With only 47,000 visitors, Interzum 2009 in Cologne failed to reach the goal of 50,000 visitors for this 50th anniversary event. The share of international visitors was 65% compared to 70% expected. There were 1,300 exhibitors from 63 countries.
“Given the unfavourable economic and financial situation, the anniversary event still managed to generate important momentum for the whole sector and gave a clear signal that runs counter to the current economic trend,” said Gerald Böse ceo of Koelnmesse.
The organisers pointed out there were many quality leads and this was confirmed by the exhibitors of solid wood and veneer.
However, the Cologne fair could not attract the wood based panel industry as the majority of the European particleboard and MDF producers were still absent.
