Kind + Jugend slated for blockbuster show
Staff -- Kids Today, 9/1/2006
Koelnmesse GmbH's Kind + Jugend market is holding its largest show ever from Sept. 15–17 in Cologne, Germany. About 630 exhibitors from more than 40 countries will debut product, 79% of which is from countries other than Germany, including the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Spain, Poland, the Netherlands and the United States.
"Despite the fact the exhibition space has been significantly expanded, this year's event was once again booked out very quickly," said Oliver P. Kuhrt, executive vice president of Koelnmesse GmbH. "This steady growth not only demonstrates Kind + Jugend's importance as a leading international trade fair for the sector; it also clearly confirms the success of this fair's concept, with its focus on hardware, the expansion of the toy segment, and the presentation of baby and toddler fashions from around the world."
Products include everything from children's furniture, gear and textiles to toys and games, clothing and more.
"Many leading companies from Germany and the rest of Europe are reserving bigger stands, which improves the quality of the product range even more," said Markus Oster, vice president at Koelnmesse GmbH. "Registrations by first-time exhibitors from around the world are also a factor contributing to the fair's expanded size and the greater share of exhibitors from abroad."
New exhibitors include Sunkids, Furnichild, Silly Billyz, Bimbitaly, Sabelt, Juguetes Olmo, Plasticos Zarauz, and Kids II. Exhibitors such as Hauck, Pinolino, Britax Römer, rotho, Alvi, and Cybex are not only debuting product, they've also expanded their booths.
The toy section has grown to nearly 100 companies and has a central location near the new South entrance of the hall. Exhibitors in this section include sigikid, Sterntaler, Fehn, Bieco, Mattel, Noukies, RC2, Jollymexx, Tiny Love, Postler, Handelshaus Gollnest, Kaloo, Alteximex and Let's go as well as new exhibitors such as Kids II, Sunkid, and Juguetes Olmo.
Kind + Jugend will present its 2006 Innovation Awards across six categories: World of the Mobile Baby (strollers, buggies and accessories), World of Baby Safety (car seats and accessories), World of Baby Furniture & Textiles, World of Baby Care (hygiene products, electrical appliances and accessories), World of Baby Toys and World of Baby and Kids' Fashion (including maternity). The awards will be given during the official opening of the fair on Sept. 15.
