Expect fierce competition during the 2004 barbecue season, as many manufacturers of inexpensive barbecues are undercutting prices following the European heatwave in the summer of 2003, which resulted in turnover increases of up to 30% for the barbecue industry. The prices of more expensive barbecues, however, remain stable. And once again, lots of new products are being developed.

In recognition of the high innovative potential of the grill and barbecue sector, Koelnmesse, in cooperation with grilling and barbecue magazine Fire&Food, has set up a separate new product showcase. Innovative ideas with particularly good market prospects will be tested and awarded prizes during the Sept. 5-7 Spoga Cologne. Around 180 of the 1,240 companies exhibiting at Spoga will present products for the barbecue sector.