Mark Devonald Smith, Group Sales Director of cosmetic, perfumery and personal care for Stölzle-Oberglas, the international Austrian company, has recently returned from Moscow, where the company participated in the international Intercharm Show, in the Components Section.

"We had a very successful stand”, said Mark. "We received all our key customers and made contact with a number of key prospects. Intercharm looks East as much as West, and a valuable facet of the show was the ability to catch up on what is happening in China and other Asian countries."

Mark continued "We noted a surge in fragrance companies and were able to contact a number of potential customers for Stölzle’s high quality glass bottles, both custom design and standard. That was the plus side.

The minus was the appalling traffic in Moscow, which meant long hours travelling to and from the show, even though the distances involved were small. Russians seem to take the drawbacks as a given; for those of us used to more consumer-friendly conditions, they were frustrating. All in all, though, Intercharm was well worth participating in.

It was our second appearance and we shall definitely be going again next year. Stölzle, particulary Stölzle-Flaconnage, our Yorkshire company, are now preparing for Packaging Innovations 2009, Birmingham, 11th and 12th February, where we shall be showing a number of new products and a new website."