A trade show is nowadays only a reflection of the macro-economic reality of the moment, not so much an indication of trends, which make sense in more stable times. The Marmomac 2026 edition, held from 22 to 25 September, in Verona, was no different. Consider these factors in such turbulent times: 2 major ongoing conflicts, massive uncertainty in such basic logistical issues like availability of containers and ships to carry the goods, sky-high freights now 5 to 10 times more than before, uncertainties regarding tariffs, rising inflation everywhere, and local factors everywhere.
CUELLAR STONE (Spain)
FRANKEN SCHOTTER GmbH & CO. KG (Germany)
This negative environment is not conducive to new investments in stone factories or heavy machinery. Result was the pavilions displaying machinery saw less footfall than in previous years, with businessmen everywhere delaying making new investments. The Brazilian pavilion at the entrance was always full of people- their stones have become the saving grace for a large part of the industry. But most other pavilions displaying natural stone had less visitors, perhaps about the same as last year, with many exhibitors saying- "only our regular customers came'.
GOLOVINSKI texture (Ukraina)
MARMONIL (Egypt)
Most of these regular customers were from East Europe and India. These are also two of the most economically dynamic parts of the world. The premium segment in USA is relatively unaffected, and it is quite big, a decent number of Americans were to be seen in the fair.
There was not much new to see, the presentations of the stands has definitely improved over the years, companies do show different textures and other finishes now, but everything looked more or less same as before.
ALIMOGLU (Turkey)
KOMURCUOGLU (Turkey)
The next edition of Marmomac is 21 to 24 September, 2027.
