Spoga+Gafa booking level already above last year's level

After the successful relaunch of Spoga+Gafa last year, organiser Koelnmesse reports a positive outlook for this year's garden lifestyle trade fair at the beginning of the year: the booking level in a direct year-on-year comparison is already well above the exhibitor and floor space figures for 2022. In addition to an increased return of companies from North America, Asia in particular is multiplying its space requirements, according to the Cologne-based company. With the Global DIY Summit in Berlin ending just two days earlier, it is hoped in Cologne that more decision-makers from the international DIY and garden sector will find their way to Spoga+Gafa.

The most significant increase at this year's trade fair was in the outdoor furniture suppliers' area, where the existing exhibition space was tripled to 900 m². Even during the early booking phase, which ended in mid-September, 80 per cent of the companies exhibiting in 2022 confirmed their participation again for 2023.

A special focus is on the barbeque and grill segment. In Halls 7 and 8 there are signs of an increase in exhibitors from North America and the DACH region - including returning brands.

This year, the three days of the fair are themed "Social Gardens - Places of Encounter". "Gardens, balconies and terraces, but also garden centres and DIY stores are meeting places for families, friends and neighbours. At Spoga+Gafa, we would like to highlight how manufacturers and the trade support this function of the garden - from gardening tools for the youngest visitors to living landscapes including fully equipped outdoor kitchens and tool-sharing initiatives," says Stefan Lohrberg, director of Spoga+Gafa.