imm cologne 2026, January 20-23, focuses on commercial pragmatism

The German furniture fair imm cologne is refining its strategy. With over 300 exhibitors from 25 countries and a clear focus on the entry-to-mid segment, the event on January 20-23, 2026, is becoming a B2B sourcing platform dedicated to buyers looking for concrete solutions, not just inspiration.

In an increasingly fragmented global market, imm cologne 2026 makes a strategic choice: it gives up the claim to be everything to everyone and focuses on commercial efficiency. The central theme of “World of Interiors” is not just a design concept, but a recognition of the reality in the industry—buyers need a clear overview of the market and the right partners, not spectacular experiences.

“Our goal is to provide a direct view of the market and connect companies with the right partners,” explains Bernd Sanden, director of imm cologne, in a statement that sounds more like a promise of efficiency than a design manifesto.

Pragmatic diversity, not diversity as an end in itself

The list of confirmed exhibitors reflects the true diversity of the industry: from established brands on the market to international groups and specialist manufacturers such as Arocca, BOAS, BOFIGO Group, or Asian players such as KUKA (HK) Trade and Man Wah Furniture Manufacturing. Alongside them, the German Federal Association of Furniture and Kitchen Retailers (BVDM), Deutsche Post, and the Technical School for Furniture Trade complete the picture of a complex industrial ecosystem.

What makes this edition interesting is the presence of national pavilions offering a selected and structured range of products, strategically designed for the European market: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Japan, Taiwan, and Turkey—each with its own strategy for penetrating the Western market. For the Romanian furniture industry, being in Cologne is a chance to prove themselves in a Western market that's looking for viable alternatives to traditional suppliers.

The numbers tell the story

The dominant product categories reveal buyers' real priorities: tables and chairs (138 exhibitors), upholstered furniture (97), bedroom furniture and accessories (91), and dining room furniture (88). These figures are not random—they reflect retail demand, where inventory turnover and profit margins dictate commercial choices.

The layout of the fair follows the same pragmatic logic: Halls 10.1 and 10.2 are dedicated to European manufacturers in the home and upholstered furniture segments, while Halls 4.2 and 5.2 host international sourcing specialists and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) suppliers. Here you will find mainly chairs, tables, and compact living solutions. This separation makes it easier for buyers to navigate, especially those who come to the fair to identify suppliers and negotiate production contracts, not just to get inspiration.

Koelnmesse: global ambitions, local execution

The fair's organizer, Koelnmesse, strategically positions itself as “the world's number one organizer of fairs for Living, Contract, and Public Spaces.” Its portfolio includes not only imm cologne and idd cologne (interior design days cologne), but also other established events such as ORGATEC, interzum, FSB, spoga+gafa, and aquanale.

More relevant to the global furniture industry is the international expansion of Koelnmesse brands: the imm family now includes imm india and La Feria De Diseño Medellín in Colombia, ORGATEC has expanded with editions in Tokyo, India, and Saudi Arabia, and interzum has a presence in Guangzhou, Bogotá, Jakarta, and Italy. This global network points to a broader trend—regional trade fairs are no longer sufficient in a market where supply chains are global and sourcing decisions are made comparatively across continents.

What this means for the wood industry

imm cologne 2026 is an indicator of the direction in which the industry is heading: consolidation, efficiency, strategic supplier identification, and constant pressure on prices in the entry-to-mid segment.

Furniture manufacturers working with solid wood or wood derivatives face a market where design and quality must be balanced with the commercial realities of modern retail. The presence of the Romanian pavilion in Cologne is an opportunity to demonstrate that the local industry can deliver this balance—European quality at competitive prices.

In the current context of the global furniture industry, imm cologne 2026 does not promise revolutions—it promises relevant business connections. And for an industry that works with tight margins and increasingly rapid product development cycles, this pragmatism could be exactly what the market is looking for.

imm cologne 2026 will take place from January 20 to 23, 2026, in Cologne, Germany. Additional information: www.imm-cologne.com