News

February 2, 2017
Frankfurt consumer goods fairs end with rise in exhibitor, visitor numbers

Innovations, new product ideas and sales concepts bring trade up to speed: The three international consumer goods fairs ChristmasworldPaperworld and Creativeworld, as well as the new Floradecora trade fair end today for 2,938 exhibitors from 63 countries with countless new contacts and well-filled order books. More than 85,400 trade buyers from 154 countries attended the Frankfurt fair over the past five days to order goods and establish important trading relationships. “The solid growth in exhibitors and visitors by more than 3 percent confirms our Frankfurt consumer goods fairs are the international hub for the trade all over the world,” said Detlef Braun, member of the Executive Board for Messe Frankfurt.

“The top purchasing decision-makers for all sales channels are represented — more visitors made their way to Frankfurt than a year ago, especially from Germany. At the same time, the high international spread of 60 percent provided tremendous export opportunities for the manufacturers,” added Braun. Three quarters of the total visitors come from top management and have the requisite decision-making authority, which underlines the particularly high visitor quality. The extensive range of products at each of the four concurrent trade shows especially attracted buyers to Frankfurt from Italy, Russia, Argentina, the U.S. and Japan. The products range from Christmas ornaments and seasonal decoration in conjunction with fresh flowers and plants, to hobby, craft and art supplies, and extends to gift items, paper articles, stationery, school requisites and office supplies.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of Paperworld — it was very busy in the aisles and at our booth. Our goal was to increase our discussions with national and international trade visitors, and we more than succeeded in this,” said Martina Schneider, head of public relations at Schneider Schreibgeräte. “For us, the Paperworld provides the opportunity every year to connect with the international trade in one place again.”

Thomas Bona, managing director of the German PBS Brand Industry Association, confirmed the mood in the industry. “Our members represented here are very satisfied with the way the fair is going — especially with regards to visitor internationality and the resulting export opportunities.”

Christmasworld exhibitor Johann Hugues, CEO of Blachere Illumination, came to a similar conclusion. “Christmasworld went really well this year. We had more inquiries than last year; our stand was constantly busy. This might be due to our innovations, but the fair once again had more to offer this year.”

All four fairs were characterized by a large number of product launches that provided the trade with new incentives and impulses.

Messe Frankfurt also presented an innovative new feature. For the first time, Floradecora took place parallel to Christmasworld as a new trade fair for fresh flowers and plants. More than 60 suppliers presented their products and concept solutions in Hall 11.1. In addition to numerous Christmasworld exhibitors and the Association of German Garden Centres, the European Lifestyle Association also welcomed Messe Frankfurt’s innovative spirit in developing new formats and product ranges for the trade. “Floradecora provides new momentum that the industry needs. The concept is impressive and we very much hope that the exhibition establishes itself at the location”, said Managing Director Heike Tscherwinka.

Next year, the consumer goods trade fair quartet will take place around the last Saturday in January, as in previous years:

  • Christmasworld: Jan. 26-28, 2018
  • Floradecora: Jan. 26-29, 2018
  • Paperworld and Creativeworld: Jan. 27-30, 2018



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