German optics on road to recovery in Munich

Further evidence of recovery in the German market emerged at last weekend's Opti Munich exhibition.
Over 33,000 specialist visitors from 63 countries attended the event held at the New Munich Trade Centre between January 28 and 30 - marking a 5 per cent increase on last year. In total, 605 exhibitors filled the 45,000sq m space from 46 countries, with the major companies Rodenstock, Johnson & Johnson, Luxottica and Hoya present.
Last year, optician reported that Germany had been hit by damaging health insurance changes with a sales decline for the optical industry of up to 30 per cent. However, German optical retail giant Fielmann reported in November improved figures in a difficult market.
Speaking at the show last weekend, Arno JŠger, boss of Opti Munich, said the rehabilitation of the German optical market was well on its way.
'The feedback from our exhibitors and visitors reflects a return in confidence in the sector,' he commented. 'What is notable above all is the resurgence of international interest in the German market.'
'Last year we had three halls, now we have three and a half and next year there will be four,' said JŠger. 'We also have a waiting list of 60 companies who came after we had completed the allocation of sites last June for this year's show.'
JŠger believes there are many incentives for more British visitors to attend and said: 'You can make excellent business contacts and it's not as crowded as Milan or Paris. It is more convenient, less stressful and you have the opportunity to preview products coming out later in the year.'
The next Opti Munich exhibition will take place from January 13-15 2006 at the same venue, when show organisers hope to increase stand space to 55,000sq m.