The Krones Sales Regions are looking forward to the drinktec: SOUTH AMERICA

South America is a huge market for beverage producers. The standout nation is Brazil. In terms of beer consumption, the country ranks among the world’s Top 5 in terms of consumption. The two major upcoming sport events – the football World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Summer Games in 2016 – are expected to additionally boost Brazilian investors’ willingness to spend.

Christian Brauneis, Senior Vice President Sales South America, provides some insights into his sales region, and the importance of the drinktec for his clients.

Mister Brauneis, the drinktec is fast approaching. How important is it for the clients, particularly in your own region?

The drinktec is the sector’s most important get-together, and its premier forum for innovation. It is held only once in four years, a relatively large time window. It’s a unique opportunity to meet all clients and vendors within the space of a single week, to see the very latest technologies, and to intensify relationships with clients and vendors alike.

What does the beverage market look like in your region? What Krones themes are of particular interest for your clients?

One major issue for the South American market is solutions and methods for sustainable, cost-efficient operation of bottling and canning lines. Here, however, high-speed lines are particularly in demand, plus solutions for aseptic filling.

What do you personally expect from the drinktec? Is it still the industry’s most important sectoral meet-up?

Yes, it’s quite definitely the sector’s most important meet-up. At the drinktec, innovations are unveiled and launched on the market. It imparts fresh momentum to the market and sets the trends for the future. For us in sales, particularly, this fair offers a unique opportunity to meet so many clients in such a short space of time. There’s no better way of strengthening your customer relationships.