Over 70,000 trade visitors participate in Heimtextil 2017

Close to 70,000 trade visitors from across the world attended the recently concluded Heimtextil 2017, the leading trade fair for home and contract textiles in Frankfurt Germany. A total of 2,963 exhibitors from 67 countries presented their new textile products and designs and growth was driven primarily by Brazil, China, UK, Italy, Japan, Russia, US and UAE.

“The figures speak for themselves - Heimtextil grew once again in 2017 in terms of its visitor and exhibitor numbers. 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,” said Detlauf Braun, CEO of Messe Frankfurt.

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.

“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,” said Andreas Klenk, CEO, Saum & Viebahn.

A great interest was shown in textile design at the fair along with the feel of materials. The colourful fabrics and varied designs by well-known designers and young talent were very popular and attracted a lot of attention. Exhibiting companies also used the creative hotspot to acquire new designs for their upcoming collections.

“We can also confirm the trend towards more materiality. We have seen an increased interest from visitors in our new fabric collections. 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,” said Andreas Zimmermann, CEO Zimmer + Rohde.

Numerous innovations were also seen in the bed segment. 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, said the organiser.

“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,” Robert Kocher, European CEO of Mediflow.

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