preview KIND + JUGEND 2025
Reflecting the Future o Ahead of Kind + Jugend 2025, Nursery Today caught up with the show’s Director, Jörg Schmale, to gain an exclusive insight into what visitors can expect. With more than 800 exhibitors from over 40 countries preparing to gather in Cologne this September, the world’s leading baby and toddler trade fair is set to spotlight breakthrough sustainability, multifunctional design, digital innovation and emerging consumer trends - all reflecting the evolving priorities of modern families. Kind + Jugend 2025 is around the corner, what are the standout themes or innovations shaping this year’s edition of the show? This year’s Kind + Jugend is very well positioned. We are looking forward to welcoming over 800 exhibitors from more than 40 countries to the trade fair in Cologne this September. Several key themes are already emerging, reflecting both societal developments and shifting consumer needs. Sustainability remains a top priority for the industry - whether in terms of materials, production methods or durable, resource-saving products. It is no longer just about meeting regulatory requirements, but about developing genuine innovations that combine a sustainable approach with marketable design. Parents increasingly value products that are safe, high-quality and responsibly produced. Products that grow with the child are also in high demand. Highchairs, beds or clothing that adapt to a child’s age and needs are extremely popular, not least because they save costs in the long term and are environmentally friendly. Closely linked to this is the theme of multifunctionality: parents are seeking practical, flexible and well-thought-out everyday solutions. The industry’s creativity is evident in examples such as trolleys that transform into prams, bags that fold out into play mats, double prams with modular extensions, and bicycle trailers that double as handcarts. Another important trend is the increasing 28
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Kind + Jugend is the international platform for the future of the baby and toddler outfitting industry and far more than just a classic ordering platform. It offers a clear picture of the direction in which the industry is headed. Anyone wanting to understand what families will need tomorrow will find concrete answers here.
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digitalisation of everyday family life. Today’s car seats can be controlled via an app, rotating automatically towards the door or sounding an alarm if the seatbelt is unfastened. Technology is becoming ever more relevant to child safety in the home too, with new smart cameras detecting hazards such as hotplates or plug sockets and warning users in real time. Finally, the industry is placing strong emphasis on creative design and attention to detail. From playful backpacks and high-quality bath accessories to lovingly crafted textiles, Kind + Jugend 2025 will once again demonstrate that functionality and aesthetics not only coexist, but complement each other beautifully. The trade fair offers the perfect platform to showcase these innovations - for buyers, visitors and trend experts alike. With many global brands exhibiting, what kind of variety can visitors expect in terms of products, categories and innovation and can they expect to see newcomers this year? With its seven theme worlds, Kind + Jugend covers the entire spectrum of the industry: from furniture and textiles, fashion and care products, through to mobility, toys and safety. Visitors will meet both established brands and a new generation of start-ups. We are setting a new record this year with 24 international start-ups clear proof of how attractive Kind + Jugend is for young, innovative companies seeking visibility and market access. We are also delighted to see a stronger international presence in 2025: for the first time in years, both a British pavilion and a Danish group stand will be back on the floor, a
welcome sign of Europe’s growing participation. It is this combination of experienced manufacturers and young innovators that creates such diversity at the trade fair. What makes Kind + Jugend a must-attend event in 2025, not only for industry professionals but also for trend forecasters and thought leaders? Kind + Jugend is the international platform for the future of the baby and toddler outfitting industry and far more than just a classic ordering platform. It offers a clear picture of the direction in which the industry is headed. Anyone wanting to understand what families will need tomorrow will find concrete answers here. Whether new materials, intelligent products or changing purchasing habits, the trade fair highlights the decisive trends that will shape the market of the future. It is therefore an essential source of inspiration and insight for trend researchers, product developers and thought leaders. What’s more, top management from
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Preview K&J.indd 3
13/08/2025 14:02