Baselworld 2014: The Success Story Continues
Baselworld 2014: The Success Story Continues
PR56397
BASEL, Switzerland, Apr. 4/PRN=KYODO JBN /--
Baselworld 2014 came to a close today having once again succeeded in
bringing together around 150,000 attendees (including representatives from
exhibiting companies, buyers, journalists and other visitors) from every
continent, underlining its position as the most important marketplace and
trend-setting event for the world's watch and jewellery industry. The eight
outstanding show days were comprehensively covered by extensive global media
presence. With enthusiastic feedback from all players, Baselworld 2014 ended on
a high note, having met and exceeded expectations in terms of business,
quality, media presence and exposure.
Baselworld is the ultimate meeting place for the entire industry with all
sectors represented: watchmaking, jewellery, diamonds, gemstones and pearls,
machines, and supply industries. It is the annual event, where around 1,500
exhibitors, including all the leading brands, from over 40 countries first
showcase their innovations and novelties. On top of that, the economic impact
is enormous. The Swiss watch industry, 95% of which is represented at
Baselworld, had exports of around 21.8 billion Swiss francs in 2013. And it is
not only the watch and jewellery industry that benefits; the whole of
Switzerland profits, as Baselworld directly and indirectly generates an income
of around 2.4 billion Swiss francs a year and thereby approximately 13,000 jobs.
A Blockbuster for Global Brands
Overall, the exhibitors enthusiastically expressed their general
satisfaction both with the show and with the business outcome.
Jacques J. Duchene, President of the Exhibitors' Committee, confirmed this:
"We are extremely satisfied with this year's Baselworld. The exhibitors made a
very good turnover and were positive about the media exposure that has aroused
interest in the Baselworld 2014 event. Baselworld is and remains the unmissable
show for the watch and jewellery industry."
According to Francois Thiebaud, President of the Swiss Exhibitors'
Committee, "2014 has confirmed the excellence and global prestige of
Baselword." He went on to say that the "Extensive media coverage and articles
published this year in the run-up to the show undoubtedly inspired journalists
and retailers to come and discover this universe that is one of a kind: the
combination of luxury, innovation and outstanding expertise are the major
strengths of the watch and jewellery industry and related sectors."
"Historical! It's been a great Baselworld for Bulgari and it will be
remembered for a long time," said Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari. For
him, "Baselworld is that moment in time that determines the future. In the
course of one week, we unveil our novelties to business partners and to the
press of the whole world; possibly one of the most intimate exercises of a
brand, the creation. In return, we feel the emotions that our creations evoke.
A capital experience for the future to continue to improve ourselves."
Thierry Stern, CEO of Patek Philippe, found the whole show to be a "very
smooth process, pleasant ambiance and excellent attendance of the press." He
went on to say, "We have been present in Basel since 1931, as it is the most
important platform for meeting all of our retailers and an excellent platform
for our media partners. This year, we received more than 1,000 journalists in a
few days."
"Baselworld 2014 has been a good edition, similar to 2013," said
Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard, adding that, "Baselworld
reaffirms its dominant position as "The Rendezvous" of the industry."
Luc Perramond of Hermes agreed that "(Baselworld) is a unique platform to
meet press and customers from the trade with the opportunity to show our
novelties to the world."
Stressing the importance of the show, Zenith CEO, Jean-Frederic Dufour
said, "Baselworld is an indispensable annual event that allows us to meet our
clients, partners and journalists in one unique location."
Tag Heuer CEO, Stephane Linder, was really positive about the business
done, saying, "Another excellent year! Sales are in line with our objectives,
which were very ambitious. In terms of volume we have already exceeded our 2013
sales at Baselworld by +50%!" When asked about what the show means for his
company he said, "This is the trade show of the year where we see all our
retailers and our agents in the space of a few days, the only venue where we
feel the pulse of the market in the 'blink of an eye'. In addition, it is also
a wonderful platform for communication."
Walter von Kanel, President of Longines, says: "We are very satisfied with
Baselworld this year; it has again been a great success."
According to Sowind CEO Michele Sofisti, "Baselworld has been very strong
for us both in terms of image and product presentation as well as sales. We had
double the appointments of last year and a clear increase in all our numbers
for both the Girard-Perregaux and Jeanrichard brands."
Sparkling Results for the Jewellery Trade
The jewellery sector has also benefitted from a good business environment.
Pasquale Bruni, CEO of Pasquale Bruni said, "We experienced very good traffic
during the show. In particular, the American and Arabian markets are
experiencing strong growth and are of great importance to us." His daughter
Eugenia Bruni added: "Baselworld is the most important show of the year for us.
We have felt great energy and have a very positive vision for the future."
Furrer Jacot CEO, Walter Hausermann, found that Baselworld 2014 "was good
and maintained the high level set in 2013." In terms of business, "the setting
was ideal for acquiring new customers and to present the expansion of our range
to existing customers." In his opinion, "Baselworld is highly significant
particularly for brand positioning and also as a launch pad for new models and
product segments."
Susan Lam, Director Germany and Central Europe of the Hong Kong Trade
Development Council (HKTDC) said, "Baselworld is an excellent platform for Hong
Kong jewellery and watch companies to show their new collections and
demonstrate their design and manufacturing capabilities to the international
buyers. During the show a significant part of their annual business is
initiated and it is a good chance for the companies at the Hong Kong pavilion
to meet important buyers and learn more about the demands of their
international customers. They can also compare their performance with global
industry players."
Paramount for the Diamonds, Gemstones & Pearls Business
For exhibitor Groh + Ripp, "Baselworld provides the platform for fostering
and forging international contacts" said Managing Director Bernd-Willi Ripp,
who was more than satisfied with the show, adding that, "For us Baselworld has
been very positive with very good transactions."
Raj Mehta, CEO of international diamond merchant Rosy Blue, stressed the
importance of the show for his company, saying, "It is vital for us to be at
Baselworld because it is the most important trade show on the calendar that
brings together clients, prospects and colleagues from around the globe," and
also because, "Baselworld is the perfect platform to represent our new
products, and also to understand new trends of the industry. Due to its immense
audience, its way of allocating exhibitors, it attracts the best players in the
industry. It complements what Rosy Blue manufactures."
An unrivalled media magnet
Baselworld continues to draw major media interest from all around the globe
and remains one of the best-covered events in the world. The world's financial
press, the major national dailies, the lifestyle publications, all the trade
press, the world's biggest TV channels, and the key players in the field of
social media regularly disseminated news from Baselworld 2014 to every corner
of the earth, underlining the show's claim as the most important event for the
watch and jewellery industry. Baselworld 2014 attracted around 4,000 accredited
journalists from over 70 countries.
Baselworld - Brilliance Meets
During eight days, Baselworld was once again the focal point where all the
leading players representing all sectors of the global watch and jewellery
industry were able to shine. Sylvie Ritter, Managing Director of Baselworld,
reflects on the end of the show with a great deal of pride in a brilliant
Baselworld 2014: "This year's edition was a true and highly focused reflection
of the changes, trends and innovations within the entire industry," said Ms
Ritter, noting that, "Baselworld is the ideal platform for the watch and
jewellery industry to showcase innovations, attract international interest and
enhance business." She was particularly pleased also with the extensive media
presence and comprehensive coverage, which was undoubtedly another contributing
factor to the show's success.
All of the above reaffirm Baselworld's premier position in the watch and
jewellery industry and with that comes an obligation to reset the bar for next
year. Not afraid to meet the challenge, Ms Ritter says, "And as we put the
closing touches to Baselworld 2014, we are already applying ourselves to our
mission of maintaining a perfect harmony between tradition and present day
requirements so that Baselworld will continue to fully reflect the reality of
the industry and its players next year and beyond."
The next Baselworld will be held from 19 - 26 March 2015.
Baselworld 2015 - World Watch and Jewellery Show
Date: Thursday, 19 March to Thursday, 26 March 2015
Venue: Messe Basel
Organisers: MCH Swiss Exhibition (Basel) Ltd.
Internet: http://www.baselworld.com
E-mail: press@baselworld.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/baselworld
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/baselworld
Weibo: http://www.weibo.com/baselworld
Picture material for Baselworld is available to download free of charge
CONTACT: Media Service
press@baselworld.com
+41-58-206-22-64
SOURCE: BASELWORLD / MCH Group
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