“In the heart of Ambiente, Passage has developed into a well-established factor for the international volume business. We are particularly pleased with the consistency with which exhibitors contribute to a highly diversified spectrum year in, year out”, says Nicolette Naumann, Vice President Ambiente/Tendence.

Passage is ideal for buyers who want to order large quantities, e.g., for international department-store chains. Clearly laid out and structured by product groups, the spectrum, which stretches from industrial to hand-crafted articles, ensures buyers can work with maximum efficiency.

“The volume business has its own rules. For us, Passage is the best way to present our products to an international audience. Naturally, this is also due to the fact that this sourcing platform is part of the world’s biggest consumer-goods fair, which attracts a huge number of international buyers. Nevertheless, the importance of Passage also results from the highly differentiated product segments, which not only make orientation easier but also inspires visitors to discover new product groups”, says RFL Plastics Export Manager Jillur Rahman Mozumder.

Vanida Jirakaweekul, CEO of Lief Living, has also been a Passage exhibitor for many years: “Passage is a special opportunity to present our product designs to buyers, and then to work with them to adapt the products to the requirements of their specific markets. Additionally, Ambiente is a vital trend barometer for us.” Thus, customising is also a successful facet of Passage.

Describing Passage, Armenia Yerevan, CEO of Homeland Development Initiative, says, “With their enthusiasm or scepticism, visitors show us immediately whether we have struck the right balance between product types, design and colour. Where else do we have access to many thousands of personal reactions? Passage is our flagship event on many planes.”

Sustainable value creation is also gaining greatly in significance for the bulk business. “At Ambiente, our Passage exhibitors from Cambodia and Kirgizstan make numerous valuable contacts to European Fairtrade wholesalers”, says Alfons Eiligmann, CEO of consultants IDC Unternehmensberatung. A large proportion of the 179 companies listed in the Ethical Style Guide are Passage exhibitors. The guide is an orientation aid for visitors and indicates the exhibition stands of manufacturers distinguished by social responsibility and sustainable production.

The ranges of products for ordering in large quantities from countries such as Ethiopia, Brunei, China, India, Korea, Morocco and Peru are linked by short routes on all floors of Hall 10. In the ‘Passage Gifts’ segment in Hall 10.0, volume buyers will find a variety of articles suitable for giving as gifts, e.g., games, arts & crafts, stationery and fashion accessories, such as bags, scarves, shawls and jewellery. At ‘Passage Home’ in Hall 10.1 and ‘Passage Home & Garden Select’ in Hall 10.2, they can discover home accessories, small pieces of furniture, textiles, luminaires, decoration ideas and outdoor and garden accessories. Products for the table, kitchen and household are shown by exhibitors at ‘Passage Table & Decoration’ in Hall 10.2, ‘Passage Table & Kitchen Select’ in Hall 10.3 and ‘Passage Dining & Housewares’ in Hall 10.4.