The 40th edition of the DREMA Fair has seen a significant surge in interest, with visitor numbers up by 10.5% compared to last year, after just two days of the event. As one of the premier gatherings for the wood and furniture industries, the fair continues to attract a broad audience of industry professionals from across the globe.
National Furniture Congress Highlights Industry Challenges
On the second day of the fair, the 9th annual National Furniture Congress took place, drawing over 100 representatives from furniture manufacturers, the wood industry, and related businesses. The event focused on the future prospects of Poland’s wood and furniture sectors. The Congress was inaugurated by Jarosław Michniuk, President of the Management Board of Paged Meble, Piotr Poziomski, President of the Polish Chamber of Commerce of the Wood Industry, and Elżbieta Roeske, Vice President of the MTP Group.
Tomasz Wiktorski from B+R Studio opened the discussions with a detailed presentation on the state of the wood and furniture industry. While the value of furniture exports has increased, Wiktorski noted that export volumes have been declining since 2021. He highlighted several critical challenges facing the industry, including rising wood prices, limited supply, competition for resources with the energy sector, and unfavorable exchange rates. These issues, he warned, are diminishing the global competitiveness of Polish furniture.
Optimism for a Furniture Sales Rebound
Despite the challenges, Wiktorski expressed optimism that a rebound in furniture sales is possible, particularly as the construction sector shows signs of recovery. However, he stressed that the recovery would require concerted effort from all industry players. Throughout the congress, discussions also covered key topics such as sustainable wood supply, forest management certification, and effective public relations for the wood and furniture sectors.
At the conclusion of the congress, the prestigious Furniture Ambassador awards were presented, recognizing outstanding contributions to the industry. This year’s honorees included the DREMA Fair and Joanna Kucharska, Director of the Product Group responsible for organizing both the DREMA Fair and MEBLE POLSKA.
Technologists’ Forum Showcases Innovations
Wednesday marked the second day of the Technologists’ Forum, a new addition to the DREMA Fair aimed at promoting the latest technological advancements in the wood and furniture industries. The forum featured lectures and discussions on specialized flooring solutions, including floors for electric heating, and explored topics such as the dimensional variability of wooden flooring, composite materials in furniture, and advanced tools for processing these materials. Experts also examined different types of circular saws and their applications in furniture manufacturing.
Additionally, the Knowledge Zone, Sustainable Development Zone, and Parquet Zone hosted daily sessions, offering visitors valuable insights into industry innovations and sustainability practices. The second day of the Parquet Flooring Championships, held in Pavilion 3, saw family teams participating in the “Next Generation” Father and Son competition, where participants showcased their skills by sanding and oiling parquet floors.
Looking Ahead: Women in the Furniture Industry
As the DREMA Fair continues, a key highlight will be the fifth annual Meeting of Women Associated with the Furniture Industry. This year’s theme, “Success = Passion x Development x Challenges,” will celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in the sector while exploring pathways to future growth and success.
With strong attendance and engaging events, the 40th edition of the DREMA Fair is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the wood and furniture industries, bringing together innovation, collaboration, and recognition of excellence.
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