INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITORS WIDENS VARIETY AND TRENDS IN MIFF 2018

Buyers to Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) this year will be kept busy not only by the bigger show but also by the variety and complementary attractions on showcase by Malaysian and overseas exhibitors.

More international companies are participating in the March 8-11 event, taking advantage of the spacious and new Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and nearby long-time venue, Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC).

With the show expanding 25% to 100,000sqm, international presence will make up roughly a third of the 600 exhibitors and outnumber that of previous years.

Visitors can expect a range of products made of different materials such as glass, chipboard, metal and different types of wood from the foreign exhibits to complement the array of solid wood furniture for which Malaysian manufacturers are renowned for.

The overseas brands are from China, Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, United States, Turkey, India, Thailand and Vietnam.

Next to the long-term attractions of the China and Taiwan halls are the third largest overseas group comprising over a dozen South Korean companies with the majority supported by the Korean Federation of Furniture Industry Cooperatives (KFFIC).

A significant number of first time companies are joining repeat exhibitors including names which are making a comeback to MIFF, like Star Furniture of Singapore with its panel furniture and Godrej Group of India represented by Godrej Vietnam which produces steel office furniture.

A peek into the international showcase reveals the latest range of colourful and creative furniture for kids from Turkey's well-known Cilek Mobilya A.S. and Foart brand by GPS Korea Co Ltd of South Korea.

From Indonesia, PT Graha Seribusatu Jaya is displaying spring mattresses and as well as metal beds and couches from CV Beta Foam Industrial.

Among mainland China regulars is Zhejian Henglin Chair Industry with contemporary office chairs, sofas and bar stools. Glass furniture from Taiwan's Homeart Worldwide Inc will include occasional tables and service carts.

“MIFF facilitated the growth of our export business when we were still operating on a small scale. The fair has helped us increased sales and brand exposure,” said Jack Zeng, sales and marketing director at Zhejian Henglin which currently export to over 30 countries.

The rich variety at MIFF 2018 for buyers will include new segments, DesignRena an exclusive 15,000 sqm floor curated for 80 top Malaysian manufacturers to showcase their products in lifestyle setting atmosphere, MIFF Timber Mart for wood and product suppliers and buyers, Millennials@Design (MAD) featuring ready-to-market furniture by young designers including FDC in Action designers committee. Another attraction is MIFF Office, the largest office solutions exhibition in Southeast Asia.

Visitorship to MIFF is on the uptrend with nearly 20,000 visitors from 132 countries attending last year's show. International traffic increased 5% to 5,603 as the show closed record sales of US$940 million.