Kind + Jugend 2024 will return to Cologne on 3-5 September, bringing together the entire baby and toddler industry. This year’s enhanced event will include almost 1,000 companies from 45 countries, a larger exhibition space, and new concepts.

Established brands, aspiring newcomers and hidden champions from around the world will present their latest and bestselling products for babies, toddlers and parents to the international retail trade across seven segments. The range spans everything from clothing and toys to furniture and products for transporting and keeping children safe.

Commenting on Kind + Jugend 2024 is event director Jörg Schmale. “With just weeks to go before the fair, all signs are pointing towards a successful event. We are very pleased with the current roster of exhibitors and excited to welcome back top brands like Artsana/Chicco, Cybes, Done by Deer, Jané, Luvion and Puky.

“Their return underscores Kind + Jugend’s position as the industry’s premier business and networking platform. No other event offers such a comprehensive snapshot of the latest trends and innovations – all under one roof at the same time.”

For the first time, the trade fair will take place during the week to accommodate the needs of the retail trade.

 

 

In addition, the trade fair is partaking in social projects. To mark Koelnmesse’s 100th anniversary, 100 products will be donated in partnership with Diakonie Michaelshoven for its fairstore. This initiative allows exhibitors to donate products to charity at the end of the last trade fair day.

Each year, the show’s Innovation Award recognises outstanding new products across eight categories. This year there were 116 entries from 22 countries. An international panel of independent experts will choose the finalists and announce the winners at a special award ceremony held at 11am on the first day of the trade fair in the Trend Forum.

The additional Midwives’ Choice award will also take place again in partnership with hebammen-testen.de. Three products nominated for the Innovation Award are eligible to receive this distinction based on properties and benefits that meet the requirements set by the jury of midwives.

All of the award-winning as well as nominated products will be exhibited in a dedicated area during the trade fair. For the first time, it will also feature a photo gallery of the winning products from the Kind + Jugend ASEAN Innovation Award (Bangkok), and Pueri Trends Award from FIT 0/16 and Pueri Expo (São Paulo). The exhibition will give trade visitors an overview of the best innovations in the baby and toddler industry across three continents.

 

 

The Trend Forum

Exhibitors and trade visitors can look forward to cutting-edge topics, comprehensive knowledge and extensive industry experience in the Trend Forum. It provides a platform for knowledge exchange on current issues and challenges facing both industry and the retail trade.

Speakers will cover key trends and developments in the industry, alongside engaging panel discussions on key topics such as sustainability, social media and marketing strategies. Other highlights of the three-day trade fair include one-on-one consultations with TrendBible experts, talks by Karin Wahl on window display and product presentation, and special sessions by hebammen-testen.de.

This year’s trade fair will also introduce new dedicated areas designed to spark fresh inspiration among retailers. One highlight is the Novelties Trail, which showcases products launched within the past year and not seen at last year’s Kind + Jugend. The networking area, meanwhile, will provide more space and opportunities for personal exchange and conducting business.

From young visionaries to established players

The Young Innovators area presents German companies that have entered the market within the last 10 years. Supported by the namesake programme of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), these companies have the opportunity to present their offerings and ideas. The start-up area, meanwhile, showcases young companies from around the world that are still in the early stages of development.

For further information on Kind + Jugend 2024, please click here.