Spoga Cologne, the international trade fair for Sport, Camping and Garden Lifestyle, will celebrate its 45th anniversary when its doors open Sept. 4–6.

Its long-standing tradition brings with it a sense of renewal as it seeks to offer the optimal platform required by businesses in a changing market. This fresh start is evident through significant product expansions via the traditional Spoga ranges of Furniture & Home items, Grill & Barbecue, Camping & Leisure, Sports & Games as well as Equestrian sports.

Outdoor and garden furniture will be displayed by more than 600 of the 1,400 exhibitors from more than 50 countries.

For the third time, the Outdoor Furniture Center of Excellence will form a focal point. About 40 companies from a dozen countries will participate, showing outdoor furnishings characterized by high quality designs, innovations and materials.

Garden Lifestyle also includes about 180 vendors in the grill and barbecue sector. For the first time, the range will be complemented by a series of products designed to make outdoor living as pleasant as possible after the garden work has been done. The Garden Lifestyle sector will include the following product groups: Water Technology & Outdoor Lighting, Floristry Supplies & Decorations, Plants & Plant Care, Equipment & Garden structures as well as Garden Design & Maintenance, which are otherwise presented at Gafa, the International Garden Trade Fair, now held every two years and returning in 2006.

"The international trade visitors can expect a fantastic range covering the 'Garden Life' theme at Spoga," said Oliver P. Kuhrt, executive director Koelnmesse, the show's venue.

The number of classic Spoga exhibitors, even without Gafa in 2005, remains stable because about 200 companies, considered Gafa exhibitors, decided to participate each year in Cologne. Once again this year, garden and summer furniture will account for the largest product segment.

Twenty-two British suppliers of garden and leisure products will exhibit a diverse range of garden and leisure products under a group organized by the British garden export federation, Gardenex.

Many of the British exhibitors have chosen Spoga to debut products to international buyers. Gardenex has a comprehensive industry information stand (Hall 13.2, Stand B10) at the show and is arranging daily overseas buyer receptions.

Spoga Cologne will celebrate its 45th anniversary during its annual trade fair Sept. 4–6 in Cologne, Germany. A landscape of the city is pictured above.