Cologne will once again become the meeting place for retailers, distributors, manufacturers and innovators from across the globe. Bringing together around 700 exhibitors from 50 countries, the event offers a superb opportunity to discover the latest product launches, strengthen existing partnerships and gain valuable insight into the trends shaping the future of the baby and toddler market
For retailers, there is no substitute for seeing new products first hand. Whether you’re looking to refresh your showroom, source new suppliers or identify the next big opportunity, Kind + Jugend provides the perfect platform to compare products, discuss developments directly with manufacturers and explore fresh ideas across every nursery category. From wheeled goods and car seats to feeding, nursery interiors, toys and accessories, visitors can expect to see innovation at every turn.
Among the many brands exhibiting this year are familiar names including BTL Diffusion, Joie, Nuna, Ergobaby, Chicco, hauck, JoviKids, Matchstick Monkey, Peg Perego, Britax Römer, Cybex, iCandy and Axkid alongside hundreds of established international manufacturers and emerging brands eager to showcase their latest collections. The breadth of exhibitors ensures retailers can not only meet trusted suppliers but also discover exciting new products that could help differentiate their offering in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
This year’s theme, Growing with AI, places artificial intelligence firmly in the spotlight, exploring how it is transforming product development, manufacturing, marketing and customer engagement across the nursery sector. Alongside this, sustainability continues to be a major focus, with long-lasting products, smarter materials and responsible manufacturing remaining high on both manufacturers’ and consumers’ agendas. Through dedicated features including the Trend Space, the New Product Trail and the renowned Innovation Awards, visitors will gain valuable insight into the technologies, ideas and consumer trends likely to influence buying decisions over the coming years.
Beyond the exhibition halls, Kind + Jugend continues to deliver one of the industry’s strongest networking opportunities. Bringing together like-minded professionals and senior decision makers from around the world, it offers invaluable opportunities to exchange ideas, build relationships and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the nursery market. For retailers looking to stay ahead of the curve, discover tomorrow’s best sellers and strengthen their business for the future, Kind + Jugend 2026 once again promises to be an unmissable date in the industry calendar.
Shaping tomorrow’s nursery market
Kind + Jugend Director Jörg Schmale discusses with Nursery Today why this year’s exhibition promises to be one of the most forward thinking yet, highlighting the growing influence of artificial intelligence, the importance of sustainability and why retailers continue to view Cologne as the industry’s essential meeting place.
Kind + Jugend continues to be the event where the nursery industry comes together each year. What are you most looking forward to about the 2026 edition, and why do you think this year’s show will stand out?
This will be my ninth Kind + Jugend, and although the industry has evolved considerably over the years, the exhibition has retained its unique character. What I look forward to most is seeing the industry come together in Cologne. Few events offer the opportunity for global market leaders, innovative start-ups and long-standing partners to meet face to face over just a few days. At a time of rapid technological change, those personal conversations are more valuable than ever.
We’re expecting around 700 exhibitors from 50 countries, demonstrating the continued confidence the industry has in the event. Companies including CYBEX, BabyBjörn, Britax Römer, UPPAbaby and Thule have once again committed to exhibiting, reinforcing Kind + Jugend’s position as the international meeting place for our industry.
This year’s key theme, Growing with AI, will explore both the opportunities artificial intelligence presents for the baby and toddler products sector and the importance of using these technologies responsibly. Combined with the international business opportunities and knowledge sharing, it will make Kind + Jugend 2026 a particularly relevant event.
Retailers have limited time and budgets for travel, so why should Kind + Jugend 2026 be at the top of their calendar? What will they gain from attending that they simply can’t experience elsewhere?
Kind + Jugend gives retailers access to new business partners and international markets in one location. As exhibitors continue to expand globally, the event attracts buyers from growth regions including the Americas, Asia and the Middle East, while Africa is becoming increasingly important.
Just as importantly, the industry’s decision makers are here. Many exhibitors are represented by CEOs and senior executives, giving retailers direct access to the people shaping future products, business strategies and partnerships. Those conversations and networking opportunities are difficult to replicate elsewhere.
One of the show’s greatest strengths is the sheer breadth of brands on display. How important is it for visitors to see everything from global market leaders to exciting new start-ups under one roof?
It’s one of Kind + Jugend’s greatest strengths. Retailers can compare established market leaders alongside innovative start-ups, discovering fresh ideas, emerging technologies and new product concepts all in one place. That combination provides both confidence when reviewing existing ranges and inspiration when planning future assortments.
Kind + Jugend has long been recognised as the place to discover tomorrow’s trends. What product categories or consumer trends do you expect visitors to be talking about most after this year’s show?
Artificial intelligence will be a major talking point across the industry, influencing not only products themselves but also development, manufacturing, marketing and customer communication. Alongside this, multifunctionality, durability and sustainability will remain key drivers, with products that grow with the child, modular designs and longer-lasting materials continuing to attract strong interest.
The Innovation Awards have become one of the highlights of Kind + Jugend. What role do the awards play in encouraging product development, and what qualities will the judges be looking for from the 2026 finalists?
The Innovation Awards encourage companies to combine fresh ideas with genuine market value. For 2026, Sustainability & Nature will no longer be judged as a separate category but will instead form part of the assessment across all six product categories, reflecting the fact that sustainability is now an essential part of innovation rather than an optional extra.
We’re also pleased to welcome back the Midwives’ Choice distinction, presented in cooperation with midwives-tested.de, recognising products that deliver real benefits for parents and babies.
The nursery industry continues to evolve at pace. How has Kind + Jugend adapted to ensure it remains relevant for today’s retailers, distributors and manufacturers?
Kind + Jugend evolves alongside the industry. Every year we review feedback from exhibitors and visitors to ensure our programme, features and services continue to meet changing needs.
Over the years we’ve introduced initiatives such as the Connected Kidsroom, which highlighted the rise of smart children’s products, and a dedicated networking area to help rebuild face-to-face connections following the pandemic. Since 2024, the New Product Trail has given exhibitors an additional platform to showcase innovation, while the Innovation Awards have also evolved to reflect the growing importance of sustainability across the industry.
By continually listening to the market and adapting accordingly, Kind + Jugend remains a relevant and valuable marketplace for retailers, distributors and manufacturers alike.
Beyond the exhibition halls, what new features, networking opportunities or knowledge-sharing sessions should visitors make time for during Kind + Jugend 2026?
The New Product Trail is a great way for visitors to quickly identify some of the show’s most exciting innovations, while the Trend Space will provide valuable insight into the industry’s future, with a particular focus on AI this year. Digital tools such as LeadSuccess will also help exhibitors and visitors network more effectively and make follow-up after the event quicker and more efficient.
Looking back at everything Kind + Jugend has achieved, what do you see as the show’s biggest success story, and where do you see opportunities for it to continue growing over the next few years?
One of Kind + Jugend’s greatest achievements has been its ability to evolve with the changing retail landscape. While bricks and mortar retail remains at the heart of our industry, e-commerce and digital sales channels have become increasingly important, and we’ve successfully expanded the show’s appeal to online retailers and digital businesses.
Looking ahead, we see significant opportunities to strengthen the connection between physical and digital retail, ensuring Kind + Jugend continues to provide value for every part of the retail ecosystem. By embracing new technologies, encouraging innovation and maintaining strong international connections, we want the exhibition to remain the nursery industry’s leading global meeting place for many years to come.
