The 2023 spoga+gafa exhibition held at the Cologne Exhibition Center from June 18 to 20 showcased a remarkable recovery for the gardening and outdoor living industry. Featuring over 1,800 exhibitors from 58 countries and attracting approximately 30,000 professional visitors from 122 countries, the event displayed a resurgence comparable to the peak enthusiasm of 2019. The exhibition demonstrated the industry's resilience, gradually overcoming the impact of the pandemic and reclaiming its vitality.
Key Highlights:
Global Participation: The exhibition hosted 1,853 exhibitors from 58 countries, emphasizing the diverse offerings in garden-related products. China, in particular, showcased a strong presence with over 900 companies, 600 of which were dedicated to garden products, highlighting China's significant role in the global gardening market.
Visitor Turnout: This year witnessed a 20% increase in visitors compared to 2022, totaling 30,000 attendees. International visitors from 10 countries, especially the UK, Italy, Spain, France, and the Netherlands, contributed significantly to this growth, with notable surges reported from the UK, Italy, the USA, and Canada.
Thematic Segmentation: Spanning an expansive 210,000 square meters across 11 halls, the exhibition covered four main themes: Garden Living, Garden Focus, Garden Care, and Garden BBQ. The largest category of exhibitors was garden furniture, followed by outdoor BBQ, camping gear, garden tools and equipment, decorations, and sports equipment.
Trade Importance: spoga+gafa, underscoring its critical role as an international trade and networking platform, maintained a 70% international visitor ratio, solidifying its status as a pivotal industry event.
Industry Trends: The exhibition highlighted trends such as sustainability, increased social functionality, and expanded living and working spaces in garden outdoor living. The theme for this year's event, "Social Gardens – Meeting Places," emphasized the trade show's significance as a vital platform for interaction among professionals and decision-makers.
Upcoming Plans: Looking ahead, spoga+gafa is scheduled to return to the Cologne Exhibition Center from June 16 to 18 in 2024. Rhinoceros Company, an active participant in the 2023 exhibition, introduced numerous innovative products. The company is committed to participating in the 2024 event, providing further opportunities to showcase and connect with clients.
This exhibition not only signifies the resurgence of the gardening and outdoor living industry but also highlights the importance of platforms like spoga+gafa in fostering innovation, international collaboration, and sustainable practices within the sector. The upcoming 2024 event holds promise, with Rhinoceros Company gearing up for an exciting showcase, building on its active participation and innovative product introductions in 2023.
