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| Top result for Ambiente The world's biggest trade fair for the consumer-goods sector closed its doors on Tuesday, 15 February 2011, after having welcomed more than 144,000 trade visitors, an increase of almost ten percent over the previous edition (2010: 132.096). During the fair from 11 to 15 February, 4,383 exhibitors from 86 countries (2010: 4.336) presented an international range of products for the fields of tableware, kitchen, home, furnishing and giving. Around 77,500 of visitors (2010: 71,716) came from Germany, an increase of approx. eight percent. One in two of the buyers came from outside Germany so the level of internationality is now about 46 percent. After Germany, the top five visitor nations are Italy, The Netherlands, France, the USA and Switzerland. The positive atmosphere in Germany, which was revealed by a survey conducted by the forsa social-research institute on behalf of Messe Frankfurt before the fair, was also evident at Ambiente. According to the survey, 90 percent of Germans are once again willing to spend more on quality and high-grade products. The positive economic situation is also reflected by a representative poll of exhibitors and visitors conducted by Messe Frankfurt during the fair. Last year, participants took a cautiously optimistic view of future developments. This year, the results are significantly better, especially for German exhibitors and visitors. Altogether, over 80 percent of all respondents consider the current economic situation to be satisfactory to good. The survey also revealed a further increase in the overall level of exhibitor satisfaction with the event while, at 96 percent, visitor satisfaction can hardly be bettered. Trends at Ambiente Dining trends Brands, quality, authenticity, functionality and sustainability are very much in demand. In the porcelain and ceramic segment, authenticity is reflected by products that include 'old' elements in their shape or decoration. White crockery is decorated with relief motifs or with delicate colours, especially blue. Alongside such products are articles distinguished by bright and rich decorative colours. Drinking glasses are functional and classic, although more and more exhibitors are experimenting with unusual shapes. In the kitchen, colourful accents are to be found on accessories, small electrical appliances and knives. The 'in' colours are lime, berry, violet, orange and yellow. Also to be seen in the case of plastic products are transparent shades, such as blue, green, lilac, and natural colours, such as brown, beige and cappuccino. On certain exhibition stands, visitors could also find products made of renewable raw materials, which can be composted and thus meet the demand for ecological goods. Living trends The recipe for success in the home and furnishing segment is consistency with lots of room for individualism. Consumers are developing a powerful desire for concentration – they want to find favourite pieces and thus create their own individual style. This goes hand in hand with a rekindled interest in branded products and high-quality trademarks. Resource conservation and production transparency are decisive arguments in the consumer’s decision-making process. In the case of home accessories, there are signs of an increased attachment to products made in Germany. Locally produced using domestic wood, cuckoo clocks and walking sticks are making a comeback. The charm of the fifties is blowing through Germany’s living rooms. Chairs and tables reflect the designs of that epoch. When it comes to decor, nature is still the key factor. Nevertheless, works of art, especially paintings and sculptures, are gaining in popularity as decorative elements for the home. The range of colours is broader than for many years with pastel shades from rosé to lime green being particularly popular. Decorations for Easter 2011 will be less elaborate with rabbits and chicks in a pared-down design language or made of rough, untreated wood fitting in with a purer style for the home. Giving trends When it comes to creative ideas for gifts, the trend is towards sustainable products suitable for personalisation and unique, high-quality items. Plastic, tarpaulins, parachute silk and woollen blankets are made into individual bags, cases or purses of all sizes. And consumers wanting sustainability but not of the recycled kind look to natural materials, such as felt, leather and bamboo. Objects that bring order into everyday life, such as key rings, mobile-phone cases, cups and notepads, are available in all colours of the rainbow, in accordance with individual preferences. There is something for all tastes in the jewellery world, too, with system collections of rings, chains, watches and earrings giving the consumer the opportunity to make changes to his or her heart’s content. Ambiente 2012 will be held from 10 to 14 February. write your comments about the article :: © 2011 Construction News :: home page |