The clear presence of international visitors and exhibitors was a good indication of the strength of the growing globalization of the garden market, say organizers of GAFA Koln, the International Garden Trade Fair.

     Held September 3 to 5 in Cologne, Germany, GAFA Koln welcomed 1193 suppliers from 44 countries and approximately 48,000 visitors for both the garden trade fair and its sister event, spoga, the International Trade Fair for Sports Goods, Camping Equipment and Garden Furniture. 18,000 of those visitors came to Cologne from abroad.

     New products continued to inspire visitors, but exhibitors reported that rather than major innovations in equipment and tools, companies now concentrate on improving the existing product. GAFA Koln boasted many exhibitors from the garden technology sector, including manufacturers and distributors of lawn and garden care appliances, irrigation and lighting products.

GAFA Koln will once again be held parallel to spoga in Cologne, Germany, September 2 to 4, 2001.