The International Furniture Fair Singapore 2015, held in conjunction with the 32nd ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS 2015), co-locating with The Décor Show and Hospitality 360°, will welcome the first-ever European Union (EU) participation next March.
Co-ordinated by EU Business Avenues, a programme under the EU, this also marks a debut effort from more than 40 European furnishings companies and brands to explore the market opportunities that the ASEAN region offers.
IFFS 2015 was selected from a number of Asian fairs to assist small- and medium-sized companies from the EU enter and expand their businesses in ASEAN. In March next year, these 40 companies and brands will launch their decorative and furnishing exhibits from 28 cities in Europe, under the label European Design.
Ernie Koh, chairman of IFFS Pte Ltd, comments: “Due to Singapore’s infrastructure and strategic location as well as the proven track record of IFFS, it was naturally the preferred choice for the first EU Business Avenues programme in ASEAN. We are delighted that the EU has made the choice decision to leverage on the IFFS as the platform to showcase European Designs with the business objective to gain exposure and experience for their businesses in ASEAN. I am sure the plethora of shows can offer abundant networking and business opportunities for the delegates to explore the dynamism of the markets here.”
To date, more than 50% of the total 60,000 sqm of exhibition space has been allotted, nine months ahead of the fair.
Singapore exhibitors have been most enthusiastic in their support for the upcoming fair, with advocates from the local furniture scene including d-Bodhi, Eurosa Furniture, Koda and Star Furniture, as well as names including Archipelago Exports, Asiades, Haleywood and Home of Homes Furniture.
Several prominent international brands have also confirmed their participation. These include Alexander & James (UK), ALF (The Netherlands), Almi Furniture (Indonesia), Bellagio Asia (The Netherlands), Big Ass Fans (US), Careeza (Hong Kong), Ethnicraft (Belgium), Glen Raven LLC Sunbrella (US), Lawas Art (Indonesia), Manutti BVBA (Belgium), PR Interiors (Belgium), Pure Home Collections (Romania), Resource Decor (Hong Kong), Some (Belgium) and Wesbrook (Hong Kong).
New entrants including Boga Oriental Rugs (US), International Furniture Alliance (Malaysia), Oliver B Group (Italy) have also made early bookings.
The Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) is also endorsing the EU Business Avenues on this initiative, and, together with the EU support, the partnership hopes to achieve long-term business objectives.
IFFS/AFS 2014 saw a healthy attendance of 22,496 trade visitors and 418 exhibitors from 115 countries, with a total of 97 overseas buying delegations.
