Copenhagen, Denmark – July 2026 – Canon Denmark’s production print division has concluded an exceptionally robust first half of 2026, marking a period of significant sales growth, strategic market diversification, and the inauguration of a state-of-the-art new headquarters. This period underscores Canon’s unwavering commitment to the evolving graphic arts industry, driven by cutting-edge technology and a forward-thinking market approach that extends beyond traditional boundaries.
Simon Brejner, Channel Director for production print at Canon Denmark, expressed profound satisfaction with the division’s performance. "It has been an excellent first half for Canon in production print," Brejner affirmed, highlighting the division’s success in navigating a dynamic market landscape. The achievements reflect a concerted effort to innovate, engage with customers, and expand Canon’s footprint across various print segments.
A First Half Defined by Growth and Strategic Expansion
The first half of 2026 witnessed impressive growth across key product lines, signaling Canon Denmark’s strategic prowess and adaptability. This success is not merely a reflection of market demand but a testament to Canon’s proactive engagement with its customer base and its ability to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Remarkable Performance in Production Print
Canon’s strong performance in production print is particularly noteworthy given the broader industry trends. While some segments of the graphic arts market face headwinds, Canon Denmark has managed to not only maintain but significantly increase its market share and sales volume. This achievement is attributed to a combination of superior product offerings, targeted marketing initiatives, and an enhanced customer engagement strategy.
The Colorado Series: Driving Large-Format Dominance
June proved to be an outstanding month for the sales of Colorado large-format printers in Denmark. This surge was significantly bolstered by Canon’s active participation in prominent industry events, including the FESPA exhibition in Barcelona and a bespoke "Power to Move" event hosted for invited customers at Canon’s innovation hub in Venlo, the Netherlands. These platforms provided invaluable opportunities for potential clients to experience the Colorado series’ capabilities firsthand, leading directly to a substantial uptick in sales.
A notable highlight from this period was the sale of the very first Colorado XL in Denmark to Johnsen Print & Digital Media, an installation previously covered by this publication. The Colorado XL, renowned for its speed, versatility, and exceptional print quality, represents a significant investment for print service providers looking to expand their large-format capabilities and meet the growing demand for high-volume, diverse applications. The success of the Colorado series, powered by Canon’s unique UVgel technology, underscores its appeal for a wide range of applications from banners and posters to interior decor and vehicle wraps, offering superior durability, vibrant colours, and instant drying for rapid production cycles.
Toner Print’s Unconventional Triumph
In parallel with the large-format success, Canon’s toner print solutions have also exhibited a remarkably positive trajectory. The first half of 2026 stands as the best in many years for toner print, a commendable feat considering the prevailing decline in the traditional graphic arts market. Hans Dalmeijer, a key figure in Canon Denmark, points to several strategic factors contributing to this success, chief among them being the company’s enhanced ability to identify and penetrate customer segments outside the conventional graphic industry.
"We’ve become quite adept at spotting potential customers in non-traditional graphic segments," Dalmeijer explains. This strategic pivot has led Canon to engage with governmental and municipal institutions, as well as the corporate sector, where businesses with diverse core objectives are increasingly recognizing the value of investing in professional in-house print solutions.
Dalmeijer cites a compelling example: "We recently sold a toner printer to a supplier of logo socks. They sell socks with logos to companies and associations and discovered they were better off producing the banderoles that hold the socks together themselves." This seemingly niche application perfectly illustrates the broader value proposition Canon is delivering. While the direct cost might not always be lower than outsourcing, the investment provides an elevated degree of flexibility, significantly faster delivery times, and the ability to perfectly match the banderole’s logo with that of the socks, thereby enhancing perceived customer value. Furthermore, this approach eliminates unnecessary inventory ties, streamlining operations and reducing waste. This exemplifies a shift from merely selling equipment to providing comprehensive solutions that address specific business challenges and create tangible value for clients.
Canon’s Unwavering Commitment to the Graphic Market
Both Simon Brejner and Hans Dalmeijer unanimously express their satisfaction in working for a company like Canon, which demonstrates such a focused and dedicated commitment to the graphic market. This commitment is vividly reflected in the robust product portfolio, particularly within the inkjet segment, that is steadily being introduced to the market.
The Future is Inkjet: A Robust Product Pipeline
Canon is strategically expanding its inkjet offerings, positioning itself at the forefront of digital printing innovation. The company is actively introducing a B2-version of an inkjet sheetfed printer, the varioPRESS iX7, which represents a significant leap forward in productivity, quality, and media versatility for commercial printers. This machine is designed to meet the growing demand for short to medium run lengths with exceptional colour consistency and efficiency.
Further solidifying its inkjet portfolio, Canon is preparing to launch the varioPRINT iX1700 inkjet sheetfed printer. This new model is strategically positioned to bridge the gap between high-volume inkjet sheetfed presses and the top-tier models within toner print. The varioPRINT iX1700 is expected to arrive in the Danish market within the next six to twelve months, offering a scalable solution that combines the strengths of both technologies, providing customers with greater flexibility and a clearer migration path as their production needs evolve. This printer aims to deliver the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of inkjet for a wider range of applications, while maintaining the quality and reliability associated with Canon’s production print heritage.
Bridging Gaps and Leading Categories
The expansion doesn’t stop there. Canon also has inkjet printers for both label and carton production in its pipeline, which are anticipated to reach markets within the coming years. This comprehensive strategy demonstrates a clear ambition to become a leading force across all categories within inkjet print production. Canon already holds a strong position in B3 sheetfed and roll-to-roll inkjet production, and these new introductions are set to solidify its leadership, offering end-to-end solutions for diverse printing needs, from commercial print to packaging and industrial applications. This holistic approach ensures that Canon can cater to a broad spectrum of customer demands, providing advanced, efficient, and sustainable printing technologies.
A New Home for Innovation and Collaboration
Adding to the company’s positive momentum, Canon Denmark recently inaugurated its new domicile in the spring, relocating to the modern Gladsaxe Company House, just outside Copenhagen. This move is more than just a change of address; it represents a strategic investment in a collaborative and inspiring work environment designed to foster innovation and enhance customer engagement.
The Gladsaxe Company House: A Hub of Activity
Canon now occupies its own floor within the distinctive star-shaped building, with additional space on the floor above. This unique architectural design ensures abundant natural light across all three wings and offers spectacular views from every office on the fifth floor. At the heart of the three wings lies a large common area, which serves as a natural gathering point for all employees, encouraging spontaneous interactions and strengthening internal collaboration.
Simon Brejner notes the tangible benefits of the new layout: "It has definitely meant that we meet colleagues more often than was the case in the previous domicile." This increased interaction is vital for fostering a cohesive company culture, facilitating cross-departmental communication, and accelerating the sharing of ideas and expertise. The modern, open-plan environment is conducive to a dynamic workflow, aligning with Canon’s forward-thinking ethos. The arrival and common areas are thoughtfully branded with clear Canon messaging, reinforcing the company’s identity and commitment to its values.
Optimizing the Demo Experience
From the central arrival and common area, access is provided to the three wings, as well as a staircase leading to the demo room, located one floor up. While the new demo room is slightly smaller than its predecessor, Hans Dalmeijer emphasizes its optimized utilization. "The demo room is a bit smaller than what we came from, but those who have been there also remember that there was ample space between the machines. There is a bit less space now, but it is well utilized," he explains.
Crucially, the new space accommodates precisely the same number of machines, including a Canon Colorado M-series large-format printer. Installing this large-format machine required a significant logistical effort, as it once again had to be hoisted up and brought in through a dismantled window section – a testament to the Colorado’s strategic importance. The Colorado series has proven to be such a success and a vital sales tool that Canon has installed one in both its Copenhagen and Vejle offices, ensuring broad accessibility for demonstrations and customer trials across Denmark. These demo centers are not just showrooms; they are interactive environments where customers can see their applications come to life, test new ideas, and discuss production challenges with Canon’s experts.
Charting the Course for the Second Half
With a strong first half behind them, Canon Denmark is already looking ahead to a busy and productive autumn, focusing on key industry events and initiatives aimed at fostering broader industry development.
Engaging at Sign Print & Pack
The Sign Print & Pack fair in September is a significant event on Canon’s calendar. This year, Canon has opted for a more focused approach, choosing a smaller stand with a primary emphasis on showcasing diverse applications. "It is an important forum for us to meet existing and prospective customers," Simon Brejner states. "So we will be there with a wide range of applications that can be produced on our machines and are more than ready to discuss business development. This is more important than ever."
This strategic decision reflects a shift towards a solutions-oriented sales approach, where the focus is less on raw hardware specifications and more on the tangible business benefits and creative possibilities that Canon’s technology enables. While there are no new toner print developments to announce at the fair, and the larger inkjet machines will be kept at Canon’s dedicated demo centers in the Netherlands or Germany, Canon is committed to facilitating customer visits to these advanced facilities for in-depth demonstrations of their high-end inkjet solutions. This ensures that prospective clients receive a comprehensive and tailored experience for significant investment decisions.
Fostering Industry Development and Networking
Beyond direct sales and product demonstrations, Canon Denmark is keen to contribute more actively to industry debate and development, ideally in collaboration with relevant organizations and associations. The focus of these initiatives will extend beyond sales, aiming instead to develop and strengthen the industry as a whole. Efforts are currently underway to develop such events, as Simon Brejner explains: "We are exploring opportunities to see if we can get such an event off the ground in the autumn, where graphic companies can meet to network, gain new knowledge, and find inspiration."
This commitment to industry stewardship highlights Canon’s role as a thought leader and partner in the graphic arts community. By facilitating networking and knowledge sharing, Canon aims to help businesses navigate challenges, identify new growth areas, and collectively elevate the standards and capabilities of the Danish print market. Hans Dalmeijer concludes with an optimistic outlook: "We are already looking forward to the second half, which we are sure will be just as exciting as the first, and not least to present our many new products to the market."
Broader Implications for the Nordic Print Market
Canon Denmark’s strategic advancements and strong performance in the first half of 2026 carry significant implications for the broader Nordic print market. The successful diversification into non-traditional segments with toner print, coupled with aggressive expansion in the inkjet sector, positions Canon as a bellwether for industry trends. This approach demonstrates that growth is achievable even in mature markets by focusing on value creation, flexibility, and solving specific customer pain points rather than solely competing on price or traditional market share.
The investment in a modern, collaborative domicile and advanced demo centers underscores the importance of local presence and hands-on customer engagement in a region known for its demand for quality and innovation. By bringing customers to specialized innovation hubs in Europe for high-end inkjet demonstrations, Canon is setting a new standard for customer experience and support, reflecting the significant investment decisions involved in these technologies.
Furthermore, Canon’s initiative to foster industry debate and networking speaks to a broader trend of collaboration and knowledge sharing being essential for the print industry’s future. As technology evolves rapidly, and customer demands become more complex, a collective effort to adapt and innovate is crucial. Canon’s leadership in this area can inspire other industry players and associations to engage in similar initiatives, ultimately strengthening the entire ecosystem of the Nordic graphic arts sector. This proactive engagement reinforces Canon’s position not just as a technology provider, but as a strategic partner dedicated to the long-term success and vitality of the print community.
Conclusion
Canon Denmark’s first half of 2026 paints a vivid picture of a company not just adapting to change, but actively shaping the future of the production print market. Through remarkable sales achievements in large-format and a strategic pivot in toner print, alongside significant investments in its inkjet portfolio and a state-of-the-art new domicile, Canon is demonstrating a clear vision for growth. The commitment to customer engagement, industry development, and a forward-looking product roadmap positions Canon Denmark as a dynamic and influential force, poised for continued success and innovation in the Danish and broader Nordic print landscape. As the company looks towards the second half of the year, the anticipation for new product introductions and ongoing market leadership remains high.
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