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@ Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

16.05.2017

TENDENCE IS GROWING: ADVANCED LOOK AT NEW PRODUCTS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER!

'New' is the keyword, and so it will remain – whether it is the latest news, fashion collections fresh off the catwalk, or the first delivery of consumer goods straight from the factory. New products for the second half of the year in the furnishing, living, and giving categories will be showcased for the very first time in 2017 at Tendence. From 24 to 27 June, exhibitors from all over the world will be presenting their products at the lifestyle fair in Frankfurt am Main. "We’ve achieved our objective to encourage Ten-dence to grow again as the first event showcasing new products in the second half of the year. Some of the halls are actually overbooked. So, there will be a larger range of products on show for buyers, particularly in the seasonal decoration, tableware and home textiles sections, as well as the new outdoor living segment", says Bettina Bär, Director Tendence.

Preview: Spring and Summer 2018

In addition to this, companies will not only showcase their new products for the autumn and winter business period at the fair, but also their brand-new collections for spring and summer next year – as heralded by Tendence’s slogan: 'Two Seasons, One Date'. Exhibitors, who can present products for the first season of next year as well, will be represented in all the halls. The stands of these companies will be labelled 'Spring Summer 2018' to make them easy for buyers to find. The Tendence catalogue and online exhibitor search contains an overview of relevant suppliers.

Ethical Style – green products on the up

Trendy lines, including shoes that were once just flip-flops, beakers made of bamboo fibres, and porcelain manufactured in a water-efficient way: sustainability comes in many different guises. It is clear that consumers are attaching more and more importance to the way products are made, the materials used, and the manufacturing conditions. Exhibitors at Tendence, who offer 'green' products like these can be identified in the catalogue and on the website because they bear the 'Ethical Style' label. The stands of these companies will also be labelled in green (of course). "This is because consumers are focusing more and more on products that are manufactured sustainably", says Bär. "Where and how something is produced and whether it is recyclable or not, is becoming more and more important to customers when they make their purchasing decisions."

Tendence – international trade fair for consumer goods

Tendence (24 to 27 June 2017) is Germany’s most international order venue for the second half of the year. The wide-ranging product portfolio covers fields of the home, furnishing, decorating, gifts, jewellery, fashion accessories, home textiles and outdoor living. Special shows and a wide-ranging complementary programme of events are multi-faceted sources of sales-boosting impulses for retailers. Strong brands and key communicators use this new-products platform to present their trends for the winter and Christmas season. At the same time, they give bulk buyers from the international trade the chance to place orders in good time for their spring and summer collections.

@ Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

@ Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

@ Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

@ Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

More information:
Tendence Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH Sustainability Ethical Style Outdoor Interior textiles Seasonal Decoration Lifestyle fair

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Sleeping as a Lifestyle at the HEIMTEXTIL 2017

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17.01.2017

HEIMTEXTIL ENDS WITH INCREASED VISITOR AND EXHIBITOR NUMBERS

Matchmaking at the trade fair: exhibitors and visitors highlight the quality of business contacts made
Celebrity guests and star designers go on a textile tour of discovery

Matchmaking at the trade fair: exhibitors and visitors highlight the quality of business contacts made
Celebrity guests and star designers go on a textile tour of discovery

Inspiring, touch-focused and close to the industry: Heimtextil finished last Friday after four successful trade fair days in Frankfurt am Main. In spite of the snow, ice and storms, particularly on the first and last days of the trade fair, almost 70,000 trade visitors (2016: 68,277) from across the world attended the leading trade fair for home and contract textiles and were won over by quality and variety of the exhibited products as well as the trends of the new season. Growth was driven primarily by Brazil, China, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Russia, the USA and United Arab Emirates. A total of 2963 exhibitors from 67 countries (2016: 2864) presented their new textile products and designs across 20 halls and appeared to be highly satisfied by the orders they received and business contacts they made. Detlef Braun, CEO of Messe Frankfurt, highlighted the positives following the end of the trade fair: “The figures speak for themselves: Heimtextil grew

once again in 2017 in terms of its visitor and exhibitor numbers. But it’s no longer about quantity and hasn’t been for a long time. I am especially pleased about the high quality of the products exhibited as well as the intensity of discussions between purchasers and exhibitors. Frankfurt is the international meeting place and beating textile heart of the interiors industry.”
Also positive: overall, visitors consider the sector’s economy to be in a better place even than last year. Visitors from Germany in particular consider the situation to be good (40 per cent).
“We returned to Heimtextil at the right time: over the past few days, we have been successful in positioning our new profile and new product orientation”, says Andreas Klenk, CEO Saum & Viebahn. “The feedback from our visitors was thoroughly positive and we were able to acquire both export and domestic contacts. We will be leaving this Heimtextil with a good feeling and look forward to returning next year.”

Textile design: the eye feels too

It is not just the feel of a material that determines its appeal – something that was also obvious at Heimtextil with the great interest shown in textile design. The colourful fabrics and varied designs by well-known designers and young talent were very popular and attracted a lot of attention: “For me as a designer, Heimtextil is extremely interesting, in particular because I can see myself designing bed linen, pillows and other home textiles in future in addition to wallpaper”, says star designer Michael Michalsky, who presented his new wallpaper collection at the trade fair.
“At the world’s leading trade fair, competitors are present in great numbers. Here, I can experience marketing of products at close quarters and get direct feedback on my own new products.” And it was not just designers that showed great interest in the globally unique design offer at Heimtextil. Exhibiting companies also used the creative hotspot to acquire new designs for their upcoming collections.

Eva Padberg, Harald Glööckler and Michael Michalsky

The enthusiasm for beautiful and high-quality textiles not only brings trade visitors together, but also numerous celebrity guests. At the opening of Heimtextil, top model Eva Padberg talked with Detlef Braun about the trends of the coming season, the interest of end consumers in sustainability and

the common ground between fashion and interior design. She then used the opportunity to take a tour of the Theme Park trend area and the trade fair.
A meeting point for stars continued to be the Marburger Tapetenfabrik on the first day of the trade fair: Harald Glööckler presented his new collection “Glööckler Imperial” which bore the unmistakeable signature of the designer with its usual luxurious style. Musical accompaniment and a good atmosphere was provided by singer

Dynelle Rhodes from the Weather Girls as well as Frankfurt radio presenter and DJ Felix Moese. Designer Michael Michalsky also presented his new collection of wallpapers in person in cooperation with A.S. Création.

Trend towards more materiality

An end to bare walls and cold floors: home textiles are celebrating their comeback in private homes. Curtains, carpets and decorative cushions are decorating people’s own four walls and lending them a personal note. “We can also confirm the trend towards more materiality. In addition to our new wallpaper products, we have seen an increased interest from visitors in our new fabric collections”, says Andreas Zimmermann, CEO Zimmer + Rohde. This trend is boosting orders at Heimtextil: “The quality of visitors was very high: we met very high-quality, good international purchasers and excellent potential new customers. We are therefore very satisfied with our attendance at Heimtextil.”

Sleepinmg as a lifestyle

After nutrition and fitness, sleeping will be the next big lifestyle theme. This was also proven by the numerous innovations seen in the bed segment. Mediflow from Hamburg, for example, presented an improved version of its water pillow capable of full adjustments for firmness and supportive effect. Robert Kocher, European CEO of Mediflow: “This year, we had lots of new customers at our stand who had heard about us and wanted to know more about our products or even ordered them directly. Visitors primarily came from the Middle East, China, the eastern European region and Scandinavia. We also enjoyed intense discussions with American and German customers. This is also the great strength of Heimtextil. You’ve can shake hands with the world here. It is not just about sales, but also communication and establishing relationships or simply getting direct feedback on our products”. At the sleep campaign stand, visitors and exhibitors alike were able to inform themselves about

the four things that can influence sleep. Heimtextil will continue to focus on the topic of sleeping over the coming years.

The next Heimtextil, international trade fair for home and contract textiles, will take place from 9-12 January 2018 in Frankfurt am Main.

At the opening of Heimtextil, top model Eva Padberg talked with Detlef Braun about the trends of the coming season

Home textiles are celebrating their comeback in private homes

More information:
Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH heimtextil 2017 Home textiles Interior textiles Contract textiles

Source:

Textination GmbH

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16.08.2016

TRADE FORUM FOR HOME TEXTILES COMFORTEX SHOWS "NEW MATERIALITY"

CADEAUX Leipzig: fabrics capture the room

New cloths the country needs: home textiles revive the modern interior design and are the focus of the professional forum for home textiles COMFORTEX at the CADEAUX Leipzig. From September 3rd - 5th 2016 interior designers, property experts, interior designers and craftsmen learn about the "new materiality" in its whole diversity and receive a comprehensive insight into the color and design trends in fabrics and curtains. In addition, the 49th CADEAUX supplies pulses for attractive decorations and innovative glass art and a variety of inspirations around the current lifestyle and culinary enjoyment.

CADEAUX Leipzig: fabrics capture the room

"In September Leipzig presents the theme living for retailers in a great variety," project director Andreas Zachlod says. "A total of 350 exhibitors and brands show on the CADEAUX and on the integrated expert forum for home textiles COMFORTEX their attractive collections and current editions of a modern lifestyle."

Modern materials for room and window

Prestigious brands dominate the exhibition program in the field of cloth and curtain. Among others, the following companies show their innovations: Brändl Textile, Dr. W. Hufnagl, Edi Michel, Florentina embroidery company, Heinz Weckbrodt, Hossner Heimtex, Jürgen Schleiß Confection, Klippan Yllefabrik, Lutex Fabrication, MB Textilmanufaktur, Otto Dotzauer, Raebel, Rovitex, Stickperle, StiVoTex, Verdi Collection, Vogtländische Home Textiles, Voigtmann & Kruschwitz, W. Reuter & Sohn and Wölfel & Co. and also the EuroCom GmbH with quality pressing irons.

About the most important interior trends in terms of cloth the trend forum "New materiality in the room and at the window" will give detailed information. A café with a lecture area invites to stay in an inspiring lounge atmosphere. Bernhard Zimmermann from the sector agency BZ- BBI (Leipzig) and his creative team provide a comprehensive trend update and draw the essential material milieus in four scenarios. In that the products of all exhibitors of home textiles are positioned in the center. Twice a day professional input about the revived enthusiasm of fabrics and of ideas for modern marketing methods will be given in lectures.

Curtains on a triumphal march

"We want to give the visitors the pleasure of selling home textiles, and illuminate advantages and potentials” Bernhard Zimmermann explains. "The creative power of cloths is just rediscovered." Pioneer was the contract business: Here innovative, easy-care fabrics would be appreciated as an excellent light and sun protection and the aesthetic, acoustic and energetic functions of the textile materials would be used. "But also in the living area we are now on the threshold of a trend reversal. The living styles are changing, curtains and drapes are coming back!"

The new "Generation Cloth"

Through cloth livable, pleasant rooms in the work environment, in healthcare, hotels and in private life would arise, so Zimmermann. "They reflect what the modern human being yearn: a cozy retreat that provides livability a new way and in modern colors and raises family warmth."

Suggestions for today's "Generation Cloth" were provided inter alia by the interpretation of advanced architecture, furniture design and creative textile drape of the 50s and 60s. "The market offers the colorations and patterns for every taste - whether comfortably-natural, progressive-young, factually-geometric or classically elegant," Zimmermann says. Not least products such as pillows, blankets or curtains offer an ideal opportunity for seasonal or mood changes in the room.

Inspirational - the lifestyle trends for fall and winter

Living, furnishing and enjoying: Many inspirations and promotional information about modern lifestyle can be experienced in other exhibition areas. Ralf Meuser demonstrates in the forum "Enjoy Meat" premium kitchen accessories in action. With matching accessories from sharp knives and sharp cutting boards, selected roasters and pans to spice mills the chef prepares high quality meat dishes. With practical tips Meuser gives the retailers important sales arguments at hand and points to the potential which lays in the theme "Enjoy Meat".

A traditional material in a stylish garb is staged in the special show GLASklar with emphasis on enjoyment, home accessories and Christmas. On display are glass products from renowned exhibitors - under the label of "Enjoyment" for example, drinking glasses, carafes, dessert bowls, bottles or étagères. Under the heading "Home Accessories" for example lamps, mirrors, pictures and decoration products will be presented. Christmas tree ornaments and figures determine the theme "Christmas". Furthermore, the forum provides a fascinating insight into the art of glass processing and refinement.

Service: opening times and admission prices

CADEAUX with the special forum for home textiles COMFORTEX is opened on Saturday / Sunday (September 3rd and 4th 2016) from 9:30 AM to 06.00 PM and on Monday (September 5th 2016) from 9:30 AM to 05.00 PM. Trade visitors who register online will receive free admission. At the box office the ticket price is EUR 17.00, for regular visitors EUR 8.00. A legitimation as trade visitor is required. The ticket includes also the admission to the open dowry-area of the parallel occurring watch and jewelry fair MIDORA Leipzig.

More information:
Leipziger Messe COMFORTEX CADEAUX

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24.05.2016

CRISIS HITS RUSSIAN FASHION MARKET HARD

Sales decreases
Middle Price Segments affected most
Online Sale of Clothing growing

Sales decreases
Middle Price Segments affected most
Online Sale of Clothing growing

Moscow (GTAI) - Sales of apparel and home furnishings will continue to decline in 2016. Lower real income leads to falling demand. Russian customers buy fewer clothes and are increasingly watching the price. Most sales shrink in the medium price segment. Fashion chains react on the declining market volume by closing stores and focus on profitable locations. In contrast, the online trade is growing. In comparison to the year before Russia's clothing market shrank in 2015 year by 9% to a volume of Rubles 1.4 billion. Converted into USD the decline was even 43%. The discrepancy between the value in Rubles and in USD is due to the drastically fallen value of the Russian currency. For the textile and clothing industry, the Ruble devaluation means a fundamental change in the general framework: more expensive imports, lower personnel costs in Russia and rising export opportunities.

Customers change from the middle to the lower price segment
In addition, the real income of the Russian population declines and thus the purchasing power. Russian customers buy less clothing and watch more and more the price. Sales shrink at the most in the medium price segment. Many customers orientate themselves on low-price segments (mass market), which will increase in 2016 by 5 to10% to a share of 65 to 70%, the Fashion Consulting Group predicts. The proportion of the premium and luxury segment remains unchanged.
An average Russian household has cut its spending on clothing and home textiles by 30 to 50%, experts estimate. Especially the suppliers of imported textiles and clothing got to feel this, their prices had to be increased most, what damaged the business of foreign brand suppliers. In 2015 the Russian imports of textiles and clothing fell by 25%. This tendency continues in 2016.

Distribution networks in the stationary trade become thinned
Because of the price pressure manufacturers and retailers in the fashion market shorten their staff, negotiate discounts for the shop rental, reduce the collections, simplify cuts and save on quality. While many Russian brands used to buy their materials in the EU and in Turkey, designers and producers now can only afford cheap synthetic fabrics from China. The advertising budgets were slashed in 2015 by 40 to 45%. Moreover clothing suppliers react by closing stores and concentrate on most profitable locations. Since 2014 more than eleven international brands have left the Russian market. These include Gerry Weber from the middle price segment, Laura Ashley, Chevignon and Seppälä; from the mass market segment Esprit, New Look, OVS, River Iceland and Wendys.

Marks & Spencer closed 3% of its stores, Mango 7%, Gloria Jeans 12%. The largest drop in the number of stores are reported from the brands Vis-a-Vis (-65%), Motivi (-40%), Savage (-29%) and Incity (-17%). Maratex closed its franchise stores for clothing brands like Esprit, New Look, OVS and River Iceland 2015 in Russia. The Finnish Stockmann sold its seven department stores in Russia for EUR 5 million to Reviva Holdings Ltd. (owner of the franchise store chain Debenhams) and gave up the business of its brands Lindex and Seppälä.

Adidas has closed 2015 167 of its 1,100 shops in Russia, planned are 200. The German sportswear manufacturer acquired 2015 the central warehouse Chekhov-2 with an area of 120,000 square meters in the Moscow region. The purchase price is supposed at a total between USD 70 and 100 million. The Finnish Kesko informed in February 2016 that it wants to sell the Russian Intersport chain because of poor financial results.

The retail chain Modny continent (brands: Incity, Deseo) reduced the number of its stores by 35. At the end of the first quarter of 2016 they still owned 301 stores. The Melon Fashion Group disposed in 2015 27 unprofitable stores, for this they opened 37 new ones. Melon owned December 31st 604 stores throughout Russia (befree 234, Zarina 203, Love Republic 167), of which 134 are franchise stores (befree 56, Zarina 44, Love Republic 34). A new concept of the stores - larger retail space and more modern design – should help against the crisis.
The Spanish designer brand Desigual closed its Russian stores end of September 2015, but they remain on the market in multibrand stores. A similar course is followed by other brands.

Eleven fashion brands enter the Russian market in the first half year of 2016
A small gleam of hope: Eleven fashion brands announced to enter the Russian market in the first half year of 2016. This happened already at the end of 2015 with budget brands like Cortefiel, Superdry and Violetta by Mango. H & M, Monki, Uniqlo and Forever 21 want to continue to expand in Russia.
Already in 2015 the number of H & M stores grew in Russia by 35% to 96 stores. On April 28th 2016 the menswear house Henderson opened a new salon in the shopping center "Zelenopark" in Zelenograd near Moscow. With this Henderson (brands: Henderson, Hayas) is now represented in 164 major shopping centers in 56 Russian cities. Hugo Boss inaugurated on April 8th 2016 a new shop in the Outlet Village Pulkovo.

The vertically integrated chain Gloria Jeans has changed it’s headquarter at the beginning of 2016 from Rostov-on-Don to Moscow and rented there 3,500 square meters in the Arma plant. Until the end of 2016 Gloria Jeans plans to extend on 5,000 square meters and further to 10,000 square meters until 2017. The capital should serve as a gateway to the world market: Gloria Jeans plans to open an office in Hong Kong. The company has eight regional offices and two large logistics complexes in Novosibirsk and Novoshakhtinsk.

**International brands, planning to enter the Russian market in first half of 2016**
Nr.	Brand	Country	Profile	Shopping mall	Price segment
1	Demurya	France/Russia	Clothing	Smolenskij Passash	Premium
2	John Varvatos	USA	Clothing	Crocus City Mall	Premium
3	Il Gufo	Italy	Clothing for children	ZUM	Premium
4	Barbour	United Kingdom	Clothing	GUM	upper middle
5	Armani Exchange	Italy	Clothing	Mega, Aviapark	middle
6	Veta	Estland	Clothing	Streetretail, Kamenoostrowskij	middle
7	Love Stories	Netherlands	Underwear	Einkaufszentrum "Modny Seson"	middle
8	Victorias Secret Pink	USA	Underwear, clothing	Evropejskij	middle
9	Hunkemöller	Germany	Underwear	Mega	middle
10	Undiz	France	Underwear	Mega	lower
11	Aigle	France	Clothing, shoes	Street retail, Olimpijskij pr-t	middle

Source: Retail.ru

Online sale with clothing is growing – Chinese suppliers are expanding
In contrast to the declining sales in the stationary apparel trade, the demand in outlets and on the Internet is rising. The number of visits and the average amount of receipts at the Fashion House Outlet Centre Moscow has risen by two times since July 2013, director Brendon O'Reily reports. The Fashion House Group offers online shopping since 2016.

The association of Internet trading companies (http://www.akit.ru) estimates that sales on the Internet in 2015 were Rubles 760 billion (+ 7%). The share of clothing and footwear was 35 %. Already in 2014 the online trade had grown by a third. Online stores are operated by KupiVIP, Lamoda and Finn Flare. Alone at KupiVIP the number of orders increased by 45% to a volume of Rubles 16.5 billion in 2015.

Manufacturers and distributors therefor boost the online trade. The government wants to promote the export of Russian goods and is planning a large Internet trading platform. Models are Alibaba (China) and JD.com. However Russian customers are buying increasingly from Asian webshops. Only in 2014 the popularity of online orders in China increased threefold.

Contac addresses
Fashion Consulting Group
(Consulting, Marketing, PR)
125009 Moskau, Maly Gnezdnikowskij pereulok 4
Tel.: 007 495/629 74 25, -629 76 23
E-Mail: info@fashionconsulting.ru, Internet: http://www.fashionconsulting.ru

Russian Buyers Union
119034 Moskau, ul. Prechistenka 40/2, Gebäude 3, Büro 110
Tel.: 007 499/350 51 40
E-Mail: info@buyersunion.ru, relations@buyersunion.ru
Internet: http://www.buyersunion.ru

More information:
Russia Fashion Mode Online retail

Source:

Ullrich Umann und Edda Wolf, Germany Trade & Invest www.gtai.de

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BEKLEIDUNGSHERSTELLER VERLAGERN PRODUKTION NACH RUSSLAND

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17.05.2016

CLOTHING MANUFACTURERS MOVING PRODUCTION TO RUSSIA

Weak Ruble makes domestic Production profitable
Government encourages Investments

Moscow (GTAI) - Sales of textiles and clothing will continue to decline. Production in Russia however will rise. Due to the strong Ruble devaluation in the last two years, the conditions for the textile and clothing industry have completely changed. On the one hand falling real incomes lead to declining demand. On the other hand labor costs have fallen under Asian benchmarks.

Weak Ruble makes domestic Production profitable
Government encourages Investments

Due to the low Ruble exchange rate it has become cheaper in 2015 for domestic and foreign textile and clothing companies to produce in Russia. Translated into US dollars, labor costs are currently due to the Ruble devaluation 10 to 15% below the reference value in the PRC. The average wage of a worker in the garment industry in China is currently USD 300 to 350, in Russian Rubles 12,000 to 15,000 (USD 185-230).

Relocation to Russia begins
According to a report of the newspaper "Izvestia" the first domestic and foreign clothing manufacturers of branded products have reacted and shift their production capacity from Asia to Russia or have subcontract Russian garment manufacturers. These include companies like Roztech (brands: Dikaja Orchideja, Bjustje, Defile, Grand Defile), Sportmaster, Melon Fashion Group (befree, Zarina, Love Republic), Finn Flare and Kira Plastinina.

"A few years ago we produced 20 to 30% of our collection in Russia, last year 2015 there were already 30 to 40% and now already about 70%", the commercial director of "Kira Plastinina Style" Vladimir Romanov reported. For that the company has established its own production in an industrial park in Osery close to Moscow.

Other brand manufacturers and retailers like Zara (Inditex), Sela, Baon, Gloria Jeans, Modis, Lamoda, Lady & Gentleman, kangaroo and Sneschnaja Korolewa are looking for opportunities to relocate their production to Russia. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is in intensive discussions with Zara, H & M, Benetton, Dekatlon, Sportmaster and IKEA (home textiles) in order to convince them of the advantages of production in Russia. In future IKEA wants to get up to 40% of its products produced by Russian firms.

Roztech plans to double its production of women's underwear to up to 8 million units. Currently two sites are rented for that in the Smolensk region. For repairs and preparations for production in the rented plants Roztech will invest about Rubles 60 million. Two other sewing factories in the area of Moscow and Smolensk are already working for Roztech. Contract productions in the PRC and in the Baltic States the company will be terminated because of this.

The franchise chain Finn Flare (Finland) has rented a factory with 500 square meters close to Moscow early 2016, renovated it and installed new equipment. For that Rubles 12 million were invested, General Director Ksenija Rjasowa said. The sewing factory is scheduled to start in May and will produce 40,000 to 60,000 pieces clothing per year. Beginning of 2016 Finn Flare possessed 143 Russian stores (54 franchised).

Manufacturers of sportswear increase their share of production in Russia
Since the outbreak of the Ruble crisis Sportmaster has begun to place a portion of its contracts with Russian companies. Currently 15% of the clothing and footwear is coming from Russian production. The retail chain operates shops with the brands Sportmaster - 460, Ostin - 760 and Funday - 60.

The MMD group "Vostok i Zapad", which belongs to the group of the companies Bosco di Ciliegi, intends to set up an own factory for the production of sportswear in the industrial park "Kameshkovo" in the Vladimir region. The necessary investment will amount to Rubles 1 billion, of which Rubles 200 million are own funds and about Rubles 400 million will be requested from the fund for the development of mono towns.

Even Pierre Cardin is talking with major Russian garment manufacturers about licensed productions, designer Rodrigo Basilikati said in March 2016. So far the fashion house is based on ten own stores and licensees from Germany, Italy and the USA.

So far most sewing orders placed in China. In future one has to expect more companies and offers from Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Malaysia and Indonesia. The Eurasian Economic Union and Vietnam have agreed upon a free trade agreement.

Import dependence on fabrics and accessories as cost risk

By manufacturing in Russia the exchange rate risk and transport costs do not apply. But one cost risk remains: For sewing of clothes in Russia not all fabrics and materials can be sourced domestically, but need to be purchased at 65% abroad. The technical equipment needs to be imported at 100%. In the foreseeable future this remains a cost risk, depending mainly on the development of the further exchange rates.

The main suppliers of fibers, fabrics, yarn, buttons and accessories were previously the PRC and Turkey. However - since the deterioration of the state relation with Turkey Russia is working intensively to get gradually rid of this delivery dependence.

Anti-crisis and development program for the light industry
In the Russian light industry 14,000 companies are manufacturing clothing, textiles, footwear and leather goods. Thereof 653 large and medium and 4,000 small businesses operate in the yarn and textile industry. To give the clothing and textile factories more planning certainty, the Russian Government decided in spring 2016 a "Strategy for the development of the light industry until 2025" and a "Federal program to support the enterprises of the light industry" (anticrisis plan).

**Russian Confederation: Production of textiles and clothing (Change in %)**
Description of goods 2015	Change	2015/2014
Cotton fiber (mio. bales)	111.0	4.4
Man-made fiber (mio roles)	66.0	-4.5
Fabrics (mio. sqm)	4.542	14.7
thereof:
Natural Silk (1.000 sqm)	253.0	31.8
Wool (1.000 qm)	9,262.0	-20.9
Linen	25.9	-26.6
Cotton	1,176.0	-4.5
Man-made fiber	237.0	14.2
Fabrics made of other materials	3,084.0	25.1
Fabrics with plastic impregnations (mio. sqm)	32.3	14.6
Bed linen (mio. sets)	59.8	-9.6
Carpets (mio. sqm)	22.6	-3.7
Knitwear (1.000 t)	14.2	29.8
Hosery (Mio. Pair)	199	-5.6
Coats (1.000 pc.)	989	-22.1
Lined jackets (1.000 pc.)	1,887	-45.4
Suits (1.000 pc.)	4,690	-12.6
Mens jackets and blazer (1.000 pc.)	870	14.1
Ladies coats with fur collar (pc.)	5,543	-46.1
Clothing made out of artificial fur (1.000 pc.)	24.5	21.0
Uniforms and workwear (mio. pc.)	20.7	-8.2
Work – and protective wear (mio. pc.)	99.8	14.6
Overalls (1.000 pc.)	733	-62.4

Source: Rosstat 2016

**Russian Confederation: - Production of textiles and clothing (% Change)**
Description of goods	1st Quarter 2016	1st Quarter 2016 / 1st Quarter 2015
Sewing threads- made out of synthetic fiber (mio. rolles)	14.0	-0.6
Fabrics (billion sqm)	1.2	23.2
Bed linen (mio sets)	14.1	-7.7
Knitted stockings (mio. pairs)	55.4	34.0
Knitwear (mio. pc.)	24.8	-6.0
Workwear Uniforms (mio. pc.)	31.1	11.2
Coats (1.000 pc. )	269	9.1

Source: Rosstat 2016

Contact addresses
Russian Union of Entrepreneurs of the Textile and Light Industry
107023 Moskau, uliza Malaja Semenowskaja 3
Tel.: 007 495/280 15 48, Fax: -280 10 85
E-Mail: info@souzlegprom.ru, Internet: http://www.souzlegprom.ru

Ministry of Industry and Trade
Department of Light Industry
Denis Klimentewitsch Pak, Director of the Department
109074 Moskau, Kitajgorodskij proesd 7
Tel.: 007 495/632 8004 (Sekretariat), Fax: -632 88 65
E-Mail: dgrvt@minprom.gov.ru, Internet: http://minpromtorg.gov.ru

Light industry department:
Director: Irina Ivanova Alekseewna,
Tel.: -632 87 31, -346 04 73; E-Mail: ivanovaia@minprom.gov.ru
Internet: http://minpromtorg.gov.ru/ministry/dep/#!9&click_tab_vp_ind=1

"Strategie für die Entwicklung der Leichtindustrie bis zum Jahr 2025"
http://www.kptf.ru/images/company/Presentation.pdf (Präsentation zur Strategie)
http://minpromtorg.gov.ru/docs/#!strategiya_razvitiya_legkoy_promyshlennosti_rossii_na_period_do_2025_goda (text of the strategy and action plan)

More information:
Russland schwacher Rubel Produktionsverlagerung

Source:

Ullrich Umann and Edda Wolf, Germany Trade & Invest www.gtai.de

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IVC introduces the 16th Edition of the Study "The Fiber Year" with Key Sector Data

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10.05.2016

IVC INTRODUCES THE 16TH EDITION OF THE STUDY "THE FIBER YEAR" WITH KEY SECTOR DATA

Fiber Production for the first Time in five Years lower than Consumption

In a press conference on May 3rd 2016, the industry association IVC published in an established tradition both the national and the global sector data: Andreas Engelhardt, CEO of The Fiber Year GmbH left no question about all important raw materials, natural and synthetic fibers and nonwovens unanswered and presented In his study a forecast horizon till 2020. 20 country profiles of leading production as well as consuming nations completed next to statements from sector experts and an extensive statistical annex the new edition. The key messages were focused on production, consumption and trading volume.

For the first time in five years fiber production is less than consumption

Since 2008 the global fiber production dropped again for the first time.

Fiber Production for the first Time in five Years lower than Consumption

For the first time in five years fiber production is less than consumption

Since 2008 the global fiber production dropped again for the first time. The global volume fell by 0.7% to 94.9 million tons. The decline was decisive caused due to cotton which experienced its steepest decline in forty years. The production in the current season is estimated with 22.0 million tons, a decrease of 15.6% compared to the previous season. With a slight decrease in demand by 2.2% at the same time the stocks remain with over 20 million tons still at an enormous height. High growth rates of China's chemical fiber industry let expect a massive supply surplus. The global fiber demand in the past year has grown to 96.7 million tons. This represents an increase of 3.1% over the previous year, the weakest growth in four years due to a continuously decreasing growth of demand.

With a world population of about 7.3 billion people, this results in an average consumption per capita of 13.3 kg of textile materials for garments, home textiles, carpets and technical textiles. Synthetic fibers showed an increase of 6.6% to 60.7 million tons, significantly driven by a growth of polyester. The increase is largely caused by the area of filament yarn, as staple fibers achieved a moderate growth of 2.4% only. This can be seen as a recovery after this part of the sector showed in the last year a decline for the first time since 2008.

Cellulose fibers showed for the first time after seven years with strong growth a slight fall in production of 1.2% to 6.1 million tons. The market is almost completely dominated by staple fibers. Due to a growth across Europe and Asia viscose fibers could increase their volume by 1.1% to 4.9 million tons. In contrast Acetate showed a loss in a second consecutive year. A decreasing production activity was seen in all markets and regions with a global slump of 7.5% to 0.9 million tons. This drastic cut was significantly stronger than the losses in the end-use consumption, which can be seen as a clear indication of global destocking. The long-term shrinkage of cellulosic yarns for textile applications has developed further, so that the global supply of about 350 000 tons is equivalent to the level of the early 1930s.

The market for natural fibers experienced with a reduction of 13.2% to 28.1 million tons the biggest annual decline since 1986, which is mainly due to cotton. The production of wool was unchanged at 1.1 million tons while for bast fibers a reduction of about 5% is expected.

In a focus on the different countries, the People's Republic of China could further strengthen its dominant position with an increase in production output by 8.9% to more than 47 million tons. The United States could consolidate their second place despite a slight decline of 2.5% to 2.9 million tons, while India experienced a continued decline in the fifth following year to 2.6 million tons.

Trading volume grows unabated

According to the World Trade Organization (WTO) during the year 2014 the textile and clothing exports reached around USD 820 billion. The for the yearbook researched trade flows of 26 countries and the EU (28) estimate that the worldwide export will fall to USD 780 billion in 2015. While the Chinese exports developed a first decrease in six years, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam were able to continue to raise their export value. The dynamic development particular of Vietnam with its booming textile industry can be attributed to the influence of free trade agreements.

Fiber production in Germany

Despite international trends and many political challenges, which increasingly plague the German chemical fiber producers, man-made fibers "made in Germany" are still no dying species, Dr. Wilhelm Rauch, managing director of the industry association said.

While in 2014 the chemical fiber industry in Germany suffered a decline in production volumes of 6.1%, the production volume stabilized at almost the same prior-year level. The production of cellulosic fibers remained with a reduction of - 6.8% (previous year - 8.6%) - conform to the worldwide slump of cotton. Synthetic fibers (in particular Polyester) however achieved a slight increase of + 1.6% (last year - 4.9%). Thus the reduction in production volumes kept with - 0.9% in limits.

As consequences of this a sales decline of - 4.8% and associated necessary personnel adjustments with -1.4% are alarming signals, that the site conditions for chemical fiber producers in Germany (and Europe) are urgently in a need of improvement. A positive turnaround could certainly bring a fair competition protecting and an industry-friendly approach of the EU business policy. But the emphasis of the current policy debates - about the recognition of the market economy status of China as an example of politically motivated developments let suppose a very different intension, so Mr. Rauch. Despite unfavorable economic expectant conditions it is to owe the commitment and innovation power of the local manmade fiber sector that they claim to withstand the international competition.

Nevertheless, the sector would appreciate a somewhat lower political headwind.

Fiber processing

In 2015 the processing of all types of fiber in Germany could not keep the level of the previous year and suffered a decrease of -11.6%. The total imports of chemical fibers - mostly from the 28 EU countries with +54% followed by Asia with + 40% - show a plus of 1.1% (synthetic staple fibers +1.9% and filaments +1.7%), while cellulosic fibers suffered a slump of -7.4%. The total export is declining slightly (- 2.0%). Despite the reduction of total exports, here the shares in the various regions of the world compared to the previous year stood unchanged.

Further information is available at:

Andreas Engelhardt

CEO

The Fiber Year GmbH

Hauptstraße 19

9042 Speicher, Schweiz

Tel.: + 41 / 71 / 450 06 82

E-mail: Engelhardt@thefiberyear.com

Creta Gambillara

Economics and Public Relations

Industrievereinigung Chemiefaser e.V.

Mainzer Landstraße 55

60329 Frankfurt am Main

Tel.: 069 / 279971 – 39

E-mail: Gambillara@ivc-ev.de

IVC stellt 16. Auflage der Studie „The Fiber Year“ mit den Kernbranchendaten vor

More information:
IVC, Mitgliederversammlung, Chemiefasern The Fiber Year

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Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) / TEXPO

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15.03.2016

TEXPO 2016 - INTERVIEW ON THE OCCASION OF THE FIRST TEXTILE FAIR AT KARACHI EXPO CENTER

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) organizes from April 07th - 10th a new textile exhibition, the TEXPO in Karachi. This exhibition has been conceived as a whole sector comprehensive trade fair and should help to promote the export business of Pakistani textile and clothing companies. A month before the opening Textination got the opportunity to speak with the person in charge in Germany, the trade expert Mr. Rizwan Tariq from the Pakistani Consulate General in Frankfurt.

T	Mr. Rizwan, you can tell us some figures about the current state? How many exhibitors will take part in the event and how big is the occupied exhibition space?
RT	There will be around 400 exhibitors and the occupied exhibition space would be around 20,000 sqm. This is the 1st edition of the exhibition and next year the number will double.
T	How many visitors are you expecting? What is the expected proportion from Asia, the US and Europe?
RT	All Pakistan Embassies and Consulates worldwide are marketing the event as it is the 1st ever Government sponsored textile & clothing exhibition. So we are expecting visitors from around 50 countries. There will be a large number of buyers from Asia especially China. US and Europe will constitute the remaining half.
T	From August 27th - 29th 2016, the 14th textile trade show Textile Asia will be held in Lahore. Please explain how complementary or overlapping these two fairs will be and what are the main differences?
RT	Textile Asia focuses on textile machinery, chemicals and dyes and other technology used by the textile industry of Pakistan. Both the fairs are aimed at different end customer. Texpo is the fair of Textile Industry which will sell its final product to the world while in Textile Asia, machinery and chemical/ dye manufacturers from all over the world come to Pakistan to sell their products to Pakistan’s textile industry.
T	What is the current reaction of the international textile world to the new TEXPO event? What kind of feedback did you receive?
RT	As I said earlier, this is the 1st edition of the exhibition but we are hopeful for positive results. Pakistan is already exporting textile products worth billions of dollars worldwide. So we already have a big customer base across the world. The main purpose of the fair is to give a positive message to our valuable buyers that we are a safe country to travel and that they should not have any apprehensions in visiting their suppliers.
T	Will the generous visitor program be used by German companies - can you give us a few names?
RT	Yes quite a few German companies have expressed their interest in visiting the event. Polo-Motorrand, Summary AG and a few other big names have already joined the delegation from Germany. Big German clothing retailers either already have their buying agents and Offices in Pakistan or in the neighbouring countries like India, Bangladesh and China. So some of the German representatives will also be coming from Asian countries.
T	What kind of framework program, company visits, lectures, seminars or any other conference events will accompany the exhibition?
RT	There will an Inaugural dinner on the 6th of April at the Sindh Governor House. It is a beautiful building built during the 18th Century and speaks of its glory. Then the 1st two days of the exhibition are for the foreign delegates/ buyers only. In the evenings we will have fashion shows where top Pakistani designers will display their design for international audience. The guests/ delegates will be free during the days to visit the exhibition and also plan their visits to manufacturing facilities of the exhibitors.
T	Since many years Pakistan's textile industry is very active on European and US markets. What caused TDAP to initiate such a big new show in Karachi?
RT	Yes, Pakistan’s textile industry is very active in European and US markets but there is always room for growth. Like I explained earlier the event has multiple purposes. First, Pakistan is known in the news/ media for all the wrong reasons like terrorism etc. whereas ground reality is totally different. So one purpose is to promote the real image of Pakistan. Our valuable customers should come and see for themselves and experience our hospitality. Secondly, Pakistan has been granted GSP Plus preferential market access by the European Union for 10 years starting from January 2014. Almost all textile products from Pakistan enter European Union at Zero Customs duty. This is a 10-20 percent cost advantage over our competition. So the Government of Pakistan intends on helping the industry to maximum possible extent to increase their business especially to Europe. This event will also help the new manufacturers to meet international customers at home and learn about new technology and trends in the international market. Similarly our valued customers will have the opportunity to meet new suppliers. So it will be a win win for all.
T	At many large textile and clothing trade shows - whether in Germany, other European countries or the US - many wellknown Pakistani manufacturers of bedding products, home textiles, cotton fabrics and of course clothing are showing again and again since many years. Will now mostly the same manufacturers or exhibitors be present at TEXPO, or will new, not yet so much export-oriented companies exhibit in Karachi?
RT	Well! The big companies will ofcourse be there. They would definitely not to forego this opportunity to meet new buyers or loose their old buyers to competition. But there will also be a large number of SMEs and new exporters.
T	Which visitor groups are you mainly targeting with the new fair - trading houses, purchasing associations, retail-chains, department stores, discount–chains or other businesses?
RT	We are targeting all kinds of textile buyers. Pakistan produces textiles for all segments of the market.
T	Karachi was and is considered as being not a very safe city. Several terrorist attacks have happened there. What kind of security measures do you intend and what code of behavior will you recommend to your international visitors?
RT	As I have already explained, there is a lot of negative news in the media. Karachi is a city of around 20 million people and people are leaving in peace and harmony. This is Government sponsored event so security of the guests is also being taken care of by the Government. We will advise the buyers to move out of their hotels with known associates and friends and that they should inform the hotel management and the Organisers help desk at the hotel of their plans before leaving. The transport for the registered guests is also being arranged by the Government so all security related aspects are being taken care of. There is no serious security situation in the city but the above care will help the visitors in gaining confidence for their security arrangements.

Thank you very much for the interview, we wish the entire TEXPO team a succesful premiere.

For further information please contact:

1. Mr. Rizwan Tariq
Commercial Counsellor
Consulate General of Pakistan, Frankfurt am Main
Tel: +49 69-6976970
Mobil: +49 176-31363223
Email: pakcom.frk@tdap.gov.pk

2. Mr. Matthias Theis
Honorary Consul of Pakistan for the state of NRW, Düssseldorf
Tel.: +49 211 4407227
Email: office@pakistan-nrw.de

3. Mr. Rainer Borch
Trade Development Officer
Embassy of Pakistan Berlin
Tel.: +49 30-21244145
Mobil: +49 163-3736036
E-Mail: tdo@pakemb.de oder rainer.borch@aol.de

Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) / TEXPO

More information:
TEXPO 2016 INTERVIEW The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Textilmesse Rizwan

Source:

Textination GmbH

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TEXPO 2016: First textile exhibition at Karachi Expo Center

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23.02.2016

TEXPO 2016: FIRST TEXTILE EXHIBITION AT KARACHI EXPO CENTER

Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Government of Pakistan is organizing the first ever textile exhibition named TeXpo 2016 from 7-10 April 2016 at Karachi Expo Center.

Objective of this exhibition is to present the potential of textile sector exports, especially value added sectors: readymade garments, knitwear, hosiery, bedsheets, textile madeups, sportswear, towels, textile accessories, etc.

The textile sector of Pakistan

Pakistan is the 4th largest producer and 3rd largest consumer of cotton globally. Textiles is the vital manufacturing sector of Pakistan. It contributes nearly one-fourth of industrial value-added, provides employment to about 40% of industrial labour force, consumes 40% of banking credit to manufacturing sector and accounts for 8% of national GDP. Textile products share in national exports is 54%.

Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Government of Pakistan is organizing the first ever textile exhibition named TeXpo 2016 from 7-10 April 2016 at Karachi Expo Center.

The textile industry consists of 11.3 million spindles, 3 million rotors, 350,000 power looms, 18,000 knitting machines and processing capacity of 5.2 billion sqm. It has 700,000 industrial and domestic stitching machines. In addition, it has a strong fiber base of 13 million bales of cotton and 600,000 tons of manmade fibers including polyester fiber. There are 21 filament yarn units having capacity of 100,000 tons. The filament and yarn industry is supported by PTA plant which has 500,000 tons capacity. Thus a complete textiles value chain exists in the country which is rare in the world, unlike many competitors which have only primary base or the finished base.
Source: Ministry of Textile Industry, GoP

Pakistan’s textile exports to Germany

Pakistan enjoys zero customs duty access to European Union including Germany on textile products under GSP Plus Scheme. The scheme started in 2014 and the duty preference to Pakistan will continue for another 8 years. As a result of this incentive, Pakistan’s exports to European Union have increased by almost US$ 2 Billion in two years and the main beneficiary of the scheme has been the textile sector. This increase in exports shows the European buyers confidence in the manufacturers and exporters from Pakistan.

Especially with Germany, Pakistan’s exports in textile products have been increasing by 20% every year. The table below shows Pakistan’s exports to Germany, in textile products:

	2013		2014		2015		2015		% Inc/ Dec in 2015 over 2014 - 11 Months
	(January - November)		(January - November)		(January - November)		(January - November)		% Inc/ Dec in 2015 over 2014 - 11 Months
	EUR (‘000)	USD (‘000)	EUR (‘000)	USD (‘000)	EUR (‘000)	USD (‘000)	EUR (‘000)	USD (‘000)	EUR
cotton	115.451,00	153.353,00	109.190,00	145.456,00	101.111,0	135.491	113.799,0	126.692	13%
Man-made staple fibers	16.135,00	21.367,00	16.959,00	22.432,00	15.387,0	20.499	16.432,0	18.274	7%
Carpets, floor covering made of textile materials	11.127,00	14.797,00	12.545,00	16.565,00	11.119,0	14.807	10.919,0	12.173	-2%
Knitwear	135.428,00	180.080,00	176.123,00	233.634,00	161.014,0	215.001	206.988,0	230.339	29%
Ready made garments (Woven)	266.450,00	353.495,00	334.446,00	444.604,00	311.214,0	415.95	405.924,0	451.166	30%
Home textiles (incl. Bedwear and towel)	176.440,00	234.265,00	236.164,00	313.190,00	214.074,0	285.953	215.308,0	239.699	1%
Total of 6 items	721.031,00	957.357,00	885.427,00	1.175.881,00	813.919,00	1.087.709,00	969.370,00	1.078.343,00	19%

**Pakistan export of textiles and clothing to the world**
	Major Commodities	Value in US$ thousand July-June 2014-15	Value in US$ thousand July-June 2013-14
	Textile Group	13.164,027	13.433,644
1	Cotton Cloth	2.452,632	2.769,986
2	Knitwears	2.406,488	2.293,668
3	Cotton Yarn	1.849,389	1.997,338
4	Bed Wear	2.103,071	2.137,744
5	Readymade Garments	2.095,089	1.909,323
6	Towels	797,155	767,461
7	Art Silk And Synthetic Textiles	330,584	384,964
8	Textile Made Ups (excl. Towels & Bed Wear)	654,926	659,929
9	Raw Cotton	147,060	205,136
10	Kintted or Crochated Fabrics	36,177	34,974
11	Cotton Waste	51,050	79,122
12	Yarn other than Cotton Yarn	42,828	43,873
13	Tents & Other Canvas Goods	126,575	77,759
14	Waste Material of Textile Fibres/Fabrics	28,042	24,451
15	Tule, Lace, Embroidery Etc	12,515	15,567
16	Cotton Bags/Sacks	13,138	11,677
17	TEXTILE FABRICS WOVEN (Other than Cotton & Artificial Fabrics)	3,726	3,698
18	Cotton Thread	12,259	15,123
19	Textile For Machinery	1,323	1,851

Source: TDAP R&D Cell

Texpo – An opportunity to expand sourcing and increase Profits

The exhibition – Texpo provides and a unique opportunity for the buyers from Germany to meet new suppliers of the textile products and visit their manufacturing facilities.

The Government of Pakistan, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan will arrange accommodation for the visitors/ guests from all over the world, in the top hotels in Karachi city. Free accommodation will be provided for the guests registered through Pakistan Embassy at Berlin or the Consulate at Frankfurt am Main. A few select guests will also be offered air ticket subsidy depending on the confirmation from the organisers.

Local transport in Karachi city with complete security for the delegates will be arranged by the Government of Pakistan to further add to the comfort of guests from all over the world.

You can also plan your visit to China and other regional suppliers near Karachi right after Texpo.

For further details, please contact:

1. Mr. Rizwan Tariq
Commercial Counsellor Consulate General of Pakistan, Frankfurt am Main
Ph: +49 69-6976970
Cell: +49 176-31363223
Email: pakcom.frk@tdap.gov.pk

2. Mr. Matthias Theis
Honorary Consul of Pakistan for the state of NRW Dusseldorf
Ph: +49 211 4407227
Email: office@pakistan-nrw.de

3. Mr. Rainer Borch
Trade Development Officer Embassy of Pakistan Berlin
Ph: +49 30-21244145
Cell: +49 163-3736036
Email: tdo@pakemb.de or rainer.borch@aol.de

More information:
TEXPO 2016 textile exhibition Karachi Expo Center

Source:

Textination GmbH

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26.01.2016

IMM COLOGNE/LIVINGINTERIORS A SUCCESSFUL START TO THE NEW YEAR FOR THE INDUSTRY

80.000 trade visitors from 128 countries
Significant increase in visitors from Europe
1,185 exhibitors from 50 countries
LivingInteriors dazzles with Smarthome

From 18 to 24 January 2016 at imm cologne and LivingInteriors, a total of 1,185 companies from 50 countries presented the trends in furniture and furnishings for the coming year. Buyers from the trade with decisionmaking authority made for a dynamic trade fair during the first five days. With around 80,000 trade visitors from 128 countries, the event recorded a slight increase (4.8 percent) in trade fair visitor numbers compared to 2014. The proportion of visitors from abroad was 46 percent (based on the trade visitor days).

80.000 trade visitors from 128 countries
Significant increase in visitors from Europe
1,185 exhibitors from 50 countries
LivingInteriors dazzles with Smarthome

"This outcome shows that imm cologne is unmatched as a business event for the global furniture and furnishings industry", said Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse, summing up the event.

"This is where the world comes together to do business, which offers a lot of new opportunities for export-oriented companies. At the same time, this fair duo has proved once again that business and creative inspiration are not mutually exclusive", Böse continued. "imm cologne was a wonderful furniture show and has got us off to a very successful start to the 2016 furniture year. With so many new products and ideas, innovations and great models in all price ranges, we are confident that the German furniture industry will achieve another increase in sales this year", added Dirk-Uwe Klaas, Managing Director of the Federal Association of the German Furniture Industry (VDM). This was confirmed by Hans Strothoff, President of the Federal Association of German Furniture, Kitchens and Furnishing Retailers (BVDM): "This year's imm cologne really stimulated a keen interest in furniture. Rarely has the mood in industry and trade been so positive as at this fair. Wherever you looked, only smiling faces and great optimism. imm cologne has really catapulted the industry into the new business year with a swing."

The atmosphere among visitors was characterised by business, networking and the search for trends. In the past few years, imm cologne has raised its international profile, not just among exhibitors, but also among visitors. 2016 saw a significant increase in buyers from Europe, primarily from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain and Austria. The event also registered a clear increase in the number of visitors from overseas, especially from the USA, China and India. Including estimated figures for the last fair day, a total of 120.000 visitors were inspired by the interior design worlds.

In addition to the products on show, the highlights of the 2016 trade fair once again included "Das Haus - Interiors on Stage", a walk-through simulation of a home, which was designed this year by Sebastian Herkner, and the "Smart Home" special exhibition at LivingInteriors, where numerous companies showcased solutions for a cleverly networked home that are already available today.

Trends at imm cologne/LivingInteriors 2016

Homes are becoming homier once again Cosiness and a feeling of security are increasingly important in the home. There is also a clear enthusiasm for new combinations. Along with furniture and decorations, accessories and home textiles that suit people's preferences when used individually are combined freely. The result is homes that are as unique as their inhabitants.

Mid-century design is booming
Across all product sectors, a striking number of furniture designs are reminiscent of those from the 1940s through the 1960s. These designs make efficient use of materials, have delicate features and are lightweight and above all smaller. The trend can be explained by the smaller living spaces available in city homes, though also by a general sense of nostalgia. Like an old friend, sleek mid-century furniture proves its value in uncertain times.

Natural materials are on the rise
Wood, glass, stone and metal: natural materials are particularly popular. In addition to the large proportion of wood used, for example in tabletops, chair and table frames, valuable natural stone is an increasingly common material in tabletops. Popular varieties include the European classic "marble" as well as exotic South American stone with particularly unique veining. The use of tree bark in wall decoration is another trend on the horizon.

The next imm cologne will be held from 16 through 22 January 2017 in Cologne - together with LivingKitchen, the international event for all topics related to the kitchen.