Amid continued uncertainty in global trade and sourcing, Heimtextil 2026 demonstrated the textile industry’s resilience by strengthening its position as a central international marketplace. Bringing together exhibitors and buyers from 148 countries, the event in Frankfurt underscored its growing strategic importance, with a noticeable rise in senior-level decision-makers and sustained participation across the textile value chain.

Stability and global reach in a volatile market

Held in Frankfurt am Main, Heimtextil 2026 welcomed around 3,000 exhibitors and attracted more than 48,000 buyers, maintaining stable participation levels compared to previous editions. With representation from 148 nations, the world’s leading trade fair for home and contract textiles once again served as a reliable industry platform during a period shaped by geopolitical tensions, shifting trade routes and changing consumer demand.

According to Messe Frankfurt, the event addressed the growing need for orientation and dependable partnerships within the global textile industry. Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt, noted that evolving tariff structures and geopolitical developments are reshaping sourcing strategies, while regions such as ASEAN and Europe continue to gain importance. In this context, Heimtextil remains a key meeting point for international market transparency and business development.

High-quality participation and decision-maker presence

Heimtextil 2026 further sharpened its role by aligning supply and demand more precisely across relevant market segments and alternative business models. International participation remained exceptionally strong, with 96 per cent of exhibitors coming from outside Germany. The largest exhibitor groups originated from China, India, Pakistan, Türkiye, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the UK and the Netherlands.

Visitor internationality reached 86 per cent, with growth recorded from countries including the United States, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland and Peru. Notably, the proportion of top-level decision-makers increased to 78 per cent, reinforcing Heimtextil’s relevance for strategic sourcing, investment planning and long-term partnerships. Senior representatives from companies such as Harrods, IKEA, Marriott Hotels, Sainsbury’s and XXXLutz highlighted the high quality of visitor profiles. Repeat visitation climbed to 68 per cent, supported by consistently high satisfaction levels.

Interior design and hospitality as future growth areas

Positioned as a global hub for interior and contract textiles, Heimtextil 2026 presented curated solutions for integrated interior concepts across retail, hospitality and commercial spaces. Under the theme “Craft is a verb”, Heimtextil Trends 26/27 explored the intersection of artificial intelligence and traditional craftsmanship, offering new impulses for design, product development and assortment planning.

Designer and architect Patricia Urquiola translated future-oriented design concepts into a tangible experience through her installation “among-all”, which combined AI, material innovation and sustainability. The interactive space illustrated how adaptable textiles can respond to individual needs and influence future approaches in interior design, retail and hospitality. Alongside established studios, emerging talents showcased experimental, sustainable and market-ready textile solutions.

Project-driven solutions and contract textiles

Responding to rising demand for functional and project-based textiles, Heimtextil strengthened its focus on contract and hospitality applications. The Interior.Architecture.Hospitality programme connected manufacturers, designers, planners and developers, highlighting how functional textiles support differentiation across hospitality, office, healthcare and contract environments.

From 2027, a new collaboration with Hospitality Interiors Europe (HINT) will further expand Heimtextil’s offerings for holistic interior design. The parallel format is aimed at high-end contract decision-makers and reinforces Frankfurt’s role as a central meeting point for the global hospitality sector.

AI as a practical business driver

Under the guiding theme “Lead the Change”, Heimtextil 2026 translated key industry developments—ranging from consumption shifts to design applications—into concrete business opportunities. Artificial intelligence played a growing role throughout the event, with Texpertise Focus AI demonstrating how AI can enhance competitiveness across design, material visualisation, workflow optimisation and customer engagement.

Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies, highlighted that AI is already embedded in daily business processes and creative development. Heimtextil’s objective, he explained, is to make these applications tangible and actionable, supporting the industry in navigating transformation and opening new market perspectives.