Nearly 40 U.S. manufacturers will exhibit at Kind + Jugend, an international fair for infant and juvenile products, slated for Sept. 11-14 in Cologne, Germany.

This year’s show has attracted nearly 750 exhibitors from approximately 40 countries — 79% of which are from abroad.

Organizers increased the fair’s space last year, and will have to expand again for 2009.

“For years, Kind + Jugend has been performing exceptionally well,” said Oliver P. Kuhrt, executive vice president, Koelnmesse. “That applies not only to the great demand on the exhibitors’ side, but the number of visitors from Germany and abroad has also continually risen.”

Several U.S. companies will exhibit in special spaces.

“Once again, we are organizing two USA Pavilions,” said Ken Dickerson, sales and project manager of Koelnmesse, the fair’s organizer. “A total of 22 exhibitors are taking advantage of this exhibit option.”

One pavilion will feature nursery products, fashion, gifts and accessories, while the other will feature strollers, safety seats and equipment.

First-time U.S. exhibitors include Abiie, Bazzle Baby, Berg Furniture, Dante Beatrix, Dwell Studio, Elegant Baby, Glamourmom, Go-Go Babyz, Hotslings, JJ Cole Collections, Ju-Ju-Be, MetroMamma, Pearhead, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Summer Infant, Triboro—Just Born, and TW Innovations.

Other U.S. exhibitors include Arm’s Reach Concepts, Baby Jogger, BabyGags, BabyLegs,Boon, Fleurville, Handi-Craft, Kalencom, Kee-Ka, Kuji Sports Co., Mia Bossi, Munchkin, My First Shades, Netto Collection, Nurseryworks, Sinclair Worldwide, Skip Hop, Taggies, Ubimed, Winland Furnishings and Zooper.

Canadian exhibitors include Age-Design, Angelcare Monitors, Trudeau, California Innovations and Mother-Ease. Natart Furniture is showing for the first time.

International market leaders in the hardware sector include Dorel, Britax, Chicco, teutonia, Peg Perego, Graco, Tiny Love, Haba, Baby Bjorn and Philips-Avent.