28,000 visitors at Spoga+Gafa

Around 28,000 trade visitors from 113 countries took part in the world's largest garden and BBQ trade fair from 16 to 18 June. 1,800 exhibitors from 66 countries presented their products at the event for the global garden industry. On the visitor side, the trade fair recorded an increase in German visitors in particular of over eight per cent, Koelnmesse reported in a press release. The Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, the USA and Australia accounted for the majority of other visitors.  

Oliver Frese, managing director of Koelnmesse, was delighted that the trade fair had built seamlessly on the success of the previous year. "The positive response from international trade visitors, the growth in visitor numbers from Germany and the high quality of the discussions with our partners encourage us in our commitment to continuously develop Spoga+Gafa."

The main theme "Responsible Gardens" offered practical concepts and answers to the industry's pressing questions with best-practice examples from the international garden trade, specialist lectures in the "Garden Café" forum and themed product presentations. With the new theme worlds "From Budget to Luxury - BBQ for Every Wallet", "Cooling World" and "Outdoor Adventure", the leading trade fair demonstrated its further development in terms of content in the BBQ segment.

The next edition will take place in June 2025 under the theme of "Design Gardens", Koelnmesse has announced. "With its focus on aesthetic and innovative design solutions for private green spaces and a look back at past design concepts, Spoga+Gafa 2025 emphasises the high quality and design standards of the garden and BBQ world."

Anna Hackstein, managing director of the IVG (Industrieverband Garten), emphasised the importance of the trade fair as a platform for exchange and presentation. John W. Herbert, general secretary of the international DIY association Edra/Ghin, highlighted the service, innovative strength and depth of the event. Martina Mensing-Meckelburg, president of the VDG (Association of German Garden Centres), referred to the inspiration and responsible action, while Dr Peter Wüst, managing director of the BHB (Home Improvement, DIY and Garden Trade Association), praised the trade fair as an indispensable networking platform. Norbert J. Jedrau, managing director of BIAG (Barbecue Industry Association Grill) was impressed by the innovations presented and the variety of barbecue techniques.