Heidelberg is increasing its focus on Latin America as a key growth region, citing rising demand for packaging and labels driven by urbanization, economic stability, and sustainability initiatives.

With a population of approximately 670 million, the region is experiencing steady growth, particularly in Mexico and Brazil, where GDP is projected to increase by two to three percent in the coming years. According to market data, printed packaging demand is expected to grow by nearly four percent annually through 2029, led by sectors including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and e-commerce.

As demand increases, converters in the region are placing greater emphasis on automation, integration, and production efficiency, driving adoption of end-to-end print solutions.

“Latin America is a strategic growth region for Heidelberg, where we intend to further expand our already strong position,” says David Schmedding, executive board member for technology and sales. “Demand for integrated production environments is rising, and print shops are increasingly seeking comprehensive solutions from a single source. This is precisely where we come in as a system integrator with our end-to-end portfolio. Our goal is to support our customers along the entire value chain in packaging, label, and commercial printing, thereby further enhancing their competitiveness.”

Heidelberg, along with its Gallus subsidiary, offers a portfolio spanning offset, flexo, and digital printing systems, as well as finishing, workflow software, and services. The company says it currently holds a leading position in key markets, with more than 50 percent share in sheetfed offset presses in the region.

To support continued growth, Heidelberg plans to expand its sales and service infrastructure, particularly in Mexico and Brazil, where it already operates with more than 200 employees.

The company will also highlight its integrated solutions at upcoming industry events, including Expoprint & Converflexo Latin America 2026 in São Paulo and Expográfica in Guadalajara, where it will showcase automated offset, digital, and hybrid label printing technologies.

“Heidelberg’s presence at both events underscores the great importance of the entire region for Heidelberg. We have also noted that interest in both trade shows is particularly high this time around from other Latin American markets as well. We therefore anticipate well over 60,000 visitors in total at our booths at Expoprint and Expografica in Brazil and Mexico. The events also coincide with a phase in which the Mercosur trade agreement with the EU is opening up additional opportunities for growth and international networking,” Schmedding concludes.