Cevisama, the international ceramics, natural stone and bathroom equipment fair, took place February 8-11 in Valencia, Spain. Organizers announced that the number of exhibitors increased by 8%, while the number of brands represented increased by 39%.

The range of products offered this year was greater, and the novelties doubled since last year. The exhibiting companies have made a great effort in terms of quality and innovation, with a broader offering and a total of 207 new products. Moreover, foreign visitors increased 14% over the prior year.

“We have beaten our expectations; the challenge was to increase the number of international buyers and prescriptors with a high purchasing power, and we have achieved both,” said Armando Ibañez, president of the fair.

Beatriz Urbón, Cevisama fair director, said that a thorough survey was held in order to invite important distribution companies. “We have invited the best-positioned international buyers capable of guaranteeing exhibiting companies a high buying power because, right now, export is what ensures success.”

Cevisama received 77,104 visitors during the five exhibition days; 12,489 were foreign visitors from 148 different countries, which meant 16% of the total and an increase of 14%.

European countries such as Italy, Portugal, Germany and Belgium still led the list. With a 65% increase, Russia and the former Soviet Republics’ presence increased compared to last year’s figures. It is also important to note the presence of buyers from India, with a 26% increase compared to last year’s edition.

American buyers doubled their presence. Final data shows a 111% increase of U.S. buyers and a 33% increase of Canadians. There was also an increase in buyers from South American countries such as Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Costa Rica and Panama.

Cevisama 2012 is scheduled to take place from February 7-10 in Valencia, Spain. For more information, visit http://cevisama.feriavalencia.com.