"For retailers, Asia is the most important supplier market for sourcing, private labels and OEM goods," says Catja Caspary, division head of Koelnmesse. "Except for the International Hardware Fair Cologne, there is no comparable sourcing platform outside of Asia offering the breadth and depth of high-quality goods found at Asia-Pacific Sourcing."
Products from the home, garden and leisure sector will be presented on the two levels of Hall 11. As well as growing exhibitor numbers, the organisers have also observed an increase in quality. Around 30 exhibitors belong to the Best of China group, which represents products of particularly high quality. The exhibitors at Asia-Pacific Sourcing include manufacturers and distributors from the Far East, including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and India.
The IAW Fair, which takes place twice a year in Cologne, is seen as Europe's leading order fair for promotional products, seasonal impulse items, trend products and high-volume business. It is a central industry showcase for German and European buyers. Around 9 000 visitors come to Cologne to order goods for a whole season.