spoga+gafa, the leading global trade fair for garden lifestyle and barbecues, will present itself with a revised concept in Cologne from 22 to 24 June 2026. Under the title “growing forward”, the trade fair is bundling innovations responding to dynamic market developments, changing consumer behaviour and the demands in modern trade fairs. The concept was developed in close cooperation with the industry.
“Growing forward represents the consistent further development of spoga+gafa in the interests of the garden industry,” said Claudia Maurer, Director of spoga+gafa. “We are addressing key outdoor trends, creating clear structures and promoting the exchange between our theme worlds – to ensure a trade fair experience that provides orientation and opens up targeted business opportunities. In this way, spoga+gafa will also underline its role as a central business platform and source of inspiration for the international garden lifestyle.”
Established theme worlds enhanced with new sections
The core pillars of Living (Decoration & Furniture), Creation & Care (Equipment and technology for garden design, plants and plant care) and BBQ will remain central to the trade fair. These established areas will be enhanced by new sections in 2026 addressing current market trends and additional target groups, creating a more segmented and accessible platform for various visitor categories.
New theme worlds expand reach and market segments
Outdoor Adventure reflects the growing interest in exercise, nature and adventure in everyday life. Whether camping, hiking, fishing or games and sport in the garden, this new section unites products for small adventures directly on one’s doorstep, a modern outdoor lifestyle and functional leisure solutions for young and old. The section targets dealers from the sports, camping, travel and outdoor lifestyle segments as well as DIY stores, discounters, department stores and eCommerce retailers.
Object.Europe creates a new curated section showcasing top-level European outdoor design. The section stands for high quality standards, sustainable production, fair working conditions, predominantly short supply chains as well as transparency, design tradition and innovation. Developed and curated by Angelika Müller, Editor and Publishing Director of H.O.M.E. magazine, Object.Europe targets architects, interior designers and decision-makers from the hospitality, property business and premium trade segments, offering a contrasting platform to mass-market offerings.
As of 2026, spoga+gafa will enhance the offers of its BBQ hall every two years to include the Flavour Market – an experiential area focusing on enjoyment and exchange. Product presentations meet tastings where the focus lies on sauces, marinades, spices and beverages as well as on meat and sausage, stationary cooling solutions and fresh herbs. This new format connects BBQ, food and lifestyle themes, creating new cross-selling potentials and addressing the specialised trade and buyers from the grilling, BBQ, food & beverage, delicatessen and outdoor lifestyle sections.
Garden Sourcing Hub serves volume market
The new Garden Sourcing Hub offers Asian exhibitors with high-volume or low-priced products a dedicated section. Buyers will find a clear overview of competitive sourcing solutions from the garden lifestyle, BBQ and Outdoor Adventure sections. Established and internationally known brands with larger and more individual stand areas will continue to exhibit in the other themed worlds, maintaining clear market positioning and visitor segmentation.
Structured platform strengthens international market position
With clearly structured theme worlds, an optimised hall layout and improved visitor guidance, spoga+gafa 2026 prioritises orientation, efficiency and experiences. The targeted address of new target groups and sales channels strengthens its role as an international business platform. Emotionally engaging experiential areas and interactive formats create additional attractions and inspiration while promoting community within the industry.
