Au Revoir - Bordeaux, Hola - Rioja!

Thank God it’s Finished (TGIF) - Reflections on CPHI 2014

CPhI Worldwide, the largest pharmaceutical trade exhibition in the world just concluded in Paris last week. There were more than 35000 attendees from 140 countries, 2200 Exhibitors and 230 players from India. Each trying to outdo one another in presence, scale, positioning, hospitality and ultimately, business.

All 3 days, I clocked an average of 10,543 steps per day (approx. 4.km). Not bad exercise routine if you discount the drinks, cookies and pastries. Couple of observations:

Festival – Everybody loves a party. This was one not to be missed. An event where your presence might be missed out but your absence will certainly be noted.

Focus – It seemed that everyone was busy either attending a meeting or running to or from a meeting. Discussions were focused on resolving issues and closing business deals.

Middle is the new Top – All traders and intermediaries had the most lavish and opulent stalls. Is it a sign that guys in the middle are actually at the top of the pyramid when it comes to profitability? The obviously can afford to serve the choicest wines, champagnes and Hors d'oeuvres.

Future – Several exhibitors had stalls that spoke to the future of the business rather than the current business or the legacy. Intermediate suppliers want to be in APIs, API players want to be in formulations, Formulators in specialty pharma and CRAMS players want to be seen as strategic partners. Here is the key question – If you weren’t already in the business that you are in, would you enter it today? I bet the answer is not easy, perhaps even scary.

Comfort – There is comfort in familiarity. Almost everyone I met has promised to be there at the next CPhI 2015 to be help in Madrid.

Hasta la Vista, Baby!!