Picon has set up its own hospitality area, next to the majority of its members, in Hall 10.

Antony Cotton, technical sales manager for Focus Label Machinery, said: “We’ve been really pleased with the response and have had some good quality enquiries across the board.”

Cotton was especially pleased with a sale on the first day of a Pro-Flex SE model to Indian company Monotech.

Chris Sears, commercial manager of UK-based FFEI, said: “It’s been a very successful show, we have achieved our objectives and are pleased with the quality of visitors. We’ve had a broad spectrum from around the world and are very happy with our participation on the Picon booth.”

There are 12 Picon members in Hall 10 and nine others spread across Halls 16, 3 and 12. Picon also offered a freight service, to ship across its members’ equipment.

Picon chief executive Bettine Pellant said: “Generally I think all our members are happy. Some have already taken orders, which they tell me will pay for their participation here, which is good.

“You have to apply for space about 18 months before the show starts so we put out an email in August 2014 to ask people who wanted to come with us.”

It was a first Drupa appearance for SF services, who distribute foiling machines and sell consumables to the foiling industry. General manager Alan Hutchings said: “It has probably been more networking and meeting new customers than selling, but we have potential for a lot of sales if all goes well. I think we have had over 500 leads. 

“The support form Picon has been fantastic. Even just wanting to get away and have a cup of tea for five minutes.”

Pellant noted that the Picon delegation brought more than 600 Yorkshire Tea teabags with them.