Frankfurt, Germany, has always been a wonderful city to visit any time of the year. But for those employed in the meat and allied industries, this city takes on special meaning as Frankfurt gets ready to host IFFA 2004 from May 15 through May 20 at the Messe Frankfurt.

This year’s exhibits will focus on meat processing equipment and systems, as well as packaging solutions for the meat industry.

“Nowhere in the world is there a trade fair for the meat-processing sector that even comes close to IFFA, either in terms of the scope covered or trade-visitor internationality,” says Gerhard Gladitsch, member of the board of management of Messe Frankfurt.

IFFA 2004 will be held just 14 days after the expansion of the European Union (EU), he says.

“We will make IFFA [this year] the fair at which the effects of this historical event on the meat-processing industry are discussed,” he adds.

Approximately 900 companies will showcase products and services in the areas of slaughtering, processing, packing, sales, transportation and storage technology, plant hygiene, maintenance, equipment/resources, environmental protection, occupational safety, office and IT technology, measurement and weighing systems, supply installations,
and more.

In addition to exhibits, IFFA Conference 2004 will offer insights into the opportunities, risks involved, and strategies for operating successfully on a global plane, organizers relay. Sessions planned during this event include:

• Monday, May 17: Europe’s New Borders — Find out about the expansion of the EU and its impact on the meat-processing sector, the latest hygiene regulations in the European Union, and the requirements manufacturers in the new countries must meet to import into the EU.

• Tuesday, May 18: The Meat-Processing Sector in the Grip of Globalization — Per-capita meat consumption is growing rapidly in many countries. Besides Asia, where are the world’s other growth markets? What are the requirements for product safety in the global market?

• Wednesday, May 19: Markets Do Not Grow Together on their Own — What are the recipes for operating successfully in international markets? This session will focus on strategies and concepts. Evaluations will be made about world trade. What logistical concepts are needed in response to the increasing process of globalization? This and more will be covered.

In conjunction with the exhibits and educational program, IFFA-Delicat 2004 also will be held. This year it features a new concept with manufacturers presenting their solutions ensuring successful butcher shops in the future. Presentations also include a multitude of perspectives and innovative concepts for the retail butcher sector and displays the latest trends in diet and nutrition.

For more information about IFFA or IFFA-Delicat, phone Dirk Ebener of Messe Frankfurt at (770) 984-8016, Ext. 405, fax (770) 984-8023, or log on to www.iffa.com