After four days domotechnica, International Trade Fair for Household Appliances, closed on 16th February 2006 in Cologne with a positive result. 1,041 suppliers from 40 countries presented their product innovations from the large and small domestic appliances and components sectors in gross exhibition space of around 80,000 m2.

The great majority of exhibitors praised the decision-making competence, expertise and internationality of the trade visitors and expressed their satisfaction with business at the fair. The media response to the event was also great. This meant that the overall expectations of many companies were exceeded.

The trade visitors came to domotechnica Cologne from all over the world, while around 70% of the foreign visitors were from Europe. In this connection, numerous visitors from the EU countries, but also from Eastern Europe, North America, Central and Southern America, from Western and Central Asia, East Asia and Australia were welcomed.

Strong small and medium-sized business sector
At domotechnica the small and medium-sized business sector once again confirmed its significance as an ideas provider. From high-tech in the kitchen, via product innovations in the small appliances sector such as induction pans with built-in temperature display through to intelligent features and solutions in components technology - small and medium-sized companies impressed with their innovation potential.

Effective presentation by the components industry
In addition to the new developments in the area of large and small appliances, as an independent segment the components sector also presented the technical refinements of the future. The mostly invisible components such as the smallest motors or micro-pumps are making a key contribution to the innovation potential of the sector. As a result, domotechnica became a key platform, especially for researchers and developers from the domestic appliance manufacturers.

The trends at domotechnica
The trend in the domestic appliances industry is generally towards more quality of life. Time-saving, the greatest possible hygiene, high-tech or also design were the key slogans in the presentation of new product developments. There is demand for products which promise work facilitation: one company presented a fully automatic vegetable washer, while another showed an extractor hood, which thanks to a special coating, ensures that fingerprints remain invisible. There is also a growing trend towards multimedia in the kitchen. The new products included, for example, an extractor hood with integrated television or a microwave with LCD screen. In the area of domestic hygiene vacuum cleaners are being increasingly used which clean and operate with a depth action. In this context various manufacturers presented new developments which combat the smallest particles such as fine dust, house dust mites, allergens or formaldehyde, and at the same time contribute to improving air quality in rooms.

"E-Selection" Design-Special
The "E-Selection" Design-Special, which was organized at domotechnica in cooperation with the German Design Council, was extremely well frequented. The numbers of visitors seated in tightly, fully packed rows of chairs in the specialist lectures given by recognized experts on themes such as "Design", "Retail", "Consumer" and "Science" effectively underlined the relevance of the Lifestyle and Design themes within the domestic appliances sector. But the special show with products, which set trends particularly due to their design, as well as the moderated presentations on optimal product presentation at the Point of Sale, also enjoyed keen interest. Overall the "E-Selection" feature therefore met with a very great response and promoted the dialogue between exhibitors and visitors.

Coffee Special with Barista Championship and Roasting Championship
Another big attraction for the media and trade visitors was also the final of the German Barista Championship on the two first days of the fair. Here the highlight was the champion's presentation ceremony on 14th February, in which Eric Wolf was awarded the title of Germany's best Barista (espresso-maker). The coffee roasters were also searching for the best among their ranks at the 1st German Roasting Championship on 15th and 16th February during domotechnica. Both championships were held in cooperation with the international organization SCAE (Speciality Coffee Association of Europe).

domotechnica 2006 in figures
At domotechnica 2006, 1,041 suppliers from 40 countries, 88% of them from abroad, participated in gross exhibition space of 80,000 m2. They included 91 exhibitors and 29 additionally represented companies from Germany as well as 902 exhibitors and 19 additionally represented companies from abroad. Including estimates for the last day of the fair, domotechnica attracted over 18,000 trade visitors from 115 countries, of these around 70 percent were from abroad.

The next domotechnica will be held from 18th to 21st February 2008.