For the first time since 2019, BC Wood was back at the massive China International Furniture Fair Interzum in Guangzhou. With new funding made available near the end of the fiscal year, we were able to book space, but at the last minute. Therefore, with a small booth we focused on promoting the BC value-added lumber industry along with our forestry practices, while also recruiting buyers for this year’s GBM.
What is most impressive is the sheer scale of this show. It is said to be the largest wood working show in Asia and it is easy to believe this with over 5,100 exhibitors and more than 350,000 industry attendees this year. Interzum takes up four areas in the Canton Fair comprising of 20 halls, most of which contain 2 or 3 floors. In total 45 halls are used for this show.
While originally a furniture showcase, the tie-up with Interzum from Germany means it encompasses the full spectrum of related products ranging from finished furniture, millwork, components such as hardware and wood materials, as well as wood working machinery. As a result, the show draws in wood manufacturers, wood wholesalers and distributors, and importers from all over China and in fact the world.
This show is truly international in scope with 65,000 of the attendees this year coming from overseas. The wooden materials zone in particular is always very global with a large American and European presence. Prior to COVID, BC Wood and QWEB represented Canada each year in this section and it was important to renew our promotional activities at Interzum as our members work to diversify markets. The show is a great venue to promote a wide range of our remanufactured and lumber products.
The show had been negatively affected by COVID and travel restrictions. Other exhibitors told me that this was the first year the show was back in full form and thus it turned out to be the right time to return. On top of the record attendance levels, you could feel the energy throughout the 45 halls.
We were well received by the Chinese buyers and I also had many constructive conversations with people from the Middle East, Southwest and Southeast Asia, as well as Europe. People inquired about our coastal species, SPF, veneers, plus the opportunity to source hardwoods from Canada. We will be following up with these contacts to invite them to the GBM.
For next year’s edition, BC Wood plans to book space earlier so that we can accommodate members that are looking to develop new business in Asia. With more time to prepare, we also plan to improve the design of our space while also ensuring that all of the Canadian exhibitors can be next to each other to improve our visibility.
