SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 13, 2025 – The second edition of the International Hardware Fair Italy concluded on May 9 with results that exceeded industry expectations, firmly establishing the event as a pivotal platform for European hardware, DIY, and industrial supply sectors. Hosted in Bergamo, the fair attracted 320 exhibitors from 22 countries and welcomed more than 5,600 professional visitors from 53 nations, confirming its growing influence and value within the European B2B ecosystem.
Strategic Growth and International Reach
Backed by Koelnmesse, a global leader in organizing hardware trade fairs, the 2025 edition of International Hardware Fair Italy marked a notable increase in international engagement. This included over 300 incoming buyers and 350+ high-value matchmaking meetings, further reinforcing the fair’s strategic function in expanding professional networks and stimulating market opportunities.
Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH, stated: “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.”
Sector Insights and Business Opportunities
A study presented in collaboration with ASCOM Bergamo shed light on key dynamics in Italy’s hardware market. Employing nearly 50,000 people, the sector is seeing revenue increases driven by service sales, a growing end-user segment for retailers, and stronger performance among construction clients.
The fair’s value went beyond exhibits through:
- More than 16 targeted conferences and workshops
- Knowledge exchange sessions with leading industry stakeholders
- The Store Tour in partnership with EDRA/GHIN, connecting global retail executives with local distribution channels
Spotlight on Innovation: Product of the Year Awards
A major highlight was the Product of the Year 2025 Awards, organized in collaboration with Assofermet Ferramenta. The awards recognized excellence across innovation, design, and sustainability:
- Innovation Category Winner: Stanley Black & Decker Italia SRL
- Design Category Winner: UNIQUE SOLUTIONS USA
- Green Category Winner: Industrial Starter S.p.A. – PIP
Honourable mentions included industry players such as Homberger S.p.A., Keter Italia S.p.A., and fischer Italia S.r.l., reflecting a diverse and competitive field of manufacturers.
Accelerating Global Trade and Cross-Sector Synergies
International Hardware Fair Italy successfully capitalized on its matchmaking program, doubling the presence of international distributors and significantly increasing B2B interactions. Demonstrations and live presentations enhanced the outdoor exhibits, showcasing the sector’s commitment to practical, innovation-led engagement.
Thomas Rosolia, Managing Director of Koelnmesse Italy, emphasized the fair’s trajectory: “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.”
Broad Industry Collaboration and Forward Momentum
This year’s event benefitted from strategic collaborations with influential associations such as EDRA/GHIN, ZHH, FWI, MADE4DIY, and Confartigianato Imprese Bergamo. These partnerships ensured a rich, cross-border dialogue that addressed the industry’s evolving needs across retail, distribution, and manufacturing.
With its next edition set for May 5–6, 2027, in Bergamo, International Hardware Fair Italy is poised to continue driving growth, knowledge-sharing, and innovation in the European hardware and building sectors.
Learn more at www.hardwarefair-italy.com