Global marketplace for the green sector

The Spoga garden fair came to a close in Cologne on 8 September 2009 after three full days. There a total of 1 389 companies from 49 countries exhibited their products on a gross exhibition space of 168 000 m². The organisers report that the same event two years ago attracted 1 547 suppliers from 56 countries. At 79 per cent the proportion of foreign participants was almost the same as at Spoga 2007 (80 per cent), which once more testifies to the significance of the fair as a global marketplace for the green sector. The event displayed a high degree of internationality on the visitor side as well, with 59 per cent altogether arriving from abroad. The total number of trade visitors, including estimates for the final day of the fair, came to 25 350 from 89 countries (2007: 27 561 from 100 countries). As Oliver P. Kuhrt, executive vice president of Koelnmesse, summed up the impact of the fair: “Despite the current difficult economic situation, Spoga once again presented outdoor lifestyles on a high international level. We were also able to further increase the visitor quality, which contributed substantially to the positive atmosphere at the fair.” A visitor survey reveals that 82 per cent of respondents had sole or joint responsibility for making purchasing and procurement decisions. And half of all visitors to Spoga are part of their company’s management team. In the outdoor living sector a ‘new informality’ is making its presence felt – though in a modern interpretation. Manufacturers are reacting to the desire of many consumers for a sense of well-being with models that are comfortable without neglecting the design aspect. There were armchairs in the shape of a shell, for instance, and sun loungers reminiscent of a wave. Warm and muted colours like mocca and cappuccino are currently setting the trend. The subject of sustainability is becoming the focus of more and more interest. Manufacturers are increasingly turning to natural materials or developing their own high-tech versions, such as a plastic designed to replace tropical timber. But it is still quality that counts. The trend towards high-end products remains unchanged. This is also true of the grilling and barbecue products sector, where new launches involving charcoal, gas and electric models set the scene at the fair. On view in addition to big gas barbecues were numerous barbecue hearths and outdoor fireplaces designed to bring the romance of a campfire into the private garden. Finally…