30 | Country Focus: France
SUMMARY
■ Nearly 90% of 2024’s exhibitors will return for CIB 2026
■The maximum size of company stands is restricted to 54m2
■ The use of Hall XXL in 2024 was a significant success
■CIB also features national timber organisations’ pavilions
CARREFOUR GROWS GLOBAL APPEAL
Among constants at the Carrefour International du Bois timber show in France is continuous evolution. Mike Jeffree reports
The biennial Carrefour International du Bois (CIB) in Nantes has a very high exhibitor return rate and the next show, from June 2-4, 2026, looks like being no exception. The organisers say that nearly 90% of those at the 2024 exhibition have confirmed their intention to be back next year. Core to the appeal of CIB to visitors and exhibitors from around the world is undoubtedly that it is unadulterated timber and wood products and a purely trade and business focused event, so, say the organisers, attracting key decision makers. As one visitor to the 2024 show said to
TTJ: “There are no distractions from sundry other associated sectors – and people are there to do business and network. You don’t get the tyre kickers just there for the trip to France.” Another attraction to exhibitors, and a continuing feature of the show in 2026 is that it is not dominated by the big players with huge and elaborate stands. The maximum size of company stands is restricted to 54m2
.
“This policy ensures that SMEs are not overshadowed by larger exhibitors and is widely appreciated by them,” said CIB commercial and international affairs executive Samantha Padden. “It maintains an even playing field and also ensures that the marketing budget for companies is as reasonable as possible.”
While there are these constants, however, the show also has a reputation for evolving with market trends and, say the organisers, developing to enhance its appeal as a place to do business. It also continues to grow edition after edition.
Above: Visitors in 2024 came from 100 countries TTJ | July/August 2025 |
www.ttjonline.com
In 2024, exhibitor numbers increased 5% to 637, with 39% from outside France drawn
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