Upcoming Trade Shows in Germany for Optics

The German optics industry dominates the global market and currently employs nearly 140,000 people. The sector is recognized as one of Germany’s twelve key technologies, and between 2005 and 2016, the production volume in Germany’s optics sector rose from EUR 17 billion to EUR 31 billion. That’s a growth of 82.3%, which is unprecedented for the European market. Bavaria stands as Germany’s top region for the optics industry, with over 500 companies based in the region. The state dominates in lighting, information, and communication technologies, accounting for over 50% of national production in these areas. It also holds a strong position in medical technology and life sciences. Bavaria’s optical technology ecosystem is particularly strong in cutting-edge fields such as laser technology, additive manufacturing, holography, metrology and sensor technology, fiber optic telecommunications, and laser material processing. The region is home to key international players brands as Adasens Automotive, Agfa-Gevaert HealthCare, Sill Optik, Osram Opto Semiconductors, Menlo Systems, and Toptica Photonics. The optician subsector in Germany remains stable, despite minor fluctuations in employment figures. Over 37,500 ophthalmic opticians are currently working in the country, and while the broader healthcare sector in Germany faces a skilled labor shortage, optics continues to maintain its reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and robust research opportunities—factors that help attract talent despite workforce challenges. Fielmann leads the German optician market and generates approximately EUR 1.34 billion in revenue in 2023. The Hamburg-based company has expanded its reach across Europe, reinforcing its status as a dominant player in the optical retail sector. Apollo Optik follows closely, recording revenues of EUR 0.835 billion in 2023. These companies continue to drive growth in the German optician industry through innovation, customer-centric approaches, and expanding market presence.