Koelnmesse achieves record sales – but why the major leading trade fairs are missing in 2026

Koelnmesse's record revenue of €455.5 million with over 8,000 (!) exhibitors at Anuga in fiscal year 2025 is attributable to strong trade fair and congress business in Cologne, growth abroad, a broad portfolio, and efficiency improvements. The heavy reliance on the trade fair cycle will lead to a decline in revenue figures in 2026. The economic impact amounts to €2.4 billion.

by Koelnmesse/Urs Seiler || July 8, 2026

In the long term, Koelnmesse needs to expand its international activities, develop new event formats and simultaneously modernize its exhibition grounds - and it is working on this at all levels.

“Our development shows that strong brands, an international presence, and long-term investments enable stability and growth even in volatile times,” explains Gerald Böse (pictured above), CEO of Koelnmesse. Growth drivers included the strong performance of established flagship events, the robust congress business in Cologne, and international expansion with its consistent development of the global portfolio. Investments in sustainable energy supply, digitalization, and modern infrastructure simultaneously strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Cologne as a trade fair location.

With a turnover of €455.5 million and a consolidated net profit of €62 million, the company maintains its position as one of the leading international trade fair organizers, even in a challenging geopolitical and economic environment. A total of approximately 2.5 million visitors from 214 countries and over 43,800 exhibiting companies from 120 nations participated in Koelnmesse events.

“The long-term development of Koelnmesse is a benefit for the entire city, extending far beyond the company itself,” says Cologne’s Mayor Torsten Burmester (pictured above). According to a recent Prognos study, the trade fair business generates approximately €1.36 billion in economic impact annually in Cologne and secures 14,000 jobs in the city. “These figures impressively demonstrate the importance of a strong international trade fair venue for value creation, employment, and the economic dynamism of our city.”

“Bigger than ever and unparalleled in its diversity,” is how Oliver Frese (pictured above), CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH, describes the event. Over 8,000 companies from 110 countries presented their products and innovations in Cologne in October 2025 – more exhibitors than ever before in the history of the trade fair and a new record for the Cologne exhibition center. “Anuga impressively demonstrates the central role it plays for the international food industry: It is a showcase for the success of an entire sector and a key driver of billions in revenue,” Frese continued.

gamescom continued its growth trajectory

Record-breaking results in internationality, number of exhibitors, and exhibition space occupancy. At the same time, Koelnmesse is strategically expanding its established brands – including new formats and spin-offs such as ISM Ingredients. Together with ISM and ISM Manufacturing (formerly ProSweets Cologne), this will create an even more interconnected platform along the entire value chain of the international confectionery and snack industry, which meets annually in Cologne. "Spin-offs like these underscore our approach of continuously developing successful brands and opening up new target groups and markets."

Koelnmesse is consistently expanding its global presence

International expansion remains a central component of Koelnmesse's corporate strategy. What began in the late 1990s with the first international trade fair has since developed into a global portfolio of 53 events worldwide. In the past 20 years alone, the number of international trade fairs has more than quadrupled – with eight premieres added in 2025. With new events in Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, India, and other growth markets, the company is strategically expanding its global presence and unlocking additional growth potential. At the same time, Koelnmesse is responding flexibly to geopolitical developments and volatile market conditions. Against this backdrop, the "FSB Sports Show Riyadh" and "International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia," originally planned for June 2026, have been postponed to 2027. However, Koelnmesse expressly reaffirms its commitment to the strategic importance of the region and its long-term growth prospects in the Middle East.

Successful market entry: Confex attracts 40 new

events at

The results of Confex's first full year of operation are extremely positive: More than 40 events underscore the high demand for Koelnmesse's new congress and event center. The spectrum ranged from corporate events for international companies to IT, scientific, and association congresses. The medical conference segment developed particularly dynamically, with several professional societies holding their international meetings in Cologne. The new facilities at Confex, as well as the attractiveness of Cologne as a location, ensured noticeable growth in individual events right from the start. Overall, Koelnmesse's subsidiary, Koelncongress, exceeded the mark of approximately one million visitors for congresses, guest events, and other events for the first time in 2025.

Economic factor for Cologne and the region

What is evident on trade fair days in Cologne's packed halls, with international audiences and fully booked hotels, is also confirmed by a recent Prognos study: Koelnmesse is a significant economic driver – far beyond the city limits. In an average trade fair year, the company's events generate approximately €2.64 billion in revenue nationwide and secure over 25,000 jobs. In Cologne alone, this generates around €1.36 billion in additional purchasing power. The hotel, restaurant, retail, logistics, and a whole network of specialized service providers in Cologne and North Rhine-Westphalia benefit particularly. Leading international events, trade fairs, and congresses thus not only make Cologne a global industry meeting point but also provide significant economic impetus for the entire region. These figures do not include the extensive infrastructure investments in the location – precisely the measures with which Koelnmesse is laying the foundation for these economic effects to continue in the future. Also not included in these figures are the effects of the congress and event business of Koelncongress GmbH, which will be presented separately next year.

Outlook 2026

For the 2026 fiscal year, Koelnmesse is cautiously optimistic despite the continued challenging environment . "The economic and geopolitical landscape will remain demanding and highly dynamic in 2026. Furthermore, 2026 will be a challenging year for Koelnmesse due to its cyclical nature. Major international trade fairs, held every two or three years, will not take place in Cologne again until 2027. This makes it all the more important to act strategically, prioritize investments effectively, and further develop our international brands," says Gerald Böse, looking ahead.