Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Around 135,000 trade visitors made their way to Frankfurt’s Ambiente show last month – but the economic climate took its toll on UK visitor numbers.
The overall number of visitors was down, with fewer in particular from the UK, Spain, Russia, Japan and the USA.
Sustainability and the environment proved to be the definitive trends in tabletop, kitchen and household products, with recycled and natural materials much in evidence, while china and glass revealed a move towards intense colours as well as more muted shades.
In cookware, design increasingly takes centre stage in a bid to be different, and there was a noticeable move towards colours such as orange, yellow and lilac.
Meanwhile, small appliances also embraced colour, with fashion shades such as lilac now on trend. High-end appliances such as coffee machines remain classic, although black is replacing silver more and more.
Plastic household products focused on snazzy design and practical solutions. The theme of eating and drinking on the move is becoming more important too, with recycling and sustainability a key aspect, particularly for drinks containers.
Dates for next year’s Ambiente are February 12 to 16.
Image: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH / Jochen Günther
