CFE 2023 (Istanbul Carpet and Flooring Expo), held at the Istanbul Expo Center (IFM) from December 5th to 8th, has concluded with a grand display of the world’s carpet industry leaders. Organized in collaboration with the Tüyap Fair Organization Group, the Istanbul Carpet Exporters Association (IHIB), and the Southeast Anatolia Carpet Exporters Association (GAIB), the event proved to be a spectacle for both the global and Turkish carpet giants.
Hosting 21,284 visitors from 103 countries, spanning Europe, America, Africa, and Asia, the expo saw the participation of 400 firms and representatives, with 25% being international. The Carpet & Flooring Expo-Halı ve Zemin Kaplamaları Fuarı was inaugurated on December 5th by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and concluded successfully at the Istanbul Expo Center. Over four days, the fair brought together industry professionals, designers, and buyers.
Featuring a million square meters of carpets at CFE 2023, the trends for Turkish carpets in 2024, conceptual colors, and material examples were presented to visitors. The exhibition showcased a wide array of products, from handmade carpets and kilims to machine-made carpets, kilims, and rugs, as well as prayer rug varieties and textile machinery and accessories.
Ilhan Ersozlu, General Manager of Tüyap Fairs Organization Inc., expressed satisfaction with the overwhelming interest the inaugural fair received from the global carpet industry. He stated, “Our fair has been a resounding success with high participation. We shared the weaving culture and techniques of Anatolia with our visitors. Despite being our first year, the results we achieved made us all happy. As planned within five years, we can become the world’s largest carpet and flooring fair. We will continue to work diligently with representatives of our industry to achieve this goal.”
The fair, held for the first time this year, is expected to become the most important fair in the sector globally in the coming years. It is anticipated to significantly contribute to increasing the already substantial $2.8 billion carpet exports by opening up new markets abroad through branded and innovation-based products and strengthening existing relationships. CFE 2023 not only contributed to commerce but also hosted highly beneficial events regarding future trends in the sector. Experts in color, design, weaving techniques, and the importance of materials enlightened visitors during the four-day event. The second edition of the Carpet and Flooring Expo is scheduled to take place at the Istanbul Expo Center from January 7th to 10th, 2025.
