Bharat Print Expo 2026 was inaugurated at the Chennai Trade Centre, bringing together industry stakeholders, associations and exhibitors for the three-day show aimed at strengthening regional engagement in the print and packaging sector.
Tushar Dhote, coordinator (west), All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP), declared Bharat Print Expo 2026 open at the Chennai Trade Centre, marking the start of the three-day exhibition focused on regional engagement in the print and packaging sector.
Dhote, who has been involved in conducting roadshows across South India ahead of the exhibition, said the initiative reflects the industry’s effort to take large-format exhibitions closer to regional printing hubs. He noted that shows in cities such as Chennai and Bengaluru aim to provide access to printers who may not be able to attend national-level exhibitions in Mumbai.
He added that the long-term objective is to build regional events into platforms comparable in scale and impact to PAN India exhibitions, while maintaining accessibility for local stakeholders.
The inauguration ceremony was led by senior members of the All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP), including president Ravindra Reddy and general secretary Mehul Desai, alongside representatives from regional printer associations and industry partners. Also present at the inauguration ceremony was Bujji, vice-president (south), AIFMP; Anil Arora, organiser, ReEnvision Event; Janaka Ratnakumara – president, Sri Lanka Association of Printers (SLAP); Pradeep Saroha, event director, Labelexpo India / Loupe, Informa Market; Senthil Kumar from Tamil Nadu Master Printers Association; Muthyala Ramarao, president, Andhra Pradesh Printers Federation; Jolly Peter, president, Madras Printers and Lithographers Association (MPA).
Speaking at the event, Ravindra Reddy emphasised the evolving role of print. He said the industry has moved beyond being a service provider to becoming an integral part of business supply chains across sectors, driven by advancements in digital technology, automation, material science and sustainability.
Reddy noted that Bharat Print Expo reflects this transformation by bringing together a wide spectrum of technologies — from digital printing and inkjet to packaging, labels and finishing — under one roof. He added that the exhibition serves as a platform not just for showcasing machinery, but for enabling innovation, collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Highlighting the importance of regional outreach, Reddy said the initiative is designed to support MSMEs and printers in tier 2 and tier 3 cities by improving access to technology and market opportunities. He pointed to South India as a key growth region, driven by strong entrepreneurial activity and increasing adoption of advanced print solutions.
Mehul Desai, honorary general secretary of AIFMP, reiterated the objective of taking exhibitions closer to printers who may not be able to attend larger national shows. He said the event is focused on connecting with smaller printers, understanding their challenges and enabling them to explore new technologies and business opportunities.
Desai added that Bharat Print Expo is not limited to equipment display, but aims to foster collaboration and strengthen the printing community. He noted that the exhibition is gaining momentum and is expected to grow further in scale and participation in future editions.