Diversity and innovations

In 2011, the Aquarama fair in Singapore was dominated by LED lights. This time, LEDs were ob­viously also exhibited in large numbers, but they weren’t as omni-present. On the contrary, the show at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre was characterised by the diversity and innovative nature of many of the products, and the wide range of live organisms on offer, with marines and nanos sharing centre stage. Reflecting worldwide demand for both, this year’s competition included a brand new section dedicated to marine nano tanks. The full-size marine tank competition was still there, in all its splendour, but it was away from the competitive arena that nanos and marines really left their mark. Great depth of innovation The various new products of the many exhibitors also left a lasting impression. One example was the Greenpac company, which won the WorldStar Award for Packaging Excellence earlier this year, presenting its new “Green­Air” concept. This should mark a major advance in aquatic livestock transportation by replacing traditional styrofoam boxes with an inflatable, foldable system that has already undergone trials and been found to maintain temperatures throughout lengthy journeys. It is claimed to be environmentally friendly, easy to seal and open, re-usable, durable and lightweight, and can be stored in a small fraction of the space required by styrofoam boxes. It would not seem unreasonable to believe that, at some stage in the future, all fish and other aquatic organisms could end up being packaged in “GreenAir”-lined boxes. Great success for exhibitors Speaking to the exhibitors present, it was clear that the show not only offered a host of innovations but also put a smile on the faces of company staff. All the exhibitors questioned at Aqua­rama 2013 talked of a great success. Certainly, the effect of the European and US economic crisis was reflected at the event, but, from the exhibitors’ point of view, those several thousand visitors who attended this edition consisted more of buyers than lookers. One European exhibitor, in fact, said that Aquarama was the most successful ever for him. Go­ing by the satisfied faces, he wasn’t the only one to feel this way. Visitors, too, were very positive, not just with regard to the products on display, but to the free seminars, fish and tank competitions and the very popular fish farm tour. Download: Diversity and innovations (PDF file)