The 43rd edition, held at the Bologna Exhibition Centre from 21st to 25th September, occupied all 16 halls, covering a total of 145,000 square metres. The show hosted 595 exhibitors: 314 ceramic tile companies, 96 bathroom furnishing companies and 185 businesses from related sectors including installation, raw materials, new surfaces and services. Its international profile remained strong, with 233 overseas exhibitors (39% of the total) from 24 countries.
The Tile Association was honoured to be a part of it, as always. Free accommodation was generously provided to 28 representatives by Edi.Cer. Spa, a branch of Confindustria Ceramica and the organiser of Cersaie, as a benefit of TTA’s close working relationship with the Italian tile sector. This provided the UK market with first-hand insights into its latest tile developments.
Cersaie welcomed 92,352 visitors over five days, 2.4% fewer than in 2025. Italian attendance fell by 3.7%, from 49,671 to 47,852, while international visitor numbers remained broadly stable at 44,500 compared with 44,906 the previous year (-0.9%). Overseas visitors accounted for 48.2% of total attendance.
‘We delivered a solid edition of the show, with participation remaining at the high levels Cersaie has consistently achieved,’ Augusto Ciarrocchi, Chairman of Confindustria Ceramica, states. ‘In today’s difficult global climate, simply maintaining that level of normality is in itself an achievement. Despite a slight decline in visitor numbers, Cersaie once again confirmed its position as the sector’s leading international exhibition and a unique asset for the Italian ceramic industry.’
At the inaugural conference entitled Sustainable Energy and Competitiveness, Ministers Tommaso Foti and Adolfo Urso, Emilia-Romagna Regional President Michele De Pascale, ENI CEO Claudio Descalzi, Confindustria Chairman Emanuele Orsini and Augusto Ciarrocchi warned that escalating energy and ETS allowance costs are putting investment and international competitiveness under increasing pressure. They argued that current cost levels are making it increasingly difficult for ceramic companies to sustain the investment required to remain competitive.
‘At a difficult time for both the economy and international trade, maintaining Cersaie’s position is an important result,’ said Gianpiero Calzolari, Chairman of BolognaFiere. ‘Once again, the show succeeded in bringing companies and industry professionals from around the world to Bologna. That is precisely the role of a trade fair: to give companies access to markets, business relationships and new growth opportunities, particularly in challenging times. Cersaie also plays a role that goes well beyond business. It is an international reference point for design and architecture, where innovation, excellence and beauty showcase the value of Made in Italy.’
The next edition of Cersaie will be held in Bologna from 27th September to 1st October 2027.
