Kind + Jugend solidifies position as global leading trade fair for baby and toddler products

The presence and return of renowned exhibitors highlights the international importance of Kind + Jugend as a central industry meeting point this year.

Drawing 912 exhibitors from 43 countries, the trade fair sent a positive message to the entire industry and made a significant impression on visitors.

Approximately 15,000 trade visitors from 115 countries seized the opportunity to discover the latest products and innovations, forge connections and seal business deals.

“The vibrant atmosphere in the exhibition halls and favourable feedback from our customers underscore the event’s strong performance. Once again, Kind + Jugend has demonstrated that it is indispensable as a business and innovation platform for the global industry,” said Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH.

The Innovation Award and additional Midwives’ Choice award, alongside a dedicated special exhibition and wide-ranging lecture programme, afforded visitors a compact overview of new developments, future trends, and innovations from both industry and retail. Experts from Germany and abroad used the Trend Forum to present the latest studies and analyses, explain business models and share best practices with an engaged audience of industry professionals.

“Kind + Jugend is a must-attend event for anyone who wants to see what the children’s rooms of tomorrow will look like on all seven continents. New products and trends are presented in Cologne before anywhere else. The future of the industry happens here,” says Jörg Schmale, Director of Kind + Jugend.

This year’s Kind + Jugend featured top trends such as multifunctional products, solutions that simplify daily life, products that grow with the child, ergonomic designs, and smart technology aimed at enhancing child safety. Sustainability continued to be a key focus. A growing number of products are being made from recycled materials and some manufacturers even offer recycling and upcycling programmes.

Trade fair makes impact with new and enhanced formats
This year’s Kind + Jugend combined established formats like the Start-up Area and Young Innovators area with new concepts, which were very well received on all three days of the trade fair. The event premiered the Novelties Trail with a concise overview of the year’s most exciting new products. Furthermore, the new Networking Zone created more opportunities for personal exchange and conducting business.

The decision to hold the trade fair from Tuesday to Thursday was met with positive feedback from both exhibitors and trade visitors, contributing to the overall success of the event.

In addition, the trade fair supported social projects by donating 100 products to charity in partnership with Diakonie Michaelshoven in celebration of Koelnmesse’s 100th anniversary.