Ambiente, the world's biggest consumer-goods fair closed its doors this year with an increase of

around 6,000 visitors. Altogether, 4,580 exhibitors from 87 nations and over 147,000 trade visitors from 132 countries made their way to Frankfurt for the fair from 10 to 14 February. The five best-represented nations were Italy, the USA, Spain, Greece and Great Britain. Especially high rates of growth were noted in the case of

guests from the USA (+15 percent), Japan (+5 percent) and the countries of Central and East Europe. Thus, the level of internationality at Ambiente has once again risen and, this year, cleared the 40 percent hurdle for the first time. German buyers at the fair were in the best of moods and, despite the declining number of retail outlets, no less numerous than in 2005.

"Ambiente is the world's most important economic barometer for the consumer-goods industry. Moreover, this year's fair showed that the lean years are now over and the economic upturn has begun. Although an economic miracle is not in sight, the market is much more dynamic than it has been for a long time. For, anyone who wants change must themselves take steps to instigate that change", says Dr. Michael Peters, Member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt GmbH.

Dining trends
Fresh colours on the table
Colour will be the determining element of the range of products for the table and kitchen next season whereby shades of blue and green and orange will dominate, as will red, in many cases in conjunction with black-white contrasts. Flowers will be the preferred decor, sometimes in retro style, sometimes natural. The most popular theme will be Africa for both shapes and decor. In the autumn, the colours will become more subdued and be supplemented by shades of gold, brown and ochre. In the kitchen, the subject of wellness will grow in significance, e.g., in the form of products for steam cooking. The coffee trend remains unbroken, as is demand for fully automatic coffee machines. And taking precedence above all other trends is soccer, represented by a broad range of products from fly swatters, via baking tins, to dishes in the form of football pitches.

Living trends
Individuality is trumps
The demand is for individuality. Consumers want to give their dwellings their own, very personal touch. And, once again, they can do so in a really cosy and fanciful way. Although the shapes continue to be plain, the decor and details frequently have a Baroque feeling about them. Even manufacturers with a tradition of more sober design are marketing luxuriant floral patterns on textile and porcelain products. Renowned artists and designers give product surfaces an individual charm. In many cases, the series are limited to guarantee the buyer a certain degree of exclusiveness. Green in all variations continues to dominate on the colour side.

Giving trends
Ibiza, Italy, India: a boundless cultural mix
Settings that used to be a complete stylistic entity are now to be seen in a new mix-and-match look with Asian, Oriental and Mediterranean influences. Buddha figures are to be seen next to Moroccan screens and colourful Alpine furniture beneath lampshades made of mussels. The mix knows no bounds! Back is Italy of the fifties with striped deck chairs and calabash vases. Films staring Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck recall the good old days. Besides brilliant shades of pink, the whole spectrum of blues and greens and, in particular, turquoise is in. 'Water' plays the leading role in many of the spring and summer collections. The new aqua trend also includes fish motifs on glasses, cups and plates, as well as carpets and baskets made of sea grass.

Ambiente - International Frankfurt Fair 2007 -
will be held from 9 to 13 February.
asianliving, trade fair for original lifestyle products and consumer goods 'made in Asia', was held parallel to Ambiente in Offenbach from 11 to 14 February. With 250 exhibitors and more than 8,000 trade visitors, asianliving 2006 took a big step forward compared to the previous year. The medium-term aim is to occupy the whole of Offenbach Exhibition Centre parallel to Ambiente.

asianliving 2007 will be held in Offenbach from 10 to 13 February 2007.