The last edition of interzum guangzhou, Asia’s largest and most important trade fair for woodworking machinery, furniture production and interior design, which took place in Guangzhou from 28 to 31 March, was a complete success. On an impressive exhibition space of 160,000 square meters, 1,226 exhibitors presented their latest products, concepts and know-how. With a focus on innovation and sustainable development, the fair attracted almost 150,000 trade visitors and provided a platform for exchanging ideas, networking and doing business.
A gathering of top global brands
In addition to many top national brands, the fair was also attended by nearly 200 leading international companies looking to expand their presence in the Chinese and Asian markets. Companies like Henkel, LINAK, REHAU, Schattdecor, Interprint and Sugatsune presented new products and materials as well as new technologies and processes, and with this mix gave a global perspective on the development trends of the furniture industry this year.
“Participating in interzum guangzhou this year is quite nice”, noted Andrea Casoni, Asia Market Manager of FGV, a well-known Italian furniture hardware brand. He added: “We are expanding our team in China and broadening our product range, starting with our newly launched hinges, drawers and slides.”
Kaiyuan Chen, Managing Director of Leitz (China), expressed similar views, saying: “I believe this year’s show is very well attended, with many potential customers. The number of orders received has exceeded our expectations.”
Global leading panel manufacturer Kronospan also unveiled its latest series of products for customized furniture at the event. “interzum guangzhou is a very important trade fair where everyone comes to discover the latest trends and products”, remarked Kronospan Trading’s CEO Oana Bodea. Sharing her views on the development trend of the furniture industry, she added: “I believe that minimalism and sustainable products are the future of the furniture industry. The new generation is very concerned about the Earth and our future.”
Promoting sustainable development and innovation
CIFM/interzum guangzhou reaffirmed its position as the ultimate “one-stop” platform for the furniture manufacturing industry with a series of concurrent events to promote regional trade and exchange. Industry professionals had the opportunity to learn about current issues and keep up to date with the latest developments in the industry.
One of the highlights of this year’s fair was the presentation of the interzum guangzhou Award and its special exhibition area, which emerged from the globally recognised “interzum Award”. Presented by international experts Dick Spierenburg and Hon.-Prof. Dr. Sascha Peters, the award focuses on new materials, new technologies and new requirements in the global furniture industry. The award aims to promote sustainable development in the industry and offers a forward-looking perspective that attracted many trade visitors. The VSIL Forum was themed “Vitality of Sustainable Innovation to Life” and invited well-known domestic and foreign companies and international experts to explore the development of the furniture industry. Topics included market needs, branding, product design, green innovation and product intelligence, introducing new ideas and perspectives.
Another forum, “Boundless Design”, explored design trends in upholstered furniture and the digital transformation of companies from an international perspective, inviting an active exchange of ideas.
The VSIL@Gallery, themed “WAKEFULNESS”, offered visitors an intuitive experience. It revolved around the sleep research report of the Dutch youth design studio Enrichers and successfully attracted numerous visitors with its innovative designs and visuals.
About the future of the industry
As the trend towards industry convergence continues, the demand for personalised and customised products is increasing. This means that the furniture industry is faced with higher expectations in terms of product quality, efficiency, economic value and service experience, creating new challenges for furniture manufacturing.
Simon Jenkinson, President of Linak (China) and Vice Chairman of the China Furniture Association, pointed out that the development of digital and virtual technologies and the emergence of the metaverse are redefining the workplace. Driven by changing consumer habits and market demand, the use of smart furniture can provide much room for imagination. Accelerating digital transformation and enhancing the innovation capabilities of businesses has become a critical issue.”
The next edition of interzum guangzhou will continue to take place from 28 to 31 March 2024 at the Canton Fair Complex.
