Majority of the visitors were from France (75 per cent), Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Some of these visitors had never been to Messe Frankfurt France events before, proving the attractiveness of this new formula, the organisers said in a media release.

The extended offer, of very fine quality and representative of the major global sourcing zones, was presented this year in two distinct locations: the 5 rue du Mail brought together the fabric trend forum for the autumn-winter 2022-2023 collections as well as a selection of finished garments; the Atelier Richelieu, on two levels, expressed the rich array of fabric, garment and accessory collections by exhibitors from some fifteen countries, with also an Apparel Sourcing trend section.

With their digital tablets, buyers managed to send nearly 4,500 requests for information to manufacturers during the Showroom (compared to 3,200 in February), with requests for information or quotations for nearly 16,000 samples and finished products. A dozen manufacturers' representatives present on the Showroom were able to exchange directly with the visitors, such as the weavers from Korea, Turkey, Holland and Germany, and for clothing, agents and finished product manufacturers from Poland, Vietnam, China, Bangladesh, Portugal and Madagascar, representing a total of about fifty exhibitors.

This ability to connect people confirms Messe Frankfurt France's role as an essential sourcing partner. “Texworld and Apparel Sourcing have some twenty years of experience in supporting international manufacturers, particularly Asian manufacturers in Europe,” said Frédéric Bougeard, president of Messe Frankfurt France. “We have shown over the last few months that we are capable of turning a constraint into an opportunity, not only by enabling our visitors to maintain a business relationship with their suppliers, but also by helping them discover new brands and new sourcing proposals. We claim to be solution providers for the fashion industry.”

For its next edition, which will take place in February 2022 at the Parc des Expositions du Bourget in a classic format, Messe Frankfurt France will capitalise on all the experience acquired during the last two showrooms. This major event will offer a chance to reconnect with all the international sourcing operators. In July 2022, Messe Frankfurt France will bring together manufacturers and buyers at the Parc des Expositions de la Porte de Versailles in Paris. It will provide an opportunity to develop new services or solutions for buyers.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)