CIFM / interzum Guangzhou took place at the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou, China, from March 28 to 31, 2025. This is a leading trade fair in Asia for furniture production, and more than 1,500 visitors from over 30 countries graced the event. The main emphasis was laid on furniture innovation, where cutting-edge technologies and advanced manufacturing solutions were showcased. Additionally, the gross exhibition space spanned a massive 180,000 sq. metres. Moreover, the design exhibition was held alongside the second phase of the China International Furniture Fair (Office & Commercial Space). It attracted over 220,900 visitors, which was 2.68% higher than in 2024. Notably, international attendance rose by 3.66%, showing the growing impact of the global furniture industry.
CIFM/ interzum 2025 driving collaboration and innovation
The theme of CIFM / interzum Guangzhou 2025 was “Play Bigger.” It catalysed international partnerships, business networking and innovative ideas for the future of the global furniture industry. Furthermore, over 240 leading brands took part in the design exhibition, with the European Federation of Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers (EUMABOIS) spearheading the show. Additionally, German and Turkish exhibitors, along with other important international organisations like the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), American Softwoods, Quebec Wood Export Bureau (QWEB), and the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), were back in full strength. Together, they advance technologies, high-quality materials, eco-friendly adhesives, and furniture innovation.
Exhibitors praised the event’s quality. For instance, John Chan, AHEC’s Regional Director for Southeast Asia and Greater China, said, “We’ve found it to be a valuable platform for supporting the growth of our industry, and we certainly hope to return again next year.” Similarly, Xinxin Gao, General Manager of Schattdecor China, said, “It was our 17th time at interzum Guangzhou. We saw quite a few clients from China, Southeast Asia, and Belt and Road nations. It was an excellent opportunity to catch up and establish new business relationships through the design exhibition.”
CIFM/ interzum 2025 – Boosting business connections
During the CIFM / interzum Guangzhou 2025, over 200 custom business matching sessions were conducted. These facilitated the direct connection between exhibitors and targeted buyers from across the globe. Companies such as Admira, Airland, Alian Furniture, Aukey, Bell Laminates, Dynamic Furniture, Ellesime, Goldinjaya, homechoice, Hup Chong Furniture, Indofitting, Interior D, Kelisen, LA-OR, Muar Industries, Pan Timur, Sibling Home, SIRO, TKL Gallery, Triple W Furniture, United Woodwork, Vifa and Wood Solid (PIANO) pursued new partnership opportunities. In addition, delegations from the Malaysian Furniture Council (MFC), Rede PRÓ (Brazil), and Guangdong’s industry chambers also endorsed the futuristic approach towards technology and unmatched networking potential in the global furniture industry.
Kishan Kaila, Managing Director, Bell Laminates (India), said, “CIFM/ interzum Guangzhou 2025 exceeded our expectations.” He also mentioned, “The event was well-organised and featured top-notch exhibitors and attendees. It was a valuable use of our time and resources. We are eagerly anticipating future collaborations with the suppliers we met and are looking forward to attending the next edition of interzum Guangzhou.”
Eeling Chong, executive director, SIBLING Home & Kitchen (Malaysia), expressed similar views, “The business matching session was a great addition to the event. It strengthened our ability to connect with potential partners and significantly increased our chances of establishing new collaborations. The structured meetings led to deeper discussions, clearer understanding, and meaningful opportunities for future partnerships and furniture innovation.”
Spotlight on innovation
Apart from the CIFM/ interzum 2025, the furniture production trade fair, forums and special events changed perspectives. In fact, the interzum Guangzhou Award identified 15 outstanding innovations. International jurors selected the winners and showcased them in a special display area. Their achievements in terms of design, applications of materials, and technological advancement inspired future furniture development.
At the same time, the VSIL Forum, presented under the theme “Design Utopia”, made a comeback with its title “New Reality, New Solutions.” It fostered a conversation between global manufacturers and designers. The seminars concentrated on the way design may push quality growth within the furniture industry.
Also held along the CIFM / interzum 2025 was the Boundless Innovation Forum, which brought together manufacturers, designers, and experts from around the globe to highlight innovation in decorative panel surface design. The presentations in these forums helped in exploring emerging trends in surface technology and the evolving needs of the decorative panel industry.
CIFM / interzum Guangzhou 2025 was a major turning point for the furniture industry in Asia. Indeed, CIFM 2025 demonstrated the way the business is evolving from mass production to sustainable, innovation-driven growth. As a result, the furniture trade fair will be a global platform to promote partnerships, knowledge sharing, and value creation in the furniture supply chain in the future as well.
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