CALLING COLOGNE

For 2023, the organiser of Kind + Jugend is focusing on bringing back more national and international visitors to the event.

Markus Majerus, communications manager for the show organiser, Koelnmesse, explains: “As we have been able to attract a very respectable field of exhibitors, we are very confident that we will be able to return to the old strength of Kind + Jugend in terms of visitors this year.

“Our aim is, and remains, to make Kind + Jugend the best possible business platform for the international baby and toddler trade.”

Koelnmesse is seeing international travel to trade shows returning. Markus tells us: “Companies are now striving to be more sustainable, so instead of many customer visits and meetings during the year, the trade meets all relevant suppliers at one time, in one place. This is also proven by the number of exhibitors at this year’s Kind + Jugend. With around 850 exhibitors, there are currently twice as many as last year.”

Exhibitors at this year’s show come from across Europe and further afield, including from Turkey, India, Pakistan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Israel, Thailand and the US. Koelnmesse sees this and a range of other factors as key in drawing in international visitors: “Many well-known brands are back for the first time this year after the Covid break.

“We are particularly proud of the fact that we have also been able to win back many large and marketleading companies. These include Joie, Nuna, Graco, Britax Romer, Thule, Uppababy and more. Cybex will also

Innovation Awards

The annual Innovation Awards will return for 2023. Markus says: “This year, 120 applications were received for the Innovation Awards. This shows how renowned and established this competition is in our industry. Here, too, the entrants come from 45 countries. It is further enhanced by the World of Sustainability category introduced last year and the new Midwives’ Choice Award which will be awarded for the first time in 2023.” often impressively innovative ideas, is fully booked.” be there again, albeit with a smaller presence.

Kind + Jugend reports a high calibre of visitors to past shows too, with 77% in management positions and 92% involved in purchasing decisions.

Aside from the strength of exhibitors and visitors, the show offers a range of content and events to enhance visitors’ experiences. Markus concludes: “In terms of content, we expect the topics of sustainability and smart technology to play a major role and visitors can expect to see innovative ideas in all areas of our industry.

“In addition, there is a large number of other top brands that contribute to the attractiveness of the show. But Kind + Jugend is also an important business platform for many small and medium sized companies. In my opinion, the special charm of the fair is that, in addition to the large players in the industry, many young companies and start-ups are also represented. Our Start-up area, which is reserved for young and newly founded companies, with their

“Our events such as the After Six event are the places where many a business deal has been initiated in a relaxed atmosphere. Also Cologne, our host city, offers all the opportunities and a top infrastructure for socialising after a long day at the fair. All these points together make Kind + Jugend so unique.”

4-in-1 multi-mode pram

For more information and all sale enquiries, please contact Joie on 01889 808 900 or email: uksales@joiebaby.com

Cybex

CYBEX introduces its Platinum Collection Change featuring elevated design updates and five new colours for the iconic PRIAM, e-PRIAM, MIOS and COŸA strollers, as well as the PLATINUM FOOTMUFF. Created

Tel: 0121 2708301 www.cybex-online.com

Joie

Joie is updating its car seat range to bring them in line with the latest R129 standard, and the latest launch is the elevate R129.

Elevate R129 is suitable from 76cm – 150cm (approximately 15 months to 12 years) and has a wellmarked coloured installation path and dual lock offs, making it easy to install with a three-point seat belt. Elevate R129 is i-Size certified when in the belted booster mode and has a GrowTogether headrest and harness which adjust simultaneously. Comfort is key with ventilated sides and a plush, memory foam seat pad, as well as removable machine washable covers.

Tel: 01889 808900 www.joiebaby.com

Nuna

Etta Loves

with the strongest attention to excellence, the new palette features a range of elegant, classic yet modern colours: Sepia Black, Mirage Grey, Off White, Peach Pink and Leaf Green.

Axkid

With its innovative approach to baby essentials, Etta Loves is now launching its very first range of bath toys. With a fun, underwater theme, each toy is hand painted on one side with raised features on the reverse, for a physical sensory experience as well as a visual one. The high contrast black, white and yellow colours will engage even the youngest of bathers. Made from 100% natural rubber, they are as good for chewing as they are for water play. They are also fully sealed so no nasties can get in.

Email: jen@ettaloves.com www.ettaloves.com

Nuna’s PIPA urbn is the only baseless infant car seat with a built-in ISOFIX system that is seemingly integrated into the car seat, enabling it to install in seconds into taxis and cars and weighs an ultralight 3.3kg. It is super-portable and features a one-handed vehicle and pushchair release for effortless transfers, making it the most genius way of travelling around town with baby. Equipped with a three-point harness and side impact protection for ultimate baby safekeeping, along with a Merino wool headrest and body insert that supports growing babies.

Tel: 0800 9520062 www.nunababy.eu/uk/

Axkid has introduced a new 4-in-1 bike trailer in a move outside its range of award-winning car seats. The Axkid Grand Tour offers a versatile solution for parents, with the option to use it as a trailer, a running buggy, stroller, or extra storage. Continuing its passion for child safety, Axkid’s new product boasts a range of features to offer maximum comfort, security, and adaptability for families. With its fully versatile functions, the Grand Tour Bike trailer offers an adjustable handle and suspension system, making it perfect for going off-road. Tiltable seats are ideal for allowing young babies to lie flat, or for extra storage.

Email: salesuk@axkid.com www.axkid.com

Baby Brezza

Further supporting the baby feeding journey from day one, Baby Brezza is delighted to welcome the 2-in-1 Steriliser Dyer Advanced, and the Bottle & Breast Milk Warmer – both of which cleverly use steam to sterilise (killing 99% of germs) as well as gently and safely warm formula or breast milk. Sure to be an essential for any new arrival, the Baby Brezza Steriliser Dyer Advanced offers the most advanced way to sterilise and dry bottles and pump parts using natural steam, killing 99.9% of germs in the process. The BPA free Bottle & Breast Milk Warmer is the only warmer on the market with two settings to safely warm breast milk or formula.

Tel: 01730 895761 www.cheekyrascals.co.uk

Enesco

Enesco’s new collection features some of Disney’s most beloved characters in their child-like form including Simba from Disney’s The Lion King, Dumbo from Disney’s Dumbo, Marie from Disney’s The Aristocats and of course Thumper from Disney’s Bambi. This best-selling collection includes a wide and versatile range of items such as an ABC Blanket, a Baby Milestone Blanket, and a Hooded Towel. There is also a set of three Bandanas, Bibs, and Muslin Squares, not to mention Changing Mats, Messenger Bag and a Backpack, as well as an Insulated Bottle Bag, Soother Case, and Stroller Organiser.

Tel: 01228 404022 www.enesco.co.uk

Sweet Dreamers

Iconic nursery brand, Sweet Dreamers is delighted to announce it has partnered with The Lullaby Trust, the UK’s leading safer sleep charity ,on the brand’s innovative Misty the Smart Cloud. Its room thermometer is truly invaluable, helping to ensure parents and carers have the perfect room environment for safer sleep. A soothing colour coded temperature gauge and digital numerical display clearly shows when parents need to adjust bedding, tog ratings, clothing and/or the overall room temperature, reassuring them they will always have the optimum conditions for safer sleep. Its mobile phone app not only provides live data of their child’s sleeping environment but will also alert parents if the nursery gets too hot or cold.

Tel: 02392 262332 www.sweetdreamers.co.uk

Crane

Set to revolutionise the home environment, the brand-new Crane Drop 2.0 4-in-1 Humidifier with Sound Machine is the thoughtfully designed humidifier which safely releases moisture into the air, promising to bring wellness, and much more, to the entire family. Super stylish and easy to clean, the whisper quiet 4-in-1 humidifier features an ultrasonic cooling mist, three soothing sounds, an aroma tray to enhance relaxation and an optional nightlight. Boasting multiple health benefits and promising to promote better sleep, this is a must for every family home.

Tel: 01730 895761 www.cheekyrascals.co.uk

Ergopouch

To complement the ergoPouch Cocoon Swaddle Bag is the New Baby Tuck Sheet - a firm-fitting mattress sleeve designed for newborns who are not yet rolling. Designed for use over the top of a swaddle, the TOG-rated Baby Tuck Sheet provides added security, comfort and warmth for a newborn during sleep without the risk of coming untucked. Plus, for added peace of mind the Baby Tuck Sheet has been stringently tested and is in line with the Lullaby Trust safe sleep guidelines.

Tel: 07598 269191 www.wildseven.co.uk

Ahead of Brand Licensing Europe in October, PPS checks in with some key licensed preschool apparel and accessories specialists to find out how the category is performing, some of the top brands, challenges and trends.