The organiser of Italian furniture fair Salone del Mobile has announced that the show will be postponed until June because of coronavirus.

The announcement was made jointly by Salone del Mobile president Claudio Luti, Emanuele Orsini, president of Federlegno Arredo Eventi, and Mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala.

In a statement, Federlegno Arredo Eventi said: “Manufacturers will be able to present their finalised work to an international public that sees the annual appointment with Salone del Mobile as a benchmark of creativity and design.”

In a video statement released overnight on twitter, Mayor Sala, who stood between Emanuele Orsini, President of Federlegno Arredo Eventi, and Claudio Luti, President of the Salone del Mobile, said: “I am calling on our colleagues in the furnishing sector and the Salone del Mobile to pull together to make sure Milan doesn’t grind to a halt. We need to work objectively to stop this virus spreading, but we must also take care not to spread the virus of distrust. Milan has to carry on.” 

“So I would like to thank them all for this proof of confidence, because it’s not easy right now to try and appeal to visitors and convince professionals from all over the world, but I believe this is the right decision. Nevertheless, as I am fond of saying, it is crucial for everyone to do their bit.” 

““It is crucial for everyone to do their bit, therefore I call on the government to intervene and provide some help for a fundamental sector for our economy.”

The 59th edition of the Salone del Mobile 2020 had planned to bring together more than 2,200 exhibitors and 600 young designers under 35, with 25% of companies expected from other countries (excluding SaloneSatellite).

The show also hosts EuroCucina – the biennial International Kitchen Furniture Exhibition and its collateral event FTK (Technology For the Kitchen) and is the leading showcase for high-end kitchens.

Italy has in recent days become Europe’s worst-affected country, with more than 300 cases and 11 deaths.

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