Interzum 2013: a complete success

The share of visitors from abroad was about 70 per cent. A clear rise in visitors from Asia, North America and Eastern Europe in particular was seen at Interzum, the world@¬#s leading trade fair for furniture production and interior finishing. The 1,512 companies from 62 countries ensured a strong appeal this year. 391 of them came from Germany, while 1,121 arrived from abroad. With 266 companies Italy was mostly strongly represented, followed by Turkey with 101 companies. In total this results in an increase of 7 per cent compared to the previous event (2011: 1,412);.

The total exhibition space grew by around 6 per cent. As at previous versions of interzum, decision-makers were the main visitors at the trade fair, which exhibitors have always found praiseworthy.

A total of around 53,000 trade visitors – including estimates from the last day of the trade fair – (52,400 visitors in 2011); came to the metropolis on the Rhine. Around 18,000 visitors were from Germany. More than 35,000 came from 148 countries around the world. Above all there were increases in visitor numbers from abroad. In particular, this included from China, the US, Great Britain, Russia, Poland and Turkey.

An overview of the Interzum trends
The interest of trade visitors in technical and design innovations was particularly great. Against the backdrop of a global increase in demand, the trend in all areas here is a reduced use of materials with consistent quality and a growing use of sustainable manufacturing components. This approach is observed in all segments: in cutting leather, when manufacturing upholstery and mattresses and in the wood materials area. When it comes to design, for instance for fittings, this goes hand in hand with a clear trend for reduced aesthetics.  Superfluous additions are being dropped, reducing the product to its essential function.

Colours continue to arrive on the scene in the supplier products of the international furniture and furnishings industry. Decorations are offered in colour or with a graphic print – whether it@¬#s for furniture, walls or floors. The demand side demands customised options. Just as colourful are the offers from fittings manufacturers when it comes to the inner life of kitchen, bathroom and living room furniture: colourful inserts, drawer structures and hinges point to a growing "love of detail". The classic natural material of wood also fits the sustainability trend. You could also meet up with satisfied veneer manufacturers and traders in Cologne.

* For further information: www.interzum.com