Event Focus

COLOGNE CALLING

Kind + Jugend returned in September 2021 after a two-year break due to the pandemic. After a smaller, more focused ‘special edition’ event last year, the show is beginning to grow again. PPS sits down with Jörg Schmale, vp Kind + Jugend at Koelnmesse GmbH, to find out the plans for this year.

The plans for the Kind + Jugend show in 2022 are very clear. The organiser, Koelnmesse, understands there is still uncertainty in the nursery industry, but also sees the need for an event for the European industry to network face to face again. As a result, 2022 is set to be a focused event.

Jörg Schmale, vice president Kind + Jugend at Koelnmesse GmbH, explains: “The situation in the baby and toddler outfitting sector is very ambivalent. Many manufacturers deliberately want to present themselves with new products at Kind + Jugend, and thus reach their customers in a bundled and, above all, personal way. Others are still hesitant. Above all, companies that see their markets in Asia are adopting a wait and see attitude.

“We expect a strong European event, but can also welcome American companies as exhibitors, for example. And fortunately, there are also exhibitors from Great Britain. At the moment, we are expecting around 500 exhibitors at Kind + Jugend 2022. Among them are very good, wellknown brands and companies.”

Although the number of exhibitors is considerably down on the prepandemic numbers of 1,240, the organisers have strong plans for the show. Jörg continues: “For this year, we have set ourselves a very compact, clear trade fair that deliberately focuses on the exhibitors. This includes start-ups and the Young Innovative Companies from Germany, an initiative of the German Ministry of Economics.”

Now that the show format is across three days and visitors are planning busier days of meetings, events have been scaled down. “We have also slimmed down the event programme and are now focusing on two components: the Innovation Award and the professional stage programme,” Jörg says. “In addition, we are currently planning to give more space to the topic of augmented and virtual reality in the context of a special show – however it’s too early for details.”

The Innovation Award has already gained traction, as Jörg tells us: “We already have over 50 entries for the Innovation Award. For the first time, we will also award a prize in the sustainability category.”

Overall, Kind + Jugend promises a return to face to face networking for a central and international event.

Left: The show will play host to Enesco’s launch into the nursery industry with its licensed gift offering.

ENESCO

Below: The Jackson Reece stand will display the existing range as well as a plastic free baby toiletries range, and the new shea butter baby soap.

JACKSON REECE

Enesco will be launching into the baby market at Kind + Jugend this year with a range of licensed baby collections. Helen Cottrill, product and marketing director, explains: “Enesco really are the leaders in licensed baby gifting; we have collections in Disney, Peter Rabbit, Flopsy and now Scion and have won many consumer and trade awards. The time is right to establish ourselves in this channel both in Europe and the UK.

“Reaching buyers can be difficult, as we overcome the difficulties of the last two years, it is important that we get our products in front of as many potential stockists as we can. We had an outstanding Spring Fair and have taken space at the Harrogate Home and Gift show for the first time in over a decade.” A longstanding exhibitor at the show, Jackson Reece has a natural and environmentally friendly baby range. Evelyn Johnson tells us: “We have not been able to attend the show this past couple of years and will be thrilled to be back this year to meet with new and present customers, as well as the wonderful companies exhibiting at the show.

“We have done many different shows in the past, but always find that Kind + Jugend is one of the best with the support and professionalism that it gives exhibitors. It is a great base for the European market and beyond with many international retailers attending.”

KIND + JUGEND SHOW PREVIEW

BUBL

Bubl’s EMF radiation shields are proven in independent FCC and NVLAP-certified labs to block 99.9% of harmful radiation from computers, tablets, phones, WiFi, smart meters, power lines, Bluetooth, and microwave ovens. Products in the range include Bubl Cape, Bubl Bump and the Bubl Breast. Available from Prince Lionheart.

Tel: 07894 386860 www.princelionheart.co.uk Hall 11.2 Stand F018

KONFIDENCE

For the first time at K+J, Konfidence will be showcasing its brand new Splashy range of swimming nappies, swimsuits, and wetsuits. Made from the British company’s own environmentallyfriendly e-Flex material, the multiaward-winning range represents a world-first in eco-friendly baby and children’s swimwear designs. It will also be showcasing its full range of baby swimwear and swim buoyancy aids.

Tel: 01566 777887 www.konfidence.co.uk Hall 10.1 Stand B015 BIBADO

Bibado is on a mission to make a positive difference for little ones and their parents at mealtimes. Its growing award-winning portfolio now includes game-changing ‘nodrop’ Handi Cutlery which attaches directly onto its Coveralls, plus an innovative two-handed Dippit. They’re each packed with features to support little one’s development and confidence at mealtimes.

Email: enquiries@bibado.co.uk www.bibado.co.uk Hall 11.2 Stand F041 AQUA WIPES

Aqua Wipes is introducing an industry leading barrier technology, improved recyclable packaging and a new ecommerce website offering a subscription service launching on 1st September. The new product portfolio includes three tiers of wipe: Premium 3-in-1, Originals and Essentials. The new extension will also be launching on 1st September and will be seen for the first time at the K+J show.

Tel: 0845 8387120 www.aquawipes.co.uk Passage Hall 10/11 Stand P003

TOTSBOTS

TotsBots’ mission is to make the best reusable nappies in the world, in the kindest way possible to the planet, inspiring and enabling parents to reduce their waste and make choices that have a positive impact for the future. Its award-winning nappy designs are made using recycled plastic bottles and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 fabrics.

Tel: 07517 103756 www.totsbots.com Hall 11.2 Stand G015

ANORIS T i-SIZE