Koelnmesse has announced a strategic date shift for spoga+gafa, the leading international trade fair for garden lifestyle and BBQ. Starting in 2027, the event will move from its traditional June schedule to September, marking a significant realignment based on extensive industry consultation. The 2026 edition will proceed as planned from 22 to 24 June in Cologne, with the new September schedule commencing in 2027.
Market-Driven Scheduling Change
The decision to move spoga+gafa to September reflects intensive discussions with exhibitors, market partners, industry associations, and insights from detailed market analysis of the fair’s core target segments. According to Sebastian Rosito, Vice President Trade Fair Management at Koelnmesse GmbH: “The move to September from 2027 onwards is a response to key feedback from the industry and supports a more reliable scheduling and product range planning. The new date also creates better conditions for effectively presenting innovations and new products.”
By scheduling the fair after the gardening and BBQ season concludes, exhibitors and retailers gain access to reliable market data, sales figures and demand trends. This information enables companies to incorporate actual market insights into their product range and order planning for the following year. Additionally, the September timing falls outside peak operational periods for many retail and industry companies, facilitating strategic discussions and well-founded purchasing decisions.
Confirmed Exhibition Dates and Industry Support
The exhibition dates have been confirmed through 2029, scheduled for the first two weeks of September: 7–9 September 2027, 5–7 September 2028, and 4–6 September 2029. As a gesture toward the industry, exhibition space prices for the 2027 edition will remain at the same level as 2026. The decision has received broad support from industry organisations. Christoph Büscher, Chairman of the Industry Garden Association (IVG), stated: “spoga+gafa is and remains to be a significant leading trade fair for the garden industry and is very important to us. The move to September is a good compromise and an opportunity to further develop the trade fair and keep it fit for the future.”
Norbert L. Jedrau, Chief Operating Officer of the Barbecue Industry Association Grill (BIAG), noted: “Moving spoga+gafa to September is a strategically important step for the barbecue industry. After the end of the grilling season, manufacturers and retailers are able to evaluate market developments more accurately and make well-informed decisions for the next season.” Martina Mensing-Meckelburg, President of the German Garden Centre Association (VDG), added: “Once the season is over, companies have a clear overview when planning the coming year and can make sound ordering decisions.”
Benefits Across Theme Worlds
The new scheduling creates distinct advantages for each of spoga+gafa’s theme worlds. The Creation & Care segment gains new growth opportunities for plant-related product ranges, while BBQ industry participants can plan product ranges more precisely based on seasonal results. The Living section benefits from presenting outdoor furniture and decorations aligned with specialised trade ordering cycles. The Outdoor Adventure segment can integrate season experiences into the further development of leisure, play and outdoor product ranges.
Focus on 2026 Edition
Parallel to this strategic announcement, spoga+gafa 2026 remains the immediate focus. The fair will take place in Cologne from 22 to 24 June 2026, bringing together manufacturers, the trade and industry experts globally. The trade fair’s strategic development theme, “growing forward,” maintains consistent orientation toward the future of the garden industry, setting new impulses for trends, innovation and international order business.
