Did you know that Istanbul is historically a main stopping point on the Silk Road and remains a key crossroad for trade routes connecting Europe, the Middle East and the Mediterranean. It is geographically a significant connection between the black and the mediterranean seas.  

It’s easy to wax lyrical about the benefits of attending CBME. Based on stats alone, the International Istanbul Children Baby and Maternity Industry Expo is one of the biggest international trade shows worldwide, and boasts over 20,000 international trade visitors from over 120 different countries. This hosts over 1000 visitors and stands spread over 3 huge halls. Simply walking the halls you are guaranteed to meet industry leading brands. 

On paper, those stats are a great forum to lay the foundations for productive collaborations and business connections, but what is experienced in person when attending the event is something that counts for more:  

Its the place to be if you are looking to introduce your brand beyond the European Market:

As we walked around and spoke to many brands, the effect of the economic boom in the Middle East was evident in the sheer number of buyers from that region. Making this event attractive to international brands looking to leverage the buying power of what is likely to be a previously untapped market. 

 

Check out CBME Türkiye 2024

Kids Fashion rules: 

One of Istanbul’s main manufacturing products is textiles, so it stands to reason that there are 100’s of clothing brands that cater to all markets – from the most intricate princess dresses, to organic neutral cottons, fun designed wacky, and exceptionally smart suits, jackets and ball gowns. There was not a genre of style or material left to the imagination. 

From a UK retail and buyers perspective, anyone interested in children’s clothing should head to the event for one of the largest clothing collections at a trade show. 

Turkish culture flavoured the the whole event

The culture is known for many things, including its hospitality, sense of community, and love of football, but they are a diverse group of individuals with a wide range of characteristics and experiences including: Being friendly, generous and hospitable to guests. It feels like the magic of being in Istanbul and the friendly energy of Turkish culture rubbed off on each of the stands – each brand had a dominant part of their stand dedicated to somewhere that people could sit comfortably, talk and do business. A refreshing change from the standing room only of many events around the globe. The essence of this energy oozed out of everyone from the security guards, to the people you bumped into as you walked around. 

Culture CBME Türkiye

Hosting is considered an honour in Turkish culture and it’s the little touches put on by the team at CBME that really made this event stand out to us. Not least of which was the perfectly placed area for new brands and startups who simply want to dip their toe in without setting up a full stand, there we saw a hive of activity and connections forming – most likely as it as suitably placed right next to the Conference Stage which saw great deal of foot traffic as people attended talks. The dedicated trend area and meeting areas really cemented the idea that CMBE really wants all attendees to have a fruitful visit. 

There’s something for everyone: 

It’s a huge pool of opportunity for International Brands and Distributors alike. At CBME you’ll find not just a glut of clothing brands but other exciting brands paving the way in their own verticals: 

Noble and thoughtful brands like Hopfrog – creators of footwear that supports the natural development of children’s feet with sustainable and innovative intentional design – winner of 1st Place in Maternity and Kids fashion at Germany’s Kind & Jugend Innovation awards.  

Elegant Heritage brands like Minimoca Sweden – who are dedicated to creative Scandinavian handcrafted leather footwear for kids and babies, who take pride in merging tradition and innovation to create beautifully crafted elegant pieces.  

Inspirational Brands with Integrity and Sustainability at the heart of what they do, like Funnababy, who create elegant quality textiles for children – with their health and comfort being paramount. Whilst also embracing the highest standards of organic & sustainable materials and working standards through the line. 

Funnababy and Nursery Online

Clever and conscious Turkish brands like Mamatoyz, who use FSE certified woods for hand crafted wooden Montessori toys, nursery furniture and accessories with fun designs and thoughtful touches. 

Not only is there huge potential for UK distributors to tap into groundbreaking new brands offering favourable business terms, of no minimum order quantities, with their sights set on our fair isles. But CBME’s fortuitous position on the world map means quite simply brands will meet buyers that will not visit other exhibitions in Europe. In short, there is nothing quite like CBME Türkiye.