Six per cent more

This year Spoga+Gafa experienced a six per cent increase in trade visitors compared to last year. A total of 39 000 visitors from 160 countries was recorded by Koelnmesse at the three day garden fair at the beginning of September. The visitor increase at the domestic level was slightly above average with seven per cent. Nevertheless, the foreign proportion of visitors held on to its previous year's level of 60 per cent.
This has "once again confirmed the high level of internationality of this event", was Katharina C. Hamma's, Chief Operating Office of Koelnmesse, evaluation of this achievement. From the 2 032 exhibitors, 83 per cent came from abroad and 57 countries were represented. "We also received very positive feedback on the varied range of offers and the presence of the exhibitors in the halls, as well as the supporting programme. This shows us that Spoga+Gafa is now more than ever, an obligatory date in the industry calendar. We are very satisfied with Spoga+Gafa 2016," was Hamma's conclusion.

The final report from the trade fair organiser emphasized the good feedback, especially from the industry. "With an absolute record number of member companies visiting Spoga+Gafa, the feedback has been most positive," as John Herbert, General Secretary of the European DIY Retail Association Edra and Ghin (Global Home Improvement Network) is quoted to have said. For instance, buyers from Japan and Home Depot, the world's largest DIY store chain, were represented at the fair. "Not only have our members been again impressed with the globally unparalleled number of exhibitors but also with the excellent and caring service given by the Cologne Trade Fair to our overseas members. This was much appreciated", Herbert stated.
On behalf of the associations participating in Spoga+Gafa, Frank Miedaner, Weber-Stephan Deutschland GmbH/Managing Director Germany and Chairman of the Advisory Board of Spoga+Gafa, summed up: "Spoga+Gafa is an important trendsetter for the industry. The good frequency of visitors in the exhibition halls impressively substantiated that this year. In particular, the high share of international visitors is also extremely positive. Furthermore, the high quality visitor structure had a very positive effect on the mood in the…