Coédis Impact 2026: the professional distribution sector for technical finishing work has affirmed its vision for the future

This conference, structured around several round tables, provided an opportunity to share the findings of the study " Professional distribution facing major market changes: issues and challenges of a connected sector ", carried out at the initiative of Coédis with Xerfi and TBC. The discussions highlighted the profound transformations of the sector and brought to light two structuring challenges for the years to come: the revival of the building activity, particularly through housing, and the acceleration of the electrification of uses.

Founded in 2022 through the merger of FDME (Federation of Electrical and Climate Engineering Equipment Distributors) and FNAS (Federation of Sanitary, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Piping Distributors), Coédis now represents over 400 companies, 44,000 employees, and a network of more than 4,000 points of sale across the country. This representation allows it to advocate for the professional distribution sector with public authorities and all economic stakeholders in the industry.

A study to decipher market changes

Conducted in partnership with Xerfi and TBC, the study, which premiered at Coédis Impact, analyzed the changes that have shaped the industry over the past five years. Based on macroeconomic and sectoral data, as well as feedback from distributors and installers, it provided a frank assessment of the ongoing transformations.

Analysis of the main product categories in the residential, commercial, and industrial markets confirmed the growing importance of two major issues: housing and the electrification of energy uses. These themes formed the central thread of the discussions throughout the afternoon.

Housing is at the heart of the sector's concerns.

The first round table focused on housing and the conditions necessary for a sustainable economic recovery. Participants shared their analyses of the new construction and renovation markets, within an environment marked by economic constraints, regulatory changes, and public support programs.

The discussions highlighted the importance of needs related to housing production, energy-efficient renovation, and building safety. They also underscored the expectations of installers and distributors in the face of changing markets, while questioning the alignment between the solutions offered by the industry and the needs of end users.

Building differently in the face of new challenges

The second part of the debates focused on the transformations that are already reshaping the sector: electrification of uses, technological transition, digitalization of jobs and evolution of skills.

The speakers shared their thoughts on the emergence of new services, the increasing integration of digital tools, and the opportunities offered by data and artificial intelligence to better understand markets and manage businesses.

Training, skills development, and the attractiveness of the professions were also central to the discussions. The exchanges confirmed the sector's ability to adapt, innovate, and evolve its practices to meet the economic, environmental, and technological challenges of the coming years.

A unifying first edition

With this first edition of Coédis Impact, Coédis wanted to create a space for reflection and dialogue bringing together distributors, manufacturers, installers and public decision-makers around the major challenges of the technical finishing work of the building.

This meeting provided an opportunity to share observations, compare viewpoints, and identify common courses of action to support the sector's transformation. This approach confirms Coédis' commitment to fully playing its role as a unifying force and spokesperson for professional distribution in the debates that will shape the sector's future.