Though the official figures have yet to be released, initial impressions suggest that attendance levels at the May edition of Lineapelle (Bologna, May 6-8) were well down on the year before, but not necessarily below expectations.

Predictably, the SARS situation loomed large as the risk of quarantine meant most Far Eastern buyers stayed away while fear of the virus itself inevitably impacted on visitor levels from other parts of the world.   From reports, it would appear that production in China is suffering from widespread factory shutdowns as the authorities fight to keep the spread of the virus under control. Anecdotal evidenced meanwhile suggested that most buying and selling activity with the Far East has been put off until mid June at the earliest.

Not that SARS was not the only negative influence at work as loud complaints were also heard surrounding the continuing slide of the dollar against the euro.   More than one exhibitor predicted that businesses will start to experience serious problems is the slide continues. As it was, many exhibitors reported order levels being down by between 20 and 30% than is normal for the time of the year. 

Despite sellers having reduced their asking prices by 10 to 15%, there were few reports a major items of business being transacted at the show.

Share this story: