GARDEN Trader 2023

spoga+gafa 2022: Back with a strong appearance aking the reserved approach of the Asiatic manufacturers into account, spoga+gafa 2022 reached the pre-crisis level in terms of the number of exhibitors. That was acknowledged by top decision-makers, many of whom had made their way to Cologne. As usual, the European core markets Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain were strongly represented by dealers and buyers. Interconti- nentally, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Canada, the UK and the USA were excellently represented at the trade fair. The share of foreign visitors rose up to 67 percent (2019: 65%). "The quality and internationality of the visitors is outstanding. This has become clear from our discussions with the exhibitors. We have used the last 2.5 years to further develop spoga+gafa and are delighted to experience the first benefits here live. Thanks to the 365-day platform, which we initiated over the last weeks, spoga+gafa will in future also lend the green industry strong support all year round," stated Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer, Koelnmesse GmbH. Focus on sustainability As expected, this year's focal theme "Sustainable Gardens" was omnipresent throughout the halls: The emphasis was placed on durable, reusable and resource-saving materials and on the efficient implemen- tation of energy and water in the garden across all segments. spoga+gafa thus once again satisfied its claim of being the theme platform and trendsetter of the green industry. As such, the Industry Garden Association e.V. (IVG), the industry sponsor of spoga+gafa, was also satisfied with the outcome of the trade fair: "We are delighted that the trade fair is finally taking place again. We really missed the personal contact and it was good to be able to shake people's hands again. There may have been fewer visitors here than before the pandemic, but the quality of the visitors is spot on. That is the decisive thing," confirmed Anna Hackstein, Executive Director of the IVG. Looking ahead A premiere is now scheduled after the trade fair in Cologne: The aftershow starts on the new digital platform of spoga+gafa on 27 June - with live interviews, recorded videos of the stages as well as digital events of the exhibitors. Seamless networking is also possible after the fair closes via the app. The 365-day platform of spoga+gafa goes live soon and already invites guests to T spoga+gafa, the largest garden lifestyle trade fair in the world, impressively confirmed its standing as the most important industry meeting point for the green industry in Cologne from 19 to 21 June 2022. Around 25,000 visitors from 112 countries came to Cologne to experience the new products and innovations of around 1,000 exhibitors from 52 countries live. The first spoga+gafa without spoga horse being staged parallel and with its new venue date in June thus made a successful comeback after three years. By/ Press Center Pictures/ Joy w w w . I M B 2 B . c o m TRADE SHOW REVIEW 84