International Hardware Fair Italy ended on Friday, 9 May, welcoming 320 exhibitors from 22 countries and over 5,600 visitors from 53 countries. In Bergamo, companies, buyers, and professionals from the hardware, building, DIY, industrial supplies, garden & outdoor, security, safety equipment, paints and colours, electrical, and automotive sectors gathered for two days of exhibitions, demonstrations, networking, and conferences.

Based on participation data, International Hardware Fair Italy reaffirms its position as the only trade fair in Italy dedicated to the European market for the sector, capable of creating strategic connections and expanding networks beyond borders. The event has provided a valuable opportunity to accelerate project development, enhance the exchange of knowledge and services, and offer opportunities for high-level professional training, thereby responding to the needs of a dynamic sector, rich in cross-industry influences and driven by a strong ambition for growth.

Gerald Bӧse, CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH, commented: “I am pleased to see that International Hardware Fair Italy has once again demonstrated its role as a key event for the European market. The success of the event strengthens Koelnmesse’s global reach, as well as the EISENWARENMESSE network and other international trade fairs in the hardware sector. This achievement highlights the importance of IHF Italy as a strategic platform for innovation and industry growth.”

The hardware sector in Italy has been analysed through a study conducted in collaboration with ASCOM Bergamo, examining a sample of businesses at a national level and then focusing on the Bergamo area. The study found that the sector employs 49,926 people in wholesale trade (24%) and retail trade (76%) across Italy. The key findings highlight an increase in revenue driven by service sales, a growth in the end- user segment for retailers, and an improvement in income generated by construction companies.

Thomas Rosolia, Managing Director of Koelnmesse Italy added: “With each new edition, International Hardware Fair Italy further strengthens its role as an essential event for the hardware sector in Italy and Europe. This year’s results — expected, yet always impressive — confirm the exhibition’s steady growth which has seen broader participation from international buyers as well as its strategic value within Koelnmesse’s global network. The success of this edition once again highlights the importance of International Hardware Fair Italy in fostering new business opportunities and innovation for Italian and international companies.”

The trade fair was preceded by two major celebration and networking events in collaboration with leading industry associations.

Together with Assofermet Ferramenta, International Hardware Fair Italy presented the Product of the Year 2025 Award, dedicated to manufacturers, confirming the quality, commitment, and creative capabilities of the competing companies and those present at the fair. The jury evaluated over 100 submissions and selected the following winners in three categories.

Honourable Mentions (Second and Third Place):

Homberger S.p.A. wolfcraft GmbH

Honourable Mentions (Second and Third Place):

Keter Italia S.p.A.

FUMASI by Gimap S.r.l.

Honourable Mentions (Second and Third Place):

fischer Italia S.r.l. Bossong S.p.A.

In collaboration with EDRA/GHIN, International Hardware Fair Italy organised the Store Tour as a day for members of the international association to visit a selection of stores within both the traditional supply chain and large-scale Italian distribution — a practical and immediate way to create connections and share experiences.

The presence of international distributors more than doubled in this second edition of International Hardware Fair Italy, leading to an increase in fair visits and, more importantly, in strategic meetings with industry professionals who made the most of their participation. The matchmaking initiative, actively supported through the buyer hosting programme, facilitated connections between participants with shared and specific interests, fostering collaborations and exchanges that made the event truly productive. The wide exhibition area showcased equipment, machinery, tools, and devices, reflecting the sector’s ability to innovate. Meanwhile, the outdoor area hosted engaging live demonstrations and presentations that captivated all visitors.

For this second edition, International Hardware Fair Italy benefited from the support of qualified partners such as EDRA/GHIN, the association that brings together DIY and home improvement retailers globally — covering both physical stores (over 34,000 in 78 countries) and major distributors and digital platforms. Also noteworthy are the confirmed collaborations with ZHH, the specialised trade association for the hardware sector in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland); with FWI (the German association of tool manufacturers); Assofermet Ferramenta (the Italian wholesalers’ association); MADE4DIY (the Italian consortium of DIY and gardening manufacturers); ASCOM Bergamo; Assodimi/Assonolo; and Confartigianato Imprese Bergamo.

Finally, the dates for the next edition have been announced: The third International Hardware Fair Italy will take place on 5–6 May 2027 in Bergamo.

Koelnmesse – industry trade fairs for the hardware industry: Koelnmesse is the global leader in hosting top-tier international trade fairs for the tools and hardware sector. Its leading event, EISENWARENMESSE – INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR, is held in Cologne, where Asia-Pacific Sourcing, the largest sourcing platform outside of Asia, also showcases its products. Beyond Cologne, Koelnmesse is expanding its portfolio across key international markets. The China International Hardware Show in Shanghai, International Hardware Fair Italy in Bergamo, International Hardware Fair India in New Delhi and El Gran Salón Ferretero in Colombia are leading regional trade fairs with international participation. New additions to the portfolio are the International Hardware Fair Indonesia in Jakarta and the International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, both set to take place in 2025.