38-39 PH Thomas Kastl 2024 FINAL.qxp_Grid 09/01/2024 21:10 Page 1
THE BIG INTERVIEW: AMBIENTE
KING OF THE CASTLE
Inset: Ambiente Dining will also expand, both in its own area and in the Global Sourcing sector.
Returning to Messe Frankfurt for the second year since its enforced break due to Covid, Ambiente will run in the earlier slot of 26 - 30 January this year. Director of Ambiente Dining, Thomas Kastl, tells Progressive Housewares what’s in store.
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n February 2023, Ambiente was held for the first time in conjunction with Christmasworld and Creativeworld, which has helped to grow the show in the lead up to 2024. Thomas Kastl, director, Ambiente Dining, explains: “The three international trade fairs create unique synergy worldwide and bring together supply and demand in a targeted manner – buyers of all kinds of target groups get their money's worth here. We offer the industry one networking and ordering event a year, with all relevant product groups and ranges, unique trends and inspiration, as well as valuable industry knowledge – at one time and one place.” He continues: “Frankfurt thus becomes the one-stop shop for the global consumer goods industry. The three leading trade fairs strengthen the core segments, open up future fields and provide a global market overview. Our approach: networking
and intersection for all forms of trade. Conserving resources and increasing efficiency. The new concept was a success and exceeded all expectations – and will be continued in 2024.” The demand from the market and the interest in the upcoming events were huge. Almost all of the major exhibitors participate again This is a great sign of confidence in us from the industry and underlines the strong position of the three leading trade fairs in the market. . He expands: “What we see here – and speaking more generally – is trade fairs as international marketplaces and business hubs are becoming more attractive again.” The show will grow in size and in quality this year. Thomas says: “In terms of area, we added three new hall levels and we also grow in terms of exhibitors. We planned the halls in a more compact way and placed the special presentations in the foyers to gain more space for exhibitors within the halls. The areas of Ambiente Dining and Working in particular will be expanded – also in the area of Global Sourcing: here the offers in the Table segment and Office & Stationery respectively will grow
Inset: The Ethical Style programme will continue for 2024. Left: Thomas Kastl, director, Ambiente Dining.
PROGRESSIVE
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HOUSEWARES
and will create even more synergies and potential for new contacts.” Ambiente Dining will also expand, both in its own area and in Global Sourcing. “The registration level is great and we occupy the whole western area of Frankfurt exhibition grounds again. In 2024 we are delighted to welcome new brands and strong returnees: In Cook & Cut (Hall 8) brands such as Franz Güde, Hurom, Kuhn Rikon, Novissa, Schulte Ufer, Severin and TVS exhibit again. You find companies like Fackelmann, Joseph Joseph, Mayer Group, and Städter in the Modern Kitchen & Baking area (Halls 9.0 and 9.1). “For the Clean Home & Storage Solutions and Top Deals & Collections (Halls 9.2 and 9.3) JJA and Keeeper have registered. In HoReCa Hall 11.0, big names such as BHS Tabletop, RAK Porcelain and Steelite will exhibit. “And Table & Table Select (Halls 12.0 and 12.1) await with new exhibitor Gers van Well and returning exhibitors Bormioli Luigi, Narumi, Noritake, Rosenthal, and Royal Tableware.”