EVENT NEWS


PPMA SHOW 2026 TO SPOTLIGHT FLEXIBILITY


PPMA Show 2026 will showcase the latest processing, packaging and automation technologies designed to help bakery manufacturers build greater flexibility, efficiency and resilience.


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akery manufacturers are facing a period of rapid transformation, with evolving packaging legislation, changing consumer expectations


and increasing operational complexity placing greater demands on production. Against this backdrop, the PPMA Show® 2026 is set to provide a platform for bakery businesses looking to future-proof their operations through greater flexibility and automation. Taking place at the NEC Birmingham


from 22-24 September, the exhibition will bring together processing and packaging technology suppliers, automation specialists and manufacturing experts to showcase solutions designed to help food producers respond to today’s fast-changing market. For bakery manufacturers, the ability to


adapt production lines quickly has become increasingly valuable. Product portfolios continue to expand, while retailers are demanding more limited editions, seasonal launches and shorter production runs. At the same time, businesses are being asked to work with a growing variety of packaging materials as sustainability targets reshape the sector. Legislation is adding further pressure. such as Extended Producer


Measures


Responsibility (EPR) and the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) are prompting manufacturers to review packaging choices and production processes, while the continued move towards paper-based and compostable materials presents fresh technical challenges on the factory floor. Rather than viewing these developments


as obstacles, this year’s PPMA Show will focus on the technologies that can help manufacturers adapt without compromising productivity or product quality. Automation, robotics, machine vision and


intelligent production systems are expected to be among the major themes, with exhibitors demonstrating equipment capable of faster changeovers, improved line flexibility and greater production efficiency. Modular manufacturing systems that allow businesses to scale or reconfigure production as demand changes are also likely to attract significant interest from bakery producers seeking long-term resilience. For manufacturers balancing multiple stock keeping units (SKUs) with rising labour and


ANYTHING YOU’RE LOOKING FOR IN PROCESSING AND PACKAGING, YOU’LL FIND IT HERE – TIM CONDER,


MANAGING DIRECTOR, BELLS OF LAZONBY, REFLECTING ON PPMA SHOW 2025


operating costs, investments that reduce downtime and simplify changeovers could prove increasingly attractive. Flexible equipment also offers the potential to accommodate future regulatory requirements or packaging innovations with minimal disruption. One of the exhibition’s key strengths remains


its live machinery demonstrations, giving visitors the opportunity to see processing and packaging equipment operating in real production scenarios rather than relying solely on specifications or brochures. This hands-on approach enables manufacturers to assess whether new technologies are suitable for their own facilities and product ranges. Alongside the exhibition, visitors


will have access to a programme of expert presentations covering some of manufacturing’s most pressing topics, including sustainability, smart manufacturing and operational efficiency. These sessions are expected to provide practical guidance on industry regulations, emerging technologies and strategies for improving competitiveness. Networking also remains a central


feature of the event. With more than 7,500 visitors expected across the three days, the PPMA Show offers bakery manufacturers the opportunity to connect directly with equipment suppliers, automation experts and fellow food producers while exploring new partnerships and investment opportunities. Reflecting on last year’s exhibition, Bells


of Lazonby’s managing director Tim Conder described the event as the place where manufacturers can find “anything you’re looking for in processing and packaging”—a sentiment organisers will be looking to build upon as the industry gathers once again in Birmingham this September.


36 • KENNEDY’S BAKERY PRODUCTION • JUNE/JULY 2026


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