The Japanese-headquartered manufacturer joins a lengthening list of cancellations.

It was the last of the ‘big three’ digital printing exhibitors that were originally due to exhibit in Hall 8b, with neighbours Xerox and Fujifilm already out of the show.

In a statement, Olaf Lorenz, general manager international marketing division at Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe said the business “still very much believed” in the power of physical expos and of people meeting together in person.

“However, exhibiting at Drupa or any other trade fair at the moment makes no sense to us during the current world uncertainty,” he stated.

“Things are too unpredictable. Our highest priority is always to make sure that our colleagues, customers and all their families stay safe and healthy. And while the coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt on a global basis, we have taken a decision to withdraw our physical presence from Drupa, as well as other shows for the foreseeable future.” 

Lorenz added: “It is with a somewhat heavy heart and regret that we have made this decision and wish the organisers success with all future shows. Drupa has always represented some of the best of what can be achieved at a face-to-face event for the global printing industry. For me, personally, it would have been my fifth Drupa. It’s always been a highlight of the calendar and I look forward to returning to future events when the time is ripe.”

Konica Minolta said it would pursue “new rules of engagement” with target customer groups.

It has set up a virtual showroom and is offering live online demonstrations from its Bratislava facility.

The firm is also looking at the potential of holding in-person events at a local level.

Over the summer KM unveiled an upgraded version of its AccurioJet B2 inkjet press, the KM-1e.

Its production print portfolio spans inkjet, toner, label printing and embellishment.