Players in the beverages industry have been encouraged to adopt innovative, efficient and sustainable packaging for their products to meet increasing consumer demand and minimise environmental impact.

“Packaging plays a crucial role in ensuring products reach consumers safely. That’s why stakeholders in the beverage ecosystem must not underestimate the importance of regularly reviewing their packaging protocols,” said Joseph Nyongesa, CEO of the Institute of Packaging Professionals Kenya.

Speaking during the Drinktec 2025 conference in Nairobi, organised by the Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association (VDMA) he challenged Kenyans not to export without packing their products, arguing that it robs them of profits.  

VDMA is a European association of mechanical and plant engineering companies. The Drinktec conference preludes the global Drinktec conference in Munich.  

“The demand for beverage drinks is growing. According to the 2024 Euromonitor report, the sector stood at 2.6 trillion euros globally.

The Kenyan market is one of the fastest growing beverage sectors, and therefore production has to measure up,” said Daniel Dellemann (pictured), project manager of the International market, VDMA.  

Innovative solutions

Dellmann said the conference would offer a chance for participants to interact with new innovative solutions in the beverage industry and network with players in the industry.  

The global food and beverage industry is one of the most dynamic growth sectors and the most important industrial sector in many countries; however, it is faced with hurdles such as price pressures and continuous investment in high-performance technologies.   

Data shows that exports of food and packaging machinery to Kenya amounted to 139 million euros in 2024, which corresponds to an increase of almost 10 per cent compared to the previous year.   

One of the focus discussions during the Munich conference will be on sustainable packaging, which continues to be an area of ongoing debate in light of climate change and environmental pressures.