Since every plywood veneer, laminate shop is adding up the decorative surfaces and fittings-hardware display too. The future growth is more for the experiential products that does not offer satisfaction on e-commerce platforms. This has also been the aim of Matecia show that 'since consumers need new materials and touch-feel experience.
Post Deepawali, market demand was subdued though it was far better compared to previous year. In later weeks market experienced a tepid response owing to elections in Bihar that certainly restrained about 60% of the workforce, including carpenters leading to weak demand from project sites across country. Labor shortage coupled with liquidity crunch post festive spree affecting the market. From 3rd week of November sales started improving slightly as workers have returned to the sites. The market is likely to pick up and as usual the branded entities are going to have the edge while the manufacturers with low capital need to figure out ways to deal with cash crunch to make the market forces work in their favor.
MDF segment is also experiencing pressure because past months inventories are still hanging in markets. The MDF industry has noted a 15% decline in demand post festive season which is likely to pick up during December-January phase. In Laminate, a strong case of consolidation is due because domestic market is facing competition from substitute products and pre-lam boards thus product uses are being redefined. Leading 30-35 established mid-size laminate brands are likely to emerge and spread whereas new ones may find themselves at the crossroad of capital vs margins. Now following the new trend, in wood panel decorative surfaces segment, our industry is gearing up to receive emergence of new brands in hardware and fittings segment as weel. I feel, after Green-Samet many players will opt to take the space despite knowing the low ticket size business space.
Since every plywood veneer, laminate shop is adding up the decorative surfaces and fittings-hardware display too. The future growth is more for the experiential products that does not offer satisfaction on e-commerce platforms. This has also been the aim of Matecia show that 'since consumers need new materials and touch-feel experience' that is only possible at "KNOWLEDGEBLE RETAIL COUNTERS" who offer explanation, wholesome offerings with product and application knowledge and brand faith. To spread this point this time we felt to bring all community together at MATECIA East+North East at KOLKАТА.
I feel, if a retail counter, wholesaler or a brand need to grow, our efforts require your attention and presence. East currently holds 5-7% of premium decorative markets where it holds around 10-12% interior commodity products. This Matecia East will try to increase this basket with knowledge led consumption.
Our teams at Surfaces, Ply reporter and 'wellwishers of interiors and exteriors industry are leaving no stone unturned in bringing about the MATECIA East & Northeast India exhibition on Jan 30th, 31st & Feb 1st, 2026 at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, Kolkata. Given the significant expansion of retail shops/counters and increasing showroom trend in East and North East India, it is evident that the region has immense potential in the wood panel & interior market, provided that the retailers and distributors are kept aware of the new products, innovations and its applications. Matecia East India is a genuine effort to bring eastern & northeastern panel & interior material businesses, retailers, manufacturers, designers, architects & interior designers at par with national wood panel realm.
Pragat Dvivedi
Founder Editor
[Published in Ply Reporter's December 2025 Print Issue]