As the last booths are dismantled at IFFINA 2012 and buyers head back home after 3-days of intensive deal-making, it is already obvious that Indonesia's largest furniture and craft fair has been a resounding success. In fact, the solid attendance of buyers from that region is proof that demand for Indonesian furniture remains strong, buoyed by the availability of great designs and an ongoing "greening" of the industry in response to consumer concerns.
The numbers speak for themselves. With 3,109 visitors, IFFINA is now in its fifth year of consecutive growth in terms of visitor attendance, reflecting not only booming interest from buyers but also a larger spread of countries represented at the event. From 89 countries in 2008, 105 countries sent buyers to IFFINA this March, with USA, Australia, Malaysia and France leading the charge. These numbers translated into strong sales during IFFINA, generating around US$ 380 million for Indonesian producers who were exhibiting.
Behind these numbers are satisfied visitors who plan to attend IFFINA again in 2013. Sandra de Martins, a buyer from Sao Paolo in Brazil, said she keeps returning to IFFINA because the design is better here, the prices are reasonable, and the furniture doesn't look like it was produced industrially. She also considered that organizers have outdone themselves this year, stating that "IFFINA 2012 was the best IFFINA." Several other buyers shared the same feedback, including media specializing in the global furniture industry
Exhibitors also had a great showing, with 377 companies from Jogjakarta, Solo, Jabodetabek, Semarang, Cirebon, and Jepara, among others, displaying their creations at IFFINA. While the financial turmoil that is affecting European markets show no sign of abating, at IFFINA those companies were able to close some deals and expand their network of buyers. In addition, seminars hosted by European and Asian experts, e.g. on European design trends and timber certification, were an opportunity for local producers to increase their skills, and hence competitiveness, in the global market
IFFINA 2012 was a demonstration of the strong links that bind IFFINA's initiating organization, the Indonesia Furniture and Handicraft Association (ASMINDO), the Indonesian Government (Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises), and the regional furniture associations such as AFIC, without which IFFINA would not have been able to build such a momentum
At a time when the Indonesian furniture industry continues to face challenges, such as the upcoming mandatory timber certification and growing competition with other producing markets, IFFINA is a prime example of how a professionally-organized event with sufficient financing and government support can support an industry and expand its horizons
IFFINA this time quite good and quite successful compared to the previous year.I am hoping for years to come will be even better,because of some friends who talk about the exhibition this years is quite promising and many long-term contracts that have been done. [read more]–Restu Agung Pidekso - Ketua KOMDA ASMINDO BALI
The increased buyer was in accordance with the opinion of John Mc Sweyne from Senara, Sydney, Australia, who mentioned the growing diversity of products and designs become one of IFFINA's attractions to visit. It also makes Sweyne want to return again each time IFFINA is held. The diversity is what made him more freedom in choosing, and "made this trip compatible enough," he explained–John Mc Sweyne from Senara, Sydney, Australia
It seams that IFFINA now is accepted by European buyers. If you ad visitors from Western and Eastern Europe, Europeans have the highest share of all visitors. Of course the first reason for the success of IFFINA are the exhibitors and there products. Another reason is the professional organization of Dyandra Promosindo. This year IFFINA could offer all services you know from other international fairs and events like f.e. the perfect working shuttle service from and to the hotels. Also the infra structure on the fairground can compete with other shows like f.e. restaurants or the buyers lounge. Also the press center has reached a high standard. There are other, bigger fairs which offer less service. There are only a few fairs where journalists can find computers easily without waiting in a queue. IFFINA is on a real good way if organizers find always a good date within the Asean Furniture Fair Circuit. This event can have a great future." –Helmut Merkel (editor in chief of MOBELMARKT), Germany
The organization is quite good I have to say, just a little bit lack of time to put this things together, we have only just a day before and I think this is not enough so please for the next show give us more times, 2 days or three days. The exhibition is quite good we don't have so many customers but the customer is quality and we are looking for quality customer. We will coming back next year and take more space–Robert Tenace - Insens'O Bali