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A major Japanese tackle supplier has become the latest exhibitor to voice concern over the decreasing attendance at EFTTEX, highlighting the rise of the digital era for the declining relevance of B2B trade shows.
The Tsuda Shokai Group – owner of the Adusta brand – has exhibited at the European trade show for almost 20 years and says visitor numbers have fallen noticeably recently, reflecting the wider changes affecting the trade exhibition sector.
“We have been participating in EFTTEX for nearly two decades and over the past few years we have noticed a decline in visitor numbers,” said the company’s Yuki Kitagawa. “It feels somewhat less vibrant than it used to be.”
The company remains committed to the European market and continues to regard EFTTEX as an important event. However, he believes the rise of digital communication and changing market dynamics have inevitably reduced the relevance of traditional B2B trade shows.
“It is unfortunately clear from the declining attendance that digitalisation and evolving market trends have reduced the overall significance of physical B2B trade shows compared to the past,” said Kitagawa.
He added that he would like the organiser to consider changes aimed at boosting attendance, including introducing consumer days and allowing product sales at the venue. He also believes attracting more high-profile exhibitors would also strengthen the event’s appeal.
Despite those concerns, Kitagawa said the event still delivered value as a platform for conducting business and strengthening relationships with customers across Europe. “We were able to conduct several important business meetings this year, which was a positive outcome,” he said.
The business views EFTTEX primarily as a meeting point for existing European customers rather than solely as a vehicle for acquiring new business. “While expanding our new clientele is always important, it is even more significant for us to use the show as a central meeting point to reconnect with our many existing clients across the EU,” added Kitagawa. “Being able to meet with so many of them face-to-face made the event highly meaningful and successful for us.”
Tsuda Shokai’s appearance at this year’s show was boosted by success in the EFTTEX awards programme, with its Adusta brand receiving recognition from European buyers for its Crankuri hard lure, which won recognition in the spinning and baitcasting category.
Kitawaga described the accolade as an important milestone for a brand it has been developing for more than a decade. “Adusta has been our in-house brand for over a decade and we are absolutely delighted that our products have been recognised and highly evaluated by buyers within the EU. The award reflects its growing awareness in European markets, driven largely by support from the distribution network.
Despite ongoing global challenges, including the lingering effects of the pandemic and geopolitical uncertainty, Kitawaga said it had maintained stable operations through close cooperation with suppliers and international customers.
The company has not yet confirmed its participation in next year’s EFTTEX in Prague, but said attending remains its current intention.
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www.tsudatrading.com
