vertical market specialisation.
As part of that expansion strategy, Ipack-Ima will launch a new beverage and liquid food exhibition, Bevertech, in Milan in November 2026 in partnership with SIMEI, the Italian wine technology trade body.
The organisation is also increasing its international event presence ahead of 2028, including partnerships with Informa on Southeast Asian Propak exhibitions and participation at Gulfood Manufacturing 2027 in Dubai.
Castelli said the goal was to strengthen Ipack-Ima’s international reach while building stronger specialist focus areas within food and beverage processing and packaging technologies.
