Poznań, the Polish city increasingly positioning itself as a global hub for the furniture industry business, once again demonstrated its growing appeal during the latest edition of Meble Polska. The trade fair, which recorded rising attendance figures this year, is facing a luxurious problem: exhibitor demand is making the organiser to increase exhibition possibilities.
On the very first day of the fair, a 28% increase in the number of visitors was recorded compared to last year, with a final total of 16,512 visitors—a 15% growth compared to the previous edition. Final figures indicate that buyers from 71 countries were present, with 58% of the visitors coming from abroad. Last year, there were visitors from 70 countries. At that time, 54% of the audience was from abroad.
The largest portion of foreign visitors came from Germany (16.1%). Other countries with many visitors include: Ukraine (7.3%), Romania (6%), France (5.8%), Latvia (4.9%), the Netherlands (4.8%), the United Kingdom (4.6%), the Czech Republic (4.5%), and Belgium (4.3%).
The trade fair team: Tomasz Wojciechowski, Józef Szyszka, Wiktoria Siłacz, Agnieszka Jakubik, Paulina Nowakowska, and Weronika Jakubowska.
Internationalization and a global audience
Józef Szyszka, Director of Meble Polska, underscores the importance of this international presence: 'Our exhibitors spare no effort in creating an impressive fair, with large, eye-catching stands. Our task is to attract furniture buyers from all over the world to Poznań.' And they are succeeding. The event welcomed industry representatives from distant markets such as the United States, Mauritius, Israel, and India, proving that Meble Polska is evolving beyond a European marketplace into a truly global platform for the furniture industry.
Meble Polska covered a total of 60,000 m² across nine pavilions, hosting over 377 companies and brands from 17 countries. Beyond showcasing new collections, the event also served as a knowledge hub, featuring numerous lectures and training sessions in collaboration with industry partners. Experts shared insights on market trends, design protection, and effective sales strategies.
Check out the complete photo report by InteriorDaily from Meble Polska.
New markets and opportunities
Meble Polska's international strategy aims not only to attract buyers from traditional markets such as Europe, but also to explore new territories. 'We are actively seeking fresh avenues to bring buyers to Poznań,' Szyszka explains. 'Markets like Africa, India, and even China are now high on our radar. Additionally, interest from the United States continues to grow.' This expansion strategy is designed to increase visitor numbers while also creating broader business opportunities for exhibitors, enabling them to establish valuable new connections.
Changing perceptions of a Polish trade fair
Szyszka notes that first-time visitors often arrive with different expectations than what they ultimately experience. 'Many are surprised by the scale and professionalism of the event. Polish trade fairs are sometimes unfairly perceived as lesser in quality, but we have proven that we are taken seriously on the global stage.' This growing reputation makes Meble Polska an increasingly attractive option for businesses considering participation in a Polish trade fair.
The pandemic's impact
The pandemic has reshaped the global trade fair landscape and left its mark on the furniture industry. Szyszka points out that disrupted supply chains and uncertainty over container shipping costs from Asia led buyers to look beyond China. This presents opportunities for countries like Poland, which are heavily export-oriented. In fact, 90% of Polish furniture production is destined for foreign markets.'
Opportunities from other markets
Despite global competition, Meble Polska remains an attractive event for international companies. One example is Kuka Home, one of China's largest furniture manufacturers, which participated this year. 'The fair is a place for competition, and we welcome companies from all over the world', Szyszka states.
Additionally, this year's fair saw a notable presence of Turkish suppliers, partly due to the postponement of imm cologne. These companies sought alternative platforms to showcase their products to an international audience. Ukrainian businesses, typically present at their own trade fair in Kyiv, also took the opportunity to exhibit in Poznań. The ongoing war in Ukraine has forced them to find new ways to engage with the global market.
Growth with Challenges
Meble Polska's winning formula appears set for continued success in the coming years. 'The biggest challenge will be accommodating everyone,' Szyszka admits. 'We expect to grow again next year, so we need to ensure additional pavilions for newcomers. Our goal is not just to grow in numbers, but also to enhance the quality of the fair, ensuring the best possible experience for both exhibitors and visitors.'
Check out the photo report by InteriorDaily from Meble Polska.
More information:
Meble Polska
www.meblepolska.pl