The world's biggest trade fair for the consumer-goods sector closed its doors on February 15, after having welcomed more than 144,000 trade visitors, an increase of almost ten percent over the previous edition.
"With a good 144,000 buyers from 150 countries, Ambiente 2011 has exceeded all expectations. This is an excellent achievement for the world's most important consumer-goods fair. The big increase in visitor numbers and the associated high level of satisfaction on the exhibitor side indicate that the recovery is well advanced in Germany and the world market," said Detlef Braun, Member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt GmbH.
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. Thus, during his visit to the fair on Friday, Germany's Minister of Economics, Rainer Bruderle, said that increasing wages were among the factors contributing to expansion in the German economy. "The Germans are taking a very optimistic view of the future and are there fore willing to spend more again," said Bruderle. In this connection, Detlef Braun said, "The average sales increase of eight percent expected by the consumer-goods industry in 2011 seems thoroughly realistic."
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 rose 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 some thing 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.
