In a candid conversation with Józef Szyszka, the project manager of Meble Polska, we delve into the core of the furniture fair's challenges, vision and future endeavours. With over two decades of expertise in the furniture business, Szyszka sheds light on the fair's trajectory, and its unique standing in the industry.
The Poznań fair, with a heritage tracing back to its inaugural edition in 1982, stands as a cornerstone of the furniture industry. The annual event serves as a steadfast gathering, summoning both familiar faces and fresh prospects within the furniture sector. Amongst the recurring attendees, about 70-80% of the exhibitors are faithful participants, lending a sense of continuity. ‘The decision of which companies exhibit depends greatly on the general condition of the economy’, Józef explains. ‘It’s the biggest furniture fair in this part of Europe.’
Export oriented
Poland stands as a significant furniture producer and exporter in the global market. In terms of exports, China leads the pack with an estimated 88 billion dollars, followed by the second group comprising Poland, Germany, Italy, and Vietnam, all contributing around 14 to 16 billion dollars each. ‘The Poznań fair is mainly focused on export,’ says Józef. ‘The majority of the exhibitors comes from Poland, but you can find exhibitors from abroad. Especially from the surrounding countries, such as Lithuania, Ukraine, Romania, etc.’
Poznań, in this regard, acts as a pivotal gateway for Polish and neighbouring countries' furniture producers, offering them exposure and opportunities unavailable in their own countries. Meble Polska, distinctively, emerges as the fair where most Polish exporters establish crucial connections for the forthcoming seasons, emphasising its pivotal role in fostering export relationships and industry growth.
The upcoming fair
The upcoming fair, scheduled for February 20-23, remains consistent with previous years, with no substantial alterations anticipated. While market conditions are challenging, there's a sense of optimism. Despite the setbacks caused by the pandemic, the fair in Poznan saw growth in 2023 and anticipates further expansion in the upcoming edition. ‘In light of the COVID situation, some draw distinctions between the times before and after its onset. Generally, the pre-COVID era was deemed better, and the fair itself needs to rebuild its position. Despite this, the furniture fair in Poznan was larger last year than before COVID, indicating continued growth. This year, an upward trend is expected to persist. Over the past 5 years, the fair has welcomed visitors from 92 countries’, says Józef.
Future outlook
Regarding new developments for the upcoming fair the outlook appears promising: ‘While immediate changes may not occur next year, plans are underway for the future. We are focused on two primary directions. First, while already drawing most Polish furniture producers, both big and small, there's an aim to seek new partnerships in neighbouring countries like Lithuania, Ukraine, and Romania, where furniture production is thriving. Second, Poland's reputation as a source of high-quality, reasonably priced furniture sometimes gets misconstrued as a destination for cheap furniture. To change this perception, we aim to establish a specialised pavilion for premium-level furniture.’
Challenging market conditions
The current market conditions in Poland and the rest of Europe have witnessed a downturn in turnover. However, rather than retrenching, Józef believes in fighting through such times. ‘You have to do something to change the situation, you cannot sit and wait. The fair serves as an arena to seek new partnerships and invigorate the industry. We aim to attract new buyers, and explore uncharted markets, such as India, Africa or the Far East.’ Ultimately, the goal is to remain proactive and not merely wait for a change in circumstances. Józef’s belief lies in taking proactive steps, fostering partnerships, and navigating through challenging times in the ever-evolving furniture market landscape.
More information:
Meble Polska
[email protected]
www.meblepolska.pl
Józef Szyszka
[email protected]
+48 603 413 109