GERMANY – Interzum in Cologne closed on 8 May 2015 with excellent results. More than 57,500 industry visitors from 143 countries (an increase of 8.5 percent) made for an outstanding atmosphere at the exhibitor stands over the four days of the fair. 

With 41,000 visitors from abroad (an increase of 17 percent), interzum 2015 was once again a very international event. For one, there was a significant increase in visitors from Europe, from Italy in particular, as well in the traditionally strong showings from the UK, Spain, the Netherlands as well as from Poland. In addition, there was also a considerable increase in fair guests from Asia, particularly from China. Visitor figures from the USA (up 25 percent), South America (up 21 percent) and India (up 34 percent) also displayed an impressive upswing.

With 1,561 companies from 57 countries in attendance, not only were all the market-leading companies represented in Cologne, but also plenty of smaller, highly innovative companies. André Dorner, Managing Director, Blum Germany stated, “The number of visitors as well as the quality of the talks was outstanding. We were able to inspire our customers and partners from all over the world and we are looking at interzum 2017 with confidence.”

Overview of the trends at interzum:

Customising: Across-the-board diversity, even production runs of one! New, bold combinations, original ideas, colour trends of the future, decor concepts, designs, patterns. Big emphasis on design expertise despite principally technological functions.

Conservative use of materials: From the screw to the lightweight panel, from leather cutting to intelligent foam materials/foams inspired by nature, with internal cavities but stable nevertheless.

Resource conservation: Technical refinement of materials as well as of manufacturing and recycling processes.

Demographic change/Mobility: Sit-to-stand assists, castors, fittings to facilitate the easy disassembly and transportation of sofas, simple usability and a focus on comfort.

Connectivity: Apps, Bluetooth and WiFi for lighting control, locks on furniture and adjusting height levels. Plus an ever increasing diversity of software for customised ordering, e.g. levels of mattress firmness.

Technologies of the future: 3D-printing: a technology currently making inroads into many areas of production, design in particular.

The next interzum will take place from: 16. – 19 May 2017 Cologne, Germany