Meble Polska Fair has confirmed its strong position in the global market. The exhibition of this year's edition, held in Poznań from February 20 to 23, 2024, was visited by furniture buyers from nearly 70 countries, with the participation of foreign visitors once again exceeding half.
Uncertain market conditions in some of the key markets for Polish furniture exports made the organisers uncertain about the attendance success of the Poznań furniture fair this year. 'Data from the pre-registration system suggested significant interest from furniture buyers in coming to Poznań, but only positive data after the first day of the event confirmed that the number of visitors would be high,' says Józef Szyszka, Director of Meble Polska Fair.
Ultimately, the total number of fair participants reached 14,325 people, representing a 4 percent increase compared to the previous year. There was also a noticeable increase in the percentage of foreign visitors, who accounted for 54 percent of all visitors this year. This is an absolute record compared to all previous editions of the event. Previously, the highest result in this regard was recorded in 2022 – 53 percent. This year visitors from 68 countries participated in the Meble Polska Fair.
Geographical structure of visitors
The most important trading partner for the Polish furniture industry is Germany. This is where the largest part of Polish furniture exports goes. Therefore, German buyers have been the largest group among foreign visitors for years. This year, German traders were particularly well represented in Poznań, accounting for as much as 18.2 percent of foreign buyers – compared to 15.9 percent the previous year. Czech buyers moved up to second place this time – 7.9 percent. Also, visitors from Lithuania, Romania, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary, and Latvia participated in the fair in large numbers.
As usual, a significant number of visitors from Western Europe visited exhibitors' stands. Representatives of furniture trade from markets crucial for the development of Polish furniture exports, such as the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, also attended. Unfortunately, due to the conflict in the Gaza Strip, the number of buyers from Israel decreased by two-thirds this time.
Exhibitions in 7 pavilions
The exhibitions located in pavilions 3, 3A, 4, 5, 5A (Home Decor), 6, 7 (secret rooms), and 8 covered almost 60,000 square meters. The thematic scope of the fair included products from all price segments: upholstered furniture, furniture made of board and solid wood, chairs and tables, as well as mattresses.
Leading Polish furniture manufacturers presented their offer. But not only Polish furniture was showcased in the pavilions. For several years now, the number of foreign manufacturers actively seeking customers on the global market as exhibitors in Poznań has been increasing. This year, furniture companies from China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova, Germany, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey, and Ukraine showcased their offer in Poznań. Once again, the Ukrainian Furniture Manufacturers Association organised a large national group exhibition.
'It is evident that the importance of the Poznań furniture fair is growing in our region. This is consistent with our event development strategy. We would like the Meble Polska Fair to become a trade hub presenting the offer of furniture manufacturers from Central and Eastern Europe in the coming years,' says Józef Szyszka.
As every year, the Meble Polska Fair was accompanied by the business Interior Fair HOME DECOR. The exhibition featured new collections of standing and wall decorations, lighting, textiles, ceramics, and other decorative elements.
In total, 335 companies from 15 countries presented their offer at the fairgrounds.
Meble Polska 2025
The next edition of the Meble Polska Fair will take place as usual in the last week of February - from February 25 to 28, 2025.
More information:
Meble Polska
www.meblepolska.pl