Big players were there

More exhibitors but fewer visitors were recorded by the Asia-Pacific Sourcing fair that has come to the end of its three-day run in Cologne. The 623 suppliers (2011: 578) came from twelve different countries to attend Europe’s number one sourcing fair, which is how Koelnmesse sees the event. At 4 900 the number of visitors was 3.9 per cent down on the attendance figure for the preceding fair, held two years ago. This decline was already evident on the second day of the fair, the Monday. However, many exhibitors spoke of the high quality of the visitors. Buyers from a great number of major companies on the retail side were present at the event. Representatives of industry were also there in order to extend their ranges through products from the Far East. The suppliers’ portfolio included tools, locks and fittings, hardware and fasteners, as well as garden implements and equipment. On the visitor side, tools were most in demand, followed by building and DIY supplies, with garden equipment/lifestyle taking third place. The next Asia-Pacific Sourcing fair will be held in spring 2015.