Cologne is set to expand its international trade fair calendar: In January 2027, Koelnmesse will launch spoga dog powered by ZZF, a new B2B trade fair focusing on dog supplies. From 30 January to 1 February 2027, the exhibition grounds will become a central meeting point for manufacturers, retailers and brands active in the national and international dog market.
The new event will be held alongside the established spoga horse and complements Koelnmesse’s existing portfolio of international industry platforms. The Zentralverband der Heimtierbranche (ZZF – German Pet Trade & Industry Association) supports the format as an industry partner, contributing its sector expertise. The event is planned to take place every two years.
With spoga dog, Koelnmesse is responding to the growing relevance of the premium segment in areas such as accessories, nutrition, care, health, safety and transport for dogs. At the same time, the concept builds on the strong overlap between the equestrian and dog communities, as many horse owners are also dog owners. While spoga horse will continue to occupy Halls 7 and 8, spoga dog will be located in Hall 6 from 2027 onwards. This ensures a clear thematic profile while enabling synergies through short distances within the exhibition centre.
“As Koelnmesse, we are strong at identifying trends at an early stage and creating suitable platforms,” says Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH. “With spoga dog, we are addressing a development that has been gaining momentum for years: The intersection between equestrian sports and dog enthusiasts continues to grow. An attractive premium segment has emerged for this target group – and we are now creating a dedicated trade fair for it.”
The initiative has already received positive feedback from the pet industry. “By combining both thematic worlds, we are creating a B2B platform where specialised retailers and manufacturers can be reached efficiently: hoof and paw are forming a new match,” explains Gordon Bonnet, Managing Director of ZZF. Numerous national and international brands have signalled their interest in participating, and existing exhibitors of spoga horse welcome the expansion.
Preparations for the premiere are already underway. Exhibitor registration will open shortly, with further details on the concept and supporting programme to be announced in the coming months.