Frankfurt Sets the Pace: Global Consumer Goods Industry Finds Momentum in 2026

With 4,636 exhibitors and participants from 170 nations and around 140,000 visitors, Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld 2026 reaffirmed Frankfurt’s role as a central marketplace for the international consumer goods industry. From 6 to 10 February, the city once again became the place where global networks strengthened and new business momentum emerged.

Across the five days, Frankfurt’s exhibition grounds became a densely populated hub for dialogue and strategic positioning. What distinguished this edition was not only its scale, but its clear direction. In a market going through constant transformation, adaptability and resilience are no longer optional, they are essential for business.

Setting the Strategic Tone:

The focus was clear even before the halls officially opened. The Compass Talks and the presentation of the new IFH Industry Index provided a structured overview of the sector’s current position. As an international industry barometer, the index highlights where the global consumer goods market stands and which priorities now matter most.

Shifting trade regulations, tariff discussions and cost developments continue to influence corporate decision-making. The message from the panel discussions was clear: waiting is not an option. Companies are refining business models, strengthening supply chains and preparing more effectively for ongoing uncertainties.

Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt, summarised the situation: “Geopolitics, cost pressures and transformation challenges are no longer exceptions – they are the new reality. That is precisely why it is essential to seize the right market moment with confidence and determination. And that moment is here and now in Frankfurt.”

Around 140,000 visitors from across the globe took part. Futurist Ben Hammersley reinforced the broader perspective: “What matters for the future is not planning certainty, but the ability to deal with uncertainty – with the right mindset, curiosity and adaptability.”

Robert Edler, Senior Sales Manager at Wagner in the Interior Looks brand area, emphasised the importance of personal exchange: “One of our most important goals is to gain new partners in the international project business market. Ambiente provides the momentum to meet these people in person.”

Measurable International Strength:

The scale of participation highlights the fair’s global relevance. With 71 percent international attendance and 96 percent visitor satisfaction, Frankfurt once again demonstrated its strength as a trusted platform for business. The strongest visitor nations included Italy, China, the Netherlands, the United States and France. The trade fair trio attracted leading international retail corporations and major-volume buyers, including ALDI, Carrefour International, Coop, Crate & Barrel, dm, Dirk Rossmann, EDEKA, El Corte Inglés, IKEA, Lidl, OBI, OTTO, REWE, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Zalando and Zara.

In addition, hospitality and contract business continued to gain significance. Decision makers from hotel groups, gastronomy and project development, including Marriott Hotel Holding and Minor Hotels Europe & Americas with brands such as NH Hotels, Anantara, Avani and Tivoli, used the platform to expand their international networks.

The strong level of international participation and buyer quality was also highlighted by Clémentine Murgier, Chief Growth Officer of JJA Group: “JJA’s growth is consistently internationally oriented. The open and international atmosphere of Ambiente makes it a permanent highlight in our trade fair calendar and a central lever in our sales strategy.”

A similarly positive mood was evident at Christmasworld and Creativeworld. Elina Holm Knudsen, International Key Account Manager at Creative Company, reported strong international lead generation from 50 countries across the four days of the fair.

Ambiente's Continuous Development as a Success Factor:

Within Ambiente itself, particular attention is focused upon Ambiente Projects. The HoReCa, Hospitality Interiors and Contract Business segments developed into key meeting points for international buyers and professionals from retail, hospitality and project furnishing. New formats such as the Interior Design & Architecture Hub and the expanded curated brand area Interior Looks strengthened the fair’s profile in interior design and international project business.

Thomas Hinrichsen, Managing Director of Conde House Europe, confirmed that expectations were exceeded, with both reactivated contacts and new partnerships established. Hamid Yazdtchi, Managing Director of the Gilde Group, described the Frankfurt fair as the core of the company’s global activities, while Felix Bechtold, CEO of Waldmann, emphasised the value of direct personal encounters with international buyers.

Additional formats such as “Spot on Back of House” and the Hospitality Academy provided practical strategies for the improvement of operational efficiency and new business perspectives within the hospitality sector. From a planning perspective, Mandy Heinrichson of the Association of German Interior Architects highlighted the importance of dialogue around new business models and the role of AI in planning and decision-making processes.

Christmasworld The Leading Platform for Seasonal Staging:

Christmasworld once again confirmed its position as the leading international trade fair for seasonal decoration and festive presentation. It provided orientation and inspiration across the entire secto, from product development to staging concepts and point of sale implementation. Industry representatives highlighted its thematic leadership and international reach, positioning it alongside Ambiente and Creativeworld as a guiding platform for the sector.

Creativeworld Business Platform for Creativity and Growth:

Creativeworld delivered strong orientation for a sector in motion. Trends demonstrated how materials and products are merging into new artistic and commercial expressions, particularly in textile design and ceramics. With the Creative Academy, introduced in 2026 as a certified continuing education platform, the fair further strengthened its role as a knowledge and qualification hub for specialist retail.

Looking Ahead to 2027:

Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld will return to the Frankfurt exhibition grounds at the end of January 2027, with the Compass Talks opening the programme on 28 January.

Ambiente / Christmasworld: 29 January – 2 February 2027

Creativeworld: 29 January – 1 February 2027