The trade fair hosted 946 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions, who engaged with more than 35,000 visitors from 108 countries and regions across the four-hall, 100,000 sqm exhibition space. Visitor numbers increased by 10% overall compared to the previous edition, with 13% of the total made up of overseas buyers. Global industry players across the event, from suppliers and buyers to fringe speakers, noted their satisfaction relating to positive business exchange, the prevalence of sustainable products and design inspiration, and more.

At the show’s close, Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, remarked on the positive spirit of trade at this edition: “For our 30th anniversary, the fairground was overflowing with dynamic interactions from enthusiastic industry players. I was happy to welcome many returning exhibitors and visitors to the show, especially those who have witnessed the growth of our fair – from 123 exhibitors at the first cross-sector Intertextile fair to around 1,000 exhibitors in just the home textile segment this year. The fair now offers 14 product zones with a comprehensive selection of products, catering to international and domestic visitors across the industry. Over the next decades, we look forward to new chapters, as we continue to keep pace with the everchanging industry and buyer demands.”

Globally connected marketplace for fostering connections

With the support of Messe Frankfurt’s strong network across the global industry, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles has become an inclusive business platform that connects major industry players from the East and West. Comprising the Türkiye Pavilion, Uzbekistan Pavilion, Belgium Zone and various individual overseas exhibitors, the stage was set for suppliers seeking business connections in the world’s leading textile production hub.

An important segment of the fair’s numerous visitors, 17 buyer delegations from 16 countries and regions pre-registered and visited the sourcing platform, including manufacturers, designers, buying houses, distributors, chain stores and retailers from Algeria, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Moldova, Morocco, Myanmar, Philippines, Russia, Thailand, Vietnam and more. Not to mention, VIP buyers from all over the world utilised the platform to meet annual sourcing targets.

Sustainability a central theme of fair’s success

Every year, the evolving platform aims to reflect market trends, and has identified green progress as one of its major focuses going forward. As such, this edition’s comprehensive fringe programme highlighted a series of sustainablity events: Bridging Borders: A Designer x Producer Talk on Sustainability; About Healing; Sustainable Fibre Forum in Home Textiles; product presentations from fibre producers such as 3M , Advansa, and Indorama; as well as a special session to explain the Econogy concept that represents sustainability activities in the company’s Texpertise Network. The show welcomed designers and guest speakers from Europe and the Middle East to add overseas perspectives to the discussions.

Another of the fair’s highlights was the Ikasas Japanese Home Design Gallery, which expanded to five furniture brands integrating sustainability into their unique but practical pieces. Other eco-friendly suppliers across various product categories, such as Global Textile Alliance Belgium NV, Hangzhou Longshi Textile Co Ltd, Mobus Fabrics Ltd, and Zhangjiagang Coolist Life Technology Co Ltd, showcased their latest innovations at a show that is moving with the times.