IFA Berlin 2022: The Highlights

Europe’s biggest consumer technology show returned for the first time since 2019 in its usual venue of Messe Berlin. As ever, the event showcased the latest products and tech from many of the world’s biggest brands.

At Alrec we’re proud to work with many brands and retailers in the consumer technology sector and it was great to see the latest and greatest innovations. In this article we wanted to share some of the key themes and new products that caught our eye during our time at IFA this year.

So, what’s new?

New products and innovative tech are of course the centrepiece of IFA and 2022 was no exception. From some of the biggest brands through to newer, disruptive players everyone was showcasing their latest line ups for Q4 and 2023.

Product categories such as TV, Smartphone & Home Appliances have long been a huge part of IFA whilst categories such as IOT, Smart Home and health & wellbeing continue to grow their presence at the show.

Foldable and flexible displays are now appearing in larger formats such as tablets whilst growing sectors such as gaming monitors continue to bring new form factors to provide players with a more flexible and versatile viewing experience.

There were also products that combine multiple uses (such as a table that doubles as an air purifier, wireless phone charger and heater) and further examples of brands adding technology seamlessly into existing product formats to further enhance the value they provide.

It was also clear from the show that allowing for a hands-on experience really brings the products to life and provides great opportunities to showcase unique features and benefits in store.

Sustainability still going strong

IFA 2022 saw sustainability take centre stage again with many brands making this a central theme to their messaging. This was particularly relevant in the home appliances space with a clear effort to help customers use less energy and less water as well as tech to prepare and cook food. It’s clear manufacturers are developing technology to genuinely help consumers live greener everyday lives.

Samsung in particular had lots of sustainability elements in their space this year with their Everyday Sustainability Zone showcasing eco packaging, upcycling and solar cell remote controls. They also showcased solutions to problems such as microfibre shedding via a specially designed laundry cycle to reduce this and help protect the world’s oceans.

Back with a vengeance

2022 was the first time IFA has taken place since 2019 and it was clear to see that the event still commanded a strong turnout, lots of press coverage and some hugely impressive spaces from those exhibiting at the show.

Expectations were high with over 80% of stand space booked in the lead up to the event. Kai Mangelberger, Director of IFA said “The fact that exhibitor numbers are back to pre-pandemic levels, with Samsung in the CityCube Berlin, Panasonic in Hub 27 and LG in Hall 18 for example, and with the Household Appliances area almost fully booked, where companies including Bosch, Haier, Miele and Siemens are on the southern section of the grounds, shows that expectations are high.”

The show has actually been running since 1924 and judging by the crowds and huge exhibitor line up it has certainly cemented itself as one of the key shows to make an effort to attend in the tech space. We’re certainly looking forward to IFA 2023.