Event Spotlight: Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld 2026. An exclusive interview with Philipp Ferger – Vice President Consumer Goods Fairs – Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

Tell us about your upcoming event, Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld 2026

Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld form the largest and most international one-stop platform for the global consumer goods industry. They will take place simultaneously on the Frankfurt exhibition grounds from 6 – 9 / 10 February 2026. The strong registration figures show that the industry wants to meet – in person, at scale and with purpose. In times when markets are volatile, companies seek reliable networks, inspiration and orientation. And that is exactly what Frankfurt delivers.

What is the mission for your event?

Our mission is very clear: we connect a global industry. The three fairs bring together suppliers from across the world with decision-makers from retail, HoReCa, hospitality, interior design, contract business and creative sectors. We strengthen resilient supply chains, accelerate innovation and help companies navigate shifting markets. And we remain the largest sourcing platform outside.

What can we expect to see at Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld 2026?

Visitors can expect an edition shaped by new impulses, curated showcases and smart matchmaking across all three fairs. Ambiente presents the global spectrum of dining, living and giving; Christmasworld stands for the international marketplace for seasonal and festive decoration; and Creativeworld brings together the full range of creative materials and artistic supplies. Together, the three fairs offer a comprehensive view of the industry and provide guidance in uncertain times, open business opportunities and foster the personal encounters that remain at the heart of global trade.

Who are the 2026 Ambiente participants from the UAE?

We are delighted to welcome Caliber Brands FZCO, Crystal Arc Factory LLC (branch), EMID IGT LLC, Emirates Steel Wool Manufacturing Est. and Piano Exports FZCO to Frankfurt for Ambiente 2026. Their presence reflects the strong and growing engagement of companies from the UAE within our global community. Each year, business partners from more than 170 participating nations and regions come together in Frankfurt, making our fairs one of the most effective platforms worldwide for maintaining relationships, opening new markets and strengthening international networks.

What new features have you added for 2026?

A central innovation for 2026 is the introduction of our new digital networking tool, which is directly integrated into the event websites and apps. All exhibitors and trade visitors are automatically registered and can begin networking as soon as they register. The system uses an intelligent matching algorithm that connects interests and profiles and then proposes verified, relevant contacts based on the information provided during registration. Users can also search independently by name, industry or role, send contact requests or enter into direct chat conversations. Because the tool operates independently of the event dates, it supports both efficient preparation for the fair as well as continued dialogue long after the doors have closed. In this way, networking becomes intuitive, continuous and truly cross-event – creating a new level of targeted business facilitation for the global consumer goods community.

What are the benefits of the event for exhibitors?

Exhibiting at our fairs offers companies a uniquely powerful combination of international reach, brand visibility and qualified business contacts. In addition to the international exposure, exhibitors benefit from curated trend and special presentations that place their products in an inspiring, forward-looking context. Finally, Frankfurt itself plays a crucial role as the annual meeting point for the global consumer goods industry.

You have a number of dedicated country and group pavilions, tell us more about how this works.

Country and group pavilions help companies, particularly SMEs, gain visibility and make it easier for buyers to navigate regional and thematic strengths. It is also a highly efficient sourcing tool: buyers can explore entire regional ecosystems in one place, supported by export councils, chambers of commerce and trade associations. They add a strong cultural and commercial dimension to the fairs each year.

Why is networking in person at the event so important for business owners?

Trust is built face to face, and trust is the currency of business. In a world of supply chain shifts, geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty, companies need reliable partners and real product experience. Our matchmaking formats, guided tours and themed events create exactly these opportunities – in a depth that digital interactions alone cannot achieve.

Why is Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld 2026 a must-attend event for those in the industry?

Because nowhere else in the world will the industry find such a complete overview of the consumer goods market. The unique combination of Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld enables visitors to discover innovations across retail, hospitality, interior design, gifting, décor and creative supplies – all in one place, at one moment in the year. This ability to think and buy across categories makes the fairs an unparalleled business accelerator.

What are the current trends in the global consumer goods trade?  

Consumers are increasingly drawn to authenticity, materials with integrity and items that add meaning or calm to their everyday lives. These impulses are reflected in the 2026 trend themes across Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld. From a regional perspective, the UAE is an extremely dynamic market. The appetite for premium interiors, high-quality tableware, gifting culture and hospitality concepts aligns perfectly with the global trends shaping our fairs. With strong investment in tourism, luxury retail and hospitality, UAE businesses are exceptionally well positioned to collaborate with international brands and expand their portfolios.

Where can readers find out more about the event?

All essential information, trends, exhibitor lists and travel details can be found on our official websites:

https://ambiente.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en.html

https://christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en.html

https://creativeworld.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en.html

For broader industry knowledge, retail insights and international market developments, we also recommend our content platform conzoom-solutions.com – our hub for trends, analyses and retail expertise that offers valuable background information throughout the year.

Editor-In-Chief of Bizpreneur Middle East