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spoga+gafa 2026 saw success in Cologne from June 22 to 24, 2026 with high international participation, the creation of strong business connections and a positive response to new formats. Driven by very positive feedback, changing supply and ordering cycles and the industry’s desire for consistency, spoga+gafa will continue to be held in June in future.
“spoga+gafa 2026 demonstrated how important the personal exchange and international contacts are, especially in a demanding market environment,” says Oliver Frese, chief operating officer of Koelnmesse GmbH. “Particularly in times of economic uncertainty, the industry’s desire for continuity and a trusted trade fair format grows. The success of this year’s spoga+gafa has reinforced us in our commitment to providing stability and offering the industry an internationally established meeting point in future with the date in June.”
With the new concept “Growing Forward”, spoga+gafa 2026 included a further developed hall structure, clearly defined theme worlds and new formats, providing spaces for communities to meet and exchange ideas.
The trade fair offered inspiration for the POS with its two special areas, “Outdoor Adventure” and “Grow Anywhere”, which used realistic living situations, from micro-balconies to spacious terraces, to demonstrate how urban outdoor spaces can be attractively designed. The show also featured new exhibits in the barbecue section, including the “Flavour Market,” the “Pitmaster Stage” and the outdoor “Pit & Pitch” area that addressed outdoor cooking and food trends.
“spoga+gafa is an important meeting point for Silvan, giving us the opportunity to meet key suppliers, finalize our assortment and discover new and innovative products for the following season,” says Klaus Dolmer, chief executive officer of Silvan from Denmark. “The timing fits well with our planning cycle and enables us to make timely decisions ahead of the next garden season. It is an efficient and convenient platform that helps Silvan save both time and cost by reducing the need for separate supplier visits abroad.”
Around 1,350 exhibitors from 50 countries and 23,500 trade visitors from 112 countries attended spoga+gafa 2026. The foreign share of exhibitors was 92 percent and 66 percent of trade visitors came from abroad. After Germany, the countries with the highest number of visitors were among others France, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands and Poland.
“At spoga+gafa, we value much more than just showcasing our products,” says Deborah Peltenburg, commercial director of Capi Europe BV. “The trade fair provides a unique opportunity to meet existing and potential retail partners from all over the world in person. These face to face conversations help us better understand market needs, exchange ideas and build long-term relationships based on trust. The international character of spoga+gafa, combined with the direct interaction with industry professionals, makes it an essential event for us every year.”
spoga+gafa 2027 is scheduled to take place in Cologne from Tuesday, June 15 to Thursday, June 17, 2027.
Photo: Koelnmesse / spoga+gafa
