Trends at the fair

Christmas trends 2012 / 2013: white, classic, natural and self-made
This year’s Christmasworld in Frankfurt was characterised by a great yearning for snow. Hardly any exhibitors did without it – even fir-tree green disappeared to a large extent under a white covering of bio, powder, scatter, crystal or gently iridescent artificial snow. Snow of all kinds decorated Christmas wreaths. Freezing rain and glitter effects conquered glass baubles, stars and danglers. Tree and table decorations are oriented towards classic elements, such as baubles, stars, angles and nativity figures, and give Christmas a traditional character.

Nature continues to be the primary source of inspiration. As Samim Pilli, CEO of ART-CAN-DEL Kerzen- und Accessoires Vertriebs-GmbH, put it, “The trend is towards meliorated natural products, which are to be seen in almost all decorative settings. White wash and glimmer dominate at present while we expect a shift towards grey wash next season. Additionally, the knitted look remains very popular.”

Moreover, the exhibitors noted a trend towards do-it-yourself. Modern decoration aficionados like to gain inspiration and then become creative themselves. “Our job is to present wonderful stories with the aid of sophisticated design elements”, said Klaus Mark, CEO of MK Illumination Handels GmbH, explaining this development. Detlef Klatt, CEO of O Living GmbH, observed the same trend. “Buyers not only ordered from us. They also took away ideas for their own in-shop decorations and presentations. “

LED lighting market growing and becoming more innovative
The exhibitors at Christmasworld also noticed that the market for LED lighting continues to boom. “The demand for lighting has rocketed since the introduction of LED products”, said Alexander von Bismarck, Managing Partner of Kaemingk GmbH. However, it is not only manufacturers of traditional electric lighting that offer branches, wreaths and candles fitted with LEDs. Makers of traditional wax candles are also responding to the great competitive pressure caused by high paraffin costs with innovative concepts. Thus, LED lamps are integrated into hollow cylinders made of genuine wax, to create an authentic candle-flame look while electro-magnetic candles accurately reproduce a natural flame using flickering reflective wicks in real-wax candles. 

Firework exhibitors bank on safety and a variety of effects
Since the regulation on the quantity of explosive used was relaxed two years ago, the market has been overrun by single-ignition fireworks. After it became apparent the New Year before last that these big products were not particularly stable, they now have a larger base to prevent them falling over when firing. It is difficult to distinguish the increasingly sophisticated barrage fireworks for private users from professional products. They are characterised by a wide variety of effects, colour compositions and duration. Today, anyone can have their own firework display lasting for up to four breath-taking minutes.

After Christmas, the sector looks forward to Easter
The trends for Easter 2012 continue to revolve around traditional elements, such as rabbits, chicks, imaginatively decorated Easter eggs and Easter nests. Branches, grass and blossoms provide the framework. Fresh springtime colours, such as light green, brilliant yellow and orange, guarantee a good mood no matter what the weather.