Seventy-seven Valencia-based companies are participating in the Heimtextil fair in Frankfurt this week, with fifty of them rooted in the l’Alcoià, El Comtat, and Vall d’Albaida cluster. The event marks the home textile and contract sector’s return to pre-pandemic normalcy, running from January 10 through 13 on the traditional calendar.
As the year opens, Heimtextil stands as the premier global gathering for professionals in home textiles. It serves as a prime platform to showcase the innovations and trends set to shape the international home textile market in 2023. This year the fair carries the slogan “WOW Your Senses,” and is expected to convene more than 2,300 participants from 50 countries, including leading manufacturers, suppliers, and international brands.
Spain remains a strong presence at Heimtextil, alongside Germany and Italy, ranking among the European nations with the most extensive participation. In this edition, 102 exhibitors represent the Spanish textile sector, with 67 of them coming from Valencian Community companies. The high level of participation underscores the industry’s ongoing commitment to internationalization and global outreach.
Leila Bachetarzi, director of Trade Promotion and Internationalization for the Valencia Community Textile Entrepreneurs Association (Ateval), commented on the turnout: this level of participation signals Valencian companies’ readiness to grow their footprint in world markets. He described the fair as a gateway to new buyers and interested parties, noting that after two pandemic-impacted years, companies are arriving with fresh collections and strong business expectations.
Throughout the four days of the event, Ateval-Home Textiles from Spain will provide on-site support to participating Valencia-based firms, helping them maximize exposure and network opportunities within the section dedicated to home textiles.
As the central meeting point for Spanish and Valencian home textiles, the fair will host a visit from the Generalitat Valenciana leadership on January 11. The delegation includes President Ximo Puig and Minister for Sustainable Economy, Productive Sectors, Trade and Employment, Rafael Climent, along with Joan Calabuig, Autonomous Secretary for EU Affairs, and Julia Company, Managing Director of Ivace. The visit will begin with a welcome ceremony led by Messe Frankfurt executives and Ateval representatives, followed by a tour highlighting the most prominent Valencian participants within the industry.
Frankfurt fair takes the pulse of textile, exports are on the rise
During the event, the participation of figures such as Jorge Rodríguez, noted for representing Ontinyent, and Toni Frances of Alcoy on the 11th is part of a broader Valencian track record of industry leadership and local influence.
Pepe Serna, president of Ateval and the Spanish Intertextile Council, emphasized the collaborative approach: companies work closely with Ateval to secure international visibility and access to key markets. Serna highlighted Heimtextil as a critical opportunity to showcase Valencia textiles and broader Spanish home textiles, while also creating fresh business opportunities. He expressed confidence that the fair calendar, which includes Paris Deco OFF, Hometex in Turkey, Proposte in Italy, Home Textile Premium in Valencia, and Made in Spain events, will yield positive outcomes as the industry restarts its global outreach.