Internationale Mobelmesse, Germany’s major international furniture show, followed the Paris show and shared its mood of optimism. Over 1,600 companies from 49 countries exhibited and two-thirds of the exhibition space was taken by foreign companies. Producers from Italy formed the biggest group (280), followed by Denmark with 83 suppliers. US companies numbered only 12, exceeded by Mexico with 17.
In the first nine months of 2000 sales by the German furniture industry rose by 2.5% compared with the previous year. Annual sales are running at DM43bn (US$21bn) and the industry expects to achieve a further increase of 2-3% this year. The furniture industry employs 161,500 people in 1,410 plants, which is 60 fewer than the previous year. The living, dining and bedroom sectors are growing as consumer spending expands, whereas kitchen furniture is in decline, reflecting the state of the construction industry. It is also reported that the flat-pack sector is losing ground. However, the main problem for German industry is the wage rates in neighbouring eastern European countries. For example, Polish labour rates are €320.5 per month compared with a German average of €2,200. Accordingly, the German industry has invested more than €200m in 120 different plants to the east. Few companies, such as the giant Hulsta, remain totally faithful to manufacturing solely in Germany.
‘Wood remains the most important material,’ stated the Cologne press office confidently – and that was clearly the case from the exhibits. Wood was presented as a ‘nature-oriented element’ and one that lends itself to the colours of the day – natural finished maple slowly turns golden, limed-washed oak resembling antique unfinished oak and medium-toned cherry giving the ‘aged’ look. Walnut is also enjoying a renaissance.
Some of the trends in Cologne closely followed the Paris show, with the return of oak furniture in solid and veneer. However, the former fashion of dark shades and staining of oak, which may have contributed to its loss of favour several years ago, has not returned. Today’s oak furniture offered to German consumers is light and bright in line with other hardwoods such as maple and cherry.
