Press Conference Under the Palms

Under the palm trees at Dinger’s Garden Center in Cologne—few places could be better suited to share information about the innovations at this year’s edition of Spoga+Gafa. That’s likely what the organizers at Koelnmesse had in mind when they invited guests to the press event. And there was certainly plenty to discuss. "Trade shows have to adapt. That takes time. But we’re taking the first step," announced Claudia Maurer, Director of Spoga+Gafa, at the event. She also received support and encouragement from the German Garden Industry Association (IVG), the German Retail Association (BHB), and the Barbecue Industry Association Grill (Biag).

A key component of this first step is a more compact layout and a sharpening of the existing theme areas. The new hall layout is as follows: The "Creation & Care" section will be located in Hall 6. Hall 7 will house the BBQ and Outdoor Adventure themes. The Living section will be split: "Living – Decoration" will be in Hall 9, and "Living – Furniture" in Hall 10.2. The Garden Sourcing Hub is moving to Halls 4 and 11.

In addition, the “Flavour Market” will take place in Hall 7 for the first time this year. It is scheduled to be featured every two years at Spoga+Gafa and “create a connection between enjoyment and business,” Maurer added. Likewise, an experiential zone in Hall 7 is intended to enhance the visitor experience and provide POS inspiration.

There are also changes on the Boulevard: The Association of German Garden Centers (VDG) is moving from the Middle Boulevard to the North Boulevard, bringing it closer to the BHB trade association. In addition, there will be a new special area titled “Digital Garden” with a focus on digitalization in retail.

As part of its strategic development, the "Creation & Care" theme area will have a more defined structure in 2026. In the future, the section will be divided into three product areas: "Garden Design – Furnishings," "Garden Design – Technology," and "Plants & Plant Care." As of now, the hall is already 85 percent booked, and the trend is upward, according to the organizers.

The "IVG Garden Boulevard," which was presented for the first time last year, is also once again part of the thematic area—it has already doubled in size, as IVG Managing Director Anna Hackstein announced.

Several events will also take place during the trade show. On the first day of the show, Biag is hosting a champagne reception to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Also on the first day of the fair, the traditional VDG Happy Hour will take place at the VDG booth, and the Prime BBQ Night will be held at the Rheinterrassen. The Retail Association is inviting attendees to the BHB Garden Summit—which Jörn Brüningholt, Head of Communications at the BHB, described as a “miniature think tank for executives”—as early as Tuesday. Following that, the BHB and IVG will jointly host a garden party for the first time.