Ambiente 2010

§        Despite winter chaos: large increase in the number of foreign visitors and only a slight decline in the number from Germany

§        Thumbs up: a positive economic climate in the consumer-goods sector

Over 133,000 buyers from all over the world made their way to Frankfurt am Main for the biggest international consumer-goods fair from 12 to 16 February 2010. While Germany shivered in the icy grip of winter, the vast range of products for the table, kitchen, home, furnishing and giving to be seen created a spring-like atmosphere in the exhibition halls. 4,504 exhibitors from 93 countries captured the attention of international trade visitors with their new products and presentations. Despite extremely bad weather conditions and snow chaos, there was only a two percent drop in the number of trade visitors, most of them from Germany. A complete contrast was presented by foreign visitors, the number of whom jumped by over ten percent in certain segments to reach over 47 percent of the total. Thus, the 2010 event was the most international Ambiente ever. After Germany, the top-five visitor nations were Italy, The Netherlands, France, Spain and Switzerland. Huge, double-digit increases were recorded from countries such as the USA (22 percent), Turkey (37 percent), Russia (39 percent), Brazil (44 percent) and the United Arab Emirates (70 percent).

The Philippines was well represented by 50 exhibiting companies who showcased quality based furniture/furnishing; gifts & housewares; and home and fashion lifestyle products.

Trends at Ambiente 2010

Dining

Sustainability and nature across the consumer-goods spectrum are not new but trends that continue to become more important. The first is reflected by enduring design and in the use of long-lived materials or recycled raw materials, e.g., for cooking utensils. The second is to be seen in designs oriented towards natural prototypes, as well as towards excellent craftsmanship in terms of the products and the material-mix used, e.g., combinations of glass and stone or glass and wood or stainless steel and wood. Variety ensures interest on the table. In the case of porcelain and china, manufacturers continue to introduce new shapes without withdrawing classic designs. White continues to be the trend colour while soft shades of blue and green, as well as an intensive, dark blue, provide coloured accents. Glasses are becoming more angular with a masculine touch while kitchen aids come in unadorned stainless steel. However, for those who prefer more colour, they are also available in intensive lilac, orange or yellow. In this connection, a wide range of mills and hand-mill stones are useful aids to good cooking while fresh herbs are a must.

Living

Cozy and comfortable are the prerequisites for the home – wood, cork, rattan and cotton remain the most popular materials. As in previous years, sustainability remains an important issue. The cold look of stainless steel, chrome and glass is transformed into warmth through the use of wood and fabric adornments. Large pieces of furniture tend to be unembellished and straight with no more than slightly curved edges and surfaces. African and Latin American exuberance in terms of colour and design is counteracted by functional European and plain Asian styling. Regional charm is also in demand for home and furnishing accessories. When it comes to colour, shades of violet and warm, earthy tones continue to be very popular. However, green and blue in all nuances are also wide­spread. Colour in itself is en vogue. However, it should not be too bright because this effect is already implicit in the use of white, light beige and light silver grey as background shades. Pastel tones of all kinds are also gaining greatly in popularity.

Giving

Tradition-oriented and homeland-loving consumers are well provided for in the world of creative gifts. The spectrum ranges from key fobs in the shape of cow bells, magnets with edelweiss prints or bags with check patterns and ruffs. Serving, decorating and giving – wine is a subject in many segments. Coasters with aphorisms and decorative, bottle-shaped pendants are only two examples of the wide variety of accessories associated with wine. Pure white, black combined with silver and clear shapes are in line with the trend for lifestyle articles. In this case, too, a clear trend towards value and quality can be seen. Additionally, the 2010 World Cup is already casting its shadow with miniature footballers, pot plants in football gear and unusual collectors’ figures set to provide football fun for fans. The latest colour trends are also to be seen in the jewellery sector – lilac is on the way out, blue on the way in. And here, too, longevity and quality are ‘in’ across the board – not just in the premium segment.