- Ambiente visitor record: over 147,000 trade visitors in Frankfurt
- Top atmosphere at Ambiente: things are looking up again at long last
- Internationality at Ambiente continues to increase: 60,000 trade visitors from outside Germany
The positive mood prevailing in the consumer-goods sector at the beginning of the year continued at Ambiente. The world's biggest consumer-goods fair closed its doors today, Tuesday, after registering an increase of around 6,000 visitors. Altogether, 4,580 exhibitors from 87 nations and over 147,000 trade visitors from 132 countries made their way to Frankfurt for the fair from 10 to 14 February. This is an increase of four percent compared to the pre¬vious event whereby there was particular growth in the number of international buyers with 60,000 (+13 percent) of the 147,000 trade visitors coming from outside Germany. The five best-represented nations were Italy, the USA, Spain, Greece and Great Britain. Especially high rates of growth were noted in the case of guests from the USA (+15 percent), Japan (+5 percent) and the countries of Central and East Europe. Thus, the level of inter¬nation¬ality at Ambiente has once again risen and, this year, cleared the 40 percent hurdle for the first time. German buyers at the fair were in the best of moods and, despite the declining number of retail outlets, no less numerous than in 2005.
"Ambiente is the world's most important economic barometer for the consumer-goods industry. Moreover, this year's fair showed that the lean years are now over and the economic upturn has begun. Although an economic miracle is not in sight, the market is much more dynamic than it has been for a long time. For, anyone who wants change must themselves take steps to instigate that change", says Dr. Michael Peters, Member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt GmbH.
Ottmar C. Küsel, Chairman of the Board of Management of Rosenthal AG, also felt this mood of optimism: "Without doubt, the increase in VAT planned for next year in Germany will lead to some business being brought forward to 2006. However, we are set to build up such a head of steam this year that the new rate will not be able to stop the positive trend in 2007. Customers are once again ready and willing to treat themselves." For, as both trade and industry agreed at Ambiente, "meanness is no longer cool". Thus, many exhibitors reported double-digit rates of growth during the fair. The Thuringian porcelain manufacturer, Kahla, is more than pleased: "The fair can be summed up in one word: phenomenal! The mood is extremely good. Customers no longer come to complain but ask what needs to be done to get ahead. 2006 will be a great year. The positive atmosphere being reported in the news is having an influence here", says an enthusiastic Andreas Kroll, Sales Director, Kahla/Thüringen Porzellan GmbH.
According to the industry, the times when consumers only wanted cheap products are past: "The trend is once again towards buying consciously with an eye towards quality. In this connection, it is interesting to note that people are also asking where the products are made. They are willing to pay more to help save jobs in Germany", says Matthias Hey, proprietor of Hey-Sign, home accessories manufacturer from Meerbusch, describing the current situation. The seal of quality, 'Made in Germany', is becoming more important again and is in demand – and not just in Germany.
The overall result of the fair for the ceramic industry is 'satis¬factory'. Peter Frischholz, General Manager of the Association of the Ceramic Industry (Verband der Kerami¬schen Industrie e.V.) was particularly struck by the significantly more positive atmos¬phere than in the previous year: "Our impression is that both the trade and consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the fact that good quality has its price. Our members reported numerous visitors to their exhibition stands and positive discussions with the bulk of them. Ambiente generated exactly the right impulses for a promising business year, 2006, among both the trade and industry."
Besides more visitors and significantly better discussions, Bernd Müller, Marketing Director of Zwilling J.A. Henckels AG, Solingen, said that there was a significantly greater willingness to take risks. "The distinction between active and passive players is becoming clearer – and that on both the trade and industry sides", says Stephan Koziol, Chairman of the European Lifestyle Association (Europäischer Verband Lifestyle – EVL) and General Manager of 'koziol >>ideas for friends GmbH', emphasising the importance of Ambiente as the leading active communication tool for the worldwide sector. "Given the numerous communication options open to us today, personal discussions, contact cultivation and direct business are still important factors for success. Here, the authentic and indispensable strengths of an international trade fair such as Ambiente are plain to see", he added.
Not only active but also extremely pleased were the manufacturers of small electrical appliances who have been making their presentations in a separate section of Ambiente since 2004. Since then, the number of exhibitors and the exhibition space occupied have tripled while the level of satisfaction with Ambiente as the leading platform for the segment has grown from year to year. "Manufacturers of small electrical appliances enjoyed a super fair with a high level of international and domestic demand from Friday onwards", reported Heinz Werner Ochs, Chairman of the Board of Pro Business ElektroHausgeräte e.V. "The concepts, the offers and the numerous new products and innovations were given a very good reception by the market. And the terrific environment provided by Ambiente was a great help for all." In this connection, Richard Weidenbach, Director Marketing/Communication Division, Consumer Products, BSH Bosch & Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, Munich, spoke of a turnaround in the trade's mood, an excellent fair and more customers than ever before: "We will certainly be back again next year and hope very much that Philips and the SEB Group (which includes brands such as Krups, Moulinex, Rowenta and Tefal) will also be here." For Nespresso, Ambiente has become so important for the small electrical appliances industry that the company regards it as its platform. Now, many manu¬facturers from this sector use the fair to present their latest products and innovations to the international trade.
The good mood at Ambiente was also reflected in the economic outlook seen by exhibitors and visitors. For both, the direction is positive. As at the Paperworld, Christmasworld and Beautyworld consumer-goods fairs in January, dealers are taking a more optimistic view of the future than the industry. Nevertheless, a more positive attitude can be seen, especially among German manufacturing companies that, with an increase of five percentage points, have a considerably more confident outlook than a year ago. Particular ground for hope is given by the satisfactory order behaviour of dealers, which has improved significantly once again. At the same time, international companies, such as the Finnish design house Marimekko, are once again focusing on the German market. Marimekko, for example, will open its own shop in Frankfurt at the end of March.
According to Thomas Grothkopp, General Manager of the German Association for Tableware, Housewares and Home Accessories (Bundes¬verband für den gedeckten Tisch, Hausrat und Wohnkultur e.V.), "The optimism of the sector manifested itself at Ambiente. The exhibitors concentrated on essentials and on making good presentations of their latest products. The trends were clearly reflected and well implemented. Moreover, trade visitors en¬countered brand-name manufacturers who were able to show clear objectives and visions."
95 percent of dealers polled during Ambiente 2006 said they had achieved their goals for the fair. Two thirds of exhibitors said the same. No less than one in five exhibitors was highly satisfied with the results of the fair. As in the past, the industry was particularly pleased with the high trade-visitor quality. Two thirds of dealers rank among the top decision makers with a high level of buying authority.
Great response to 'Ambiente Windows' and Sunday shopping in downtown Frankfurt
For the first time, Messe Frankfurt cooperated with the private 'CityForum ProFrankfurt' initiative on the occasion of this year's Ambiente. Under the motto 'Ambiente Windows', more than 30 city centre shops presented top new products from the fair. 'Ambiente Windows' showed us what a great interest there is in the subjects and trends of the consumer-goods sector", said Dr. Michael Peters. Around 200,000 people went to downtown Frankfurt to take advantage of this chance to shop on Sunday. The trade was very pleased: "We are delighted with the 'Ambiente Windows' campaign and are looking forward to the next edition. Our branch was very busy on the Sunday. Many customers had heard about the campaign in the media and asked specifically about innova¬tions. Indeed, we have already taken orders for our new products", reported Bernd Liecke, Head of Marketing / Purchasing, WMF Shops. Heinz Schmitz, General Manager of 'CityForum ProFrankfurt', said, "'Ambiente Windows' emphasised the im¬portance of the fair for Frankfurt, not only as an economic factor but also in advertising and image terms. On the other hand, city-centre retailers contribute to the attractiveness of Frankfurt as a fair and exhibition venue."
Dining trends
Fresh colours on the table
Colour will be the determining element of the range of products for the table and kitchen next season whereby shades of blue and green and orange will dominate, as will red, in many cases in conjunction with black-white contrasts. Flowers will be the preferred décor, some¬times in retro style, sometimes natural. The most popular theme will be Africa for both shapes and décor. In the autumn, the colours will become more subdued and be supplemented by shades of gold, brown and ochre. In the kitchen, the subject of wellness will grow in significance, e.g., in the form of products for steam cooking. The coffee trend remains unbroken, as is demand for fully automatic coffee machines. And taking precedence above all other trends is soccer, represented by a broad range of products from fly swatters, via baking tins, to dishes in the form of football pitches.
Living trends
Individuality is trumps
The demand is for individuality. Consumers want to give their dwellings their own, very personal touch. And, once again, they can do so in a really cosy and fanciful way. Although the shapes continue to be plain, the décor and details frequently have a Baroque feeling about them. Even manufacturers with a tradition of more sober design are marketing luxuriant floral patterns on textile and porcelain products. Renowned artists and designers give product surfaces an individual charm. In many cases, the series are limited to guarantee the buyer a certain degree of exclusive¬ness. Green in all variations continues to dominate on the colour side.
Giving trends
Ibiza, Italy, India: a boundless cultural mix
Settings that used to be a complete stylistic entity are now to be seen in a new mix-and-match look with Asian, Oriental and Mediterranean influences. Buddha figures are to be seen next to Moroccan screens and colourful Alpine furniture beneath lamp¬shades made of mussels. The mix knows no bounds! Back is Italy of the fifties with striped deck chairs and calabash vases. Films staring Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck recall the good old days. Besides brilliant shades of pink, the whole spectrum of blues and greens and, in particular, turquoise is in. 'Water' plays the leading role in many of the spring and summer collections. The new aqua trend also includes fish motifs on glasses, cups and plates, as well as carpets and baskets made of sea grass.
Ambiente – International Frankfurt Fair 2007 – will be held from 9 to 13 February.
asianliving, trade fair for original lifestyle products and consumer goods 'made in Asia', was held parallel to Ambiente in Offenbach from 11 to 14 February. With 250 exhibitors and more than 8,000 trade visitors, asianliving 2006 took a big step forward compared to the previous year. The medium-term aim is to occupy the whole of Offenbach Exhibition Centre parallel to Ambiente.
asianliving 2007 will be held in Offenbach from 10 to 13 February 2007.
