Jan 24, 2013

France the Partner Country of Ambiente 2013

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the German-French Treaty of Friendship, Ambiente is delighted to welcome France as its Partner Country from 15 to 19 February. With a wide-ranging programme under the motto ‘La France un art de vivre’, the international consumer-goods fair will offer inspiration and information revolving around the subjects of lifestyle, creativity and design. “From fashions to tableware, the influence of French design is felt all around the world. The creativity and the style consciousness of our French neighbours enrich Ambiente every year. I am looking forward to fascinating impressions and discussions within the framework of our Partner Country programme”, says Nicolette Naumann, Vice President Ambiente / Tendence. Around 150 companies from France will present their new products at the world’s leading trade fair for the consumer-goods sector.

The Monday of the fair, 18 February, is Partner Country Day and, under the heading ‘La Fête de la France’, a series of lectures on French lifestyle, design and arts & crafts will be held in Room ‘Dimension’, Hall 4.2. Representatives of French exhibitors will speak about combining quality and pleasure oriented traditions with the demand of the global market and modern consumer wishes. The companies taking part include Arc International, Cristel, De Buyer and Nogent***. Additionally, many French exhibitors will be offering events to temp all the senses – from a Macaroon Festival, via Champagne, wine and speciality tastings, to perfect decorations, great significance will be attached to subjects relating to fine dining during the Partner Country Day.

Ambiente visitors can also see a special presentation by Olivia Putman, Artistic Director of Studio Putman, Ambassador of the ‘Partner Country France’ project and curator of the ‘La France un art de vivre’ special show in the foyer of Hall 4.1 on all five days of the fair. On the basis of a typical French apartment, Putman reflects on the tasks of design, the search for an identity and the meaning of tradition. For the presentation, she includes products from manufacturers, such as Christofle, Ercuis, Lalique, Mauviel and Pierre Frey, as well as small pieces of furniture and accessories designed and made by students of the École Supérieure des Arts Appliqués Duperré. This renowned university has been the launching pad for many design careers in a variety of sectors.

Not far from the special presentation is Café Manufaktur in Hall 4.1. It is the work of Olivier Gagnère, himself a winner of many awards. Using selected products from Ambiente exhibitors, he has created an area distinguished by clear modernism and esprit.

The Partner Country presentation within the framework of the 50th anniversary of the Elysée Treaty is the result of a strategic cooperation between Messe Frankfurt and UBIFRANCE, the French office for international business development.

Ambiente, the leading international trade fair
Ambiente is the leading international trade fair for products for the table, kitchen, household, giving and decorating, as well as for home and furnishing accessories. For five days at the beginning of the business year, around 4,500 exhibitors occupying 27 exhibition halls show what consumers will be able to see in shops around the world throughout the year. However, Ambiente is a must not only for the range of products, which is unrivalled in terms of both depth and breadth, the world’s leading consumer-goods fair is also distinguished by a wide variety of events, promotional programmes for young people, trend presentations and awards ceremonies.

Background information on Messe Frankfurt
Messe Frankfurt is Germany’s leading trade fair organiser, with 538* million euros in sales and 1,891* active employees worldwide. The Messe Frankfurt Group has a global network of 28 subsidiaries and approx. 50 international Sales Partners, giving it a presence for its customers in more than 150 countries. Events “made by Messe Frankfurt” take place at more than 30 locations around the globe. In 2012, Messe Frankfurt organised 109* trade fairs, of which more than half took place outside Germany.

Messe Frankfurt’s exhibition grounds, featuring 578,000 square metres, are currently home to ten exhibition halls and an adjacent Congress Center. The company is publicly owned, with the City of Frankfurt holding 60 percent and the State of Hesse 40 percent.

For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com