Spoga+Gafa 2008 reports strong show
Attracts 41,500 trade visitors from 100 countries
-- Casual Living, 9/5/2008 10:03:00 AM
Spoga+Gafa Cologne -- the international trade show for Sport, Camping and Garden Lifestyle and International Garden Trade Fair – confirmed its role as the meeting place for the worldwide garden and leisure market trade during its Aug. 31-Sept 2 show.
The show attracted 41,500 trade visitors from 100 countries, while 155 suppliers from 57 countries presented new products and services covering all aspects of garden care.
“The quality of the visitors and the increased internationality were striking, positive features,” said Oliver P. Kuhrt, executive vice president of Koelnmesse. “This year's spoga+gafa has also been characterized by a particularly large commitment on the part of its exhibitors.”
The Boulevard of Excellence, which ran through the exhibition center like a green thread and brought together premium suppliers in all segments in diverse ways, was well received by attendees. In the open grounds between Halls 6 and 7, Spoga+gafa in Action allowed visitors to try out new products and innovations from the motorized garden appliance sector. Mediterranean inspiration and contacts to the Italian garden market were provided by Green Italy as the forum became a meeting place in connection with this year's partner country.
“The international decision-makers from the industry and trade were here” was a consistent statement repeated in the Spoga+gafa exhibition halls. This was confirmed by a visitor survey that showed almost 90% of respondents were involved in purchasing and procurement decisions.
The largest product group at spoga+gafa 2008 was once again provided by the Outdoor Living section, with 630 exhibiting companies. Spectacular high-tech materials attracted the trade visitors’ attention as did exceptional design. The trend of recent years is continuing: the borders between the indoor and outdoor sectors are blurring and merging.
Even as raw materials and energy are becoming more expensive, the sectors participating at spoga+gafa were painting a positive Green picture for the future. Suppliers said they are benefiting from climatic change as the summers are getting longer and people are preferring to go outdoors and staying there longer.
In the Outdoor Activities area, the Grills & Barbecue segment was the most strongly represented. The largest contingent in the In/Outdoor-Ambience sector was presented by Floristry Supplies & Decorations, followed by Water Technology & Outdoor Lighting.
The kitchen is increasingly following the living room trend and moving outdoors, in many cases resulting in demand for gourmet barbecuing on high-tech products. Motorized systems are ensuring greater convenience as is the further development of various indirect grilling and barbecuing techniques.
“Whether young or old, value-for-money or high price, for party or gourmet barbecuers, in Cologne the specialist trade was able to find the matching products and ranges for all its target groups,” said Kurt Schlieper, executive director of Barbecue Industry Association Grillverband. “The trend toward the high-quality appliance is however clearly continuing.”
Spoga 2009 is set for Aug. 30-Sept. 1 in Cologne.
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