The Grand Tour Revival
Holi Festival. Image: Shutterstock
CanTech International and Worldwide Expo’s CanTech the Grand Tour event returns to India for its first in-person event since early 2020. Alex Rivers reports
It has been four years since the last in-person CanTech the Grand Tour event. In February 2020, just before coronavirus made itself known globally, we hosted in India’s capital of New Dehli. The following year’s event was postponed due to the pandemic. For 2022, the decision was made for the Grand Tour to be held virtually, and 2023’s edition was postponed to make way for Metpack’s return.
Therefore, after a longer hiatus than originally planned, we are delighted to be bringing back the Grand Tour in-person. For 2024’s edition, we have decided to meet once more in India, this time in Mumbai, which hosts a hub of activity for India’s three-piece can production.
The event takes place from 26 to 28 March at the ITC Maratha luxury hotel, and will see a diverse programme of speakers, as well as providing ample networking time offered by the exhibition space, which invites can makers and suppliers alike to host tabletops and showcase their company expertise.
This year, CanTech International is partnering with the Metal Container Manufacturers’ Assocation of India (MCMA), which promotes the benefits of metal containers and their associated products. The MCMA’s president, Sanjay Bhatia, who is also managing director of Hindustan Tin Works, will join us as a keynote speaker.
With a population now surpassing China, India is seeing increased urbanisation, with more environmentally conscious consumers than ever before. The can market in the country is rapidly expanding as a result, with Mordor Intelligence predicting an expected CAGR rate of 14 per cent from the year 2023 to 2029. Mumbai not only provides a convenient global meeting place for the metal packaging industry this year, but CanTech International has also been informed of a new two-piece can line incoming, meaning more can manufacturers for the two-piece market will no doubt be attracted to the area and the exciting possibilities it offers for growing business.
You will have seen our adverts for this year’s Grand Tour looking incredibly vibrant, the theme of which we’re continuing in this magazine issue. The image we’ve used is associated with India’s Holi festival, which in 2024, begins on Monday 25 March. The Festival of Colours, Love and Spring marks a celebration of the Hindu god, Krishna. Each year, people gather to light bonfires, eat sweets, dance to traditional folk music and throw colourful powder called gulal. The festival marks the end of winter and honours the triumph of good over evil.
In Mumbai, we will be having a celebration of our own, championing the metal packaging industry through the CanTech the Grand Tour Awards, which are open to both can and end makers based in India and across Asia. The awards will be presented at the Gala Dinner on 27 March which will feature entertainment and a delicious meal, as well as the chance to network in a more relaxed setting.
We can’t wait to welcome you to yet another successful showcase of the metal packaging world. The CanTech the Grand Tour 2024 team consists of: Neil McRitchie, conference director; Sarah McRitchie, editorial director; Vicky McCullough, events manager; Aimee Carnell, events coordinator; Sarah Hills, advertising manager; Flora McRitchie, classified sales; and Kathryn Brand, associate editor. See you there!
This feature article is restricted to logged-in paid subscribers.
Login or subscribe now to view this exclusive content.
