INT. EISENWARENMESSE 

Press Release

EISENWARENMESSE – INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR COLOGNE 2026: HIGH DEGREE OF INTERNATIONALITY AND IMPORTANT MARKET IMPULSES

Around 33.000 trade visitors from 125 countries ++ Positive business dynamic thanks to high level of visitor quality ++ More than 90 percent foreign share of exhibitors ++ New sequence of days reinforces productive business days ++ Successful premiere of the EISENworkshop

With around 33.000 trade visitors from 125 countries and around 2,500 exhibitors from 53 nations, the EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair 2026 gathered the global Hardware industry from 3 to 6 March in Cologne and thus confirmed its role as the world’s leading trade fair of the tool and hardware industry. The event took place under challenging geopolitical conditions: the tense security situation in the Middle East led in the short term to restrictions in international air transport, which individual exhibitors and trade visitors were affected by. A warning strike in the public transport system on the last day of the fair also made mobility within Cologne more difficult. Nonetheless, international participation remained at a high level.

Four intensive trade fair days brought marketable innovations to the area, stakeholders to the table and initiated concrete business projects. The high quality of trade visitors ensured a business-oriented atmosphere on the eleven hall levels, where the entire offering diversity of the hardware world was reflected – from tools and accessories through industrial supply and fasteners and fixings to home improvement.

An over 90 percent foreign share of exhibitors and 72 percent of visitors demonstrate the international reach of the trade fair and its great relevance for industry, trade and procurement.

The new sequence of days from Tuesday to Friday was well-received by exhibitors and visitors. It underlines the clear orientation of the trade fair to efficient business days and sends a clear signal with regard to the strategic positioning of the event.

“As a central industry start, the EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair is for many companies a decisive point in time in the innovation and decision cycle. Assortments are planned, partnerships solidified and strategic courses set on location. This year’s event has shown that the need for personal exchange and reliable orientation in the market environment remains consistently high“, according to Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH. “This year’s event convinced particularly with its high degree of internationality and outstanding visitor quality. With formats like the EISENworkshop, we are consistently developing the trade fair further and also shifting the target group of professional end users more into focus.“

Trend barometer 2026: focus on sustainability, digitalisation and efficiency
The EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair 2026 set clear accents in terms of content and thus provided an outlook onto the future orientation of the industry.

Sustainability and recycling solutions were present, just as much as ergonomic concepts and solutions for health protection. Safety-optimised tools, compact, high-performance products as well as multifunctional applications reflect the increasing requirements in professional use.

Parallel with this, digitalisation is advancing visibly: intelligent technologies, networked systems, smart control systems and AI-based applications are increasingly defining the product portfolio. Design and product aesthetics are also developing into clear differentiation features in competition. Manufacturers are thereby reacting to changed market conditions, efficiency pressure and new user expectations.

63 submissions, three prize winners: EISENaward 2026 presented
The EISENaward, which was already presented for the eighth time in cooperation with the Central Association of the Hardware Trade e. V. (ZHH) at the EISENforum at the start of the trade fair, sends a strong signal for the innovation power of the hardware industry. 63 submissions from 15 countries underline the international relevance of the competition. A jury from trades, research, design, press, multipliers and the retail trade distinguished the three most groundbreaking product innovations.

All nominated products as well as the winners were exhibited in a special area in Passage 10/11 and met with great interest from the trade public.

EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair expands knowledge and practice offerings
As a central knowledge and dialogue platform, the EISENforum offered a varied programme extending beyond the award ceremony with lectures and panels on current industry themes. One special area of focus was the theme of ‘Artificial Intelligence‘. The related trade programme was curated by the digital expert Michael Atug. The offering was supplemented by the BME Buyer Day and an E-commerce Day, which offered insights from leading companies of the industry with practical relevance. The EISENforum in this way emphasised the role of the EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair as a platform for well-founded knowledge transfer and professional exchange.

With the new EISENworkshop, the trade fair concept was deliberately expanded in 2026 with an application-oriented practice format. International creators from different trade segments demonstrated the use of modern tools and technologies from the exhibitor portfolio live on the basis of a variety of projects and thus assured media reach, among other aspects. The realistic applications and the direct incorporation of the audience met with a great response, especially from professional end users.

The DIY Boulevard, which was already fully booked well in advance, realised in cooperation with the German Association of Home & Garden Manufacturers e.V. (HHG), once again presented itself as an established platform for POS-related product staging. The retail trade and procurement received a compact market overview here, as well as inspiration for assortment design and the presentation of goods.

EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair 2026 in figures
2,500 companies from 53 countries, 91 percent of them from abroad, participated in the EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair Cologne 2026. Including estimates for the last day of the trade fair, around 33.000 visitors from 125 countries came to EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair 2026. The international share of trade visitors was 72 percent.

The next EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair will take place from 7 to 10 March 2028 in Cologne – once again from Tuesday to Friday. Companies can register for the coming event as of now via the official website.

Cologne, March 2026

Press Release

EISENWARENMESSE – INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR COLOGNE 2026: LEADING GLOBAL TRADE FAIR SETS IMPULSES FOR THE INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE INDUSTRY

2,500 companies from 53 countries ++ 86 percent foreign share ++ New formats and diversified specialised programme ++ High-quality B2B networking in Cologne

When the EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair kicks off on 3 March 2026, Cologne will become the global meeting point of the hardware industry for four days. The event is considered to be the leading global trade fair in its segment and with around 2,500 registered companies from 53 countries and a foreign share of 86 percent, it is underlining its international relevance for the industry, trade and procurement. The product categories include Tools, Industrial Supply, Fixing and Fastening Technology/Fittings as well as Home Improvement. EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair is being staged from Tuesday to Friday for the first time in 2026. With this new schedule, the trade fair is accommodating international business practices and consolidating its role as a key industry event at the start of the year.

Strong exhibitor participation from Germany and abroad
Leading companies from all over the globe present their new products and innovative solutions to an international trade audience at EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair. The trade fair is also well-represented internationally. 

A complete overview of all exhibiting companies can be found in the exhibitor search on the official website.

Sebastian Hein, Director of EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair, assesses the current number of registrations as follows: “Just a few weeks before the fair opens, EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair is in very good shape. The strong national and international participation confirms its significance as a central platform for exchange and concrete business initiation. At the same time, we are consistently further developing the event. With new formats like the EISENworkshop and a wide-ranging event programme, we are creating extra added value for the industry, trade and procurement and are also selectively addressing new target groups such as professional end users, for instance.”

EISENworkshop celebrates premiere
The premiere of the EISENworkshop is a key element of the event programme. The new live format in Passage 10/11 presents tools, technologies and materials from the exhibitors’ portfolio in a practical environment. On a presentation area in the form of a stylised workshop, international creators from different trades will realise manifold DIY projects live and provide concrete user tips.

The EISENworkshop thus demonstrates real user scenarios without any theory, promoting the exchange between the industry, trade and professional users. Further information on the EISENworkshop can be found on the website.

Event and supporting programme 2026
The EISENforum in Hall 10.2 serves once again as the central event stage of the trade fair. Here, lectures and panels will address current industry themes. Experts and industry insiders will give insights into market trends, technological developments and strategic issues. The forum thus offers a platform for knowledge transfer, professional exchange and the discussion of central future themes of the hardware industry.

On 3 March 2026, the programme focuses on artificial intelligence and will be curated by the digital expert, Michael Atug. This is followed by the BME Buyers Day on 4 March 2026, featuring an exclusive series of lectures for procurement experts from the tool and hardware industry. The emphasis lies on strategic and operational procurement topics. The eCommerce Day on 5 March 2026 is dedicated to digitalisation and the online trade. Among others, lectures by eBay, OBI and Picard will highlight current developments from a trade and platform perspective.

The EISENaward powered by ZHH will be presented for the eighth time in 2026. The trade fair opens with the award ceremony in the EISENforum at 10:00 a.m. on 3 March 2026. Outstanding product innovations will be recognised in cooperation with the German Hardware Trade Association (ZHH). 64 products from 15 countries were submitted this year. A jury comprising of representatives from the handicraft, research, media, design and trade sectors as well as multipliers will assess the entries in the categories Innovation, Design/Ergonomics and Sustainability. The ten nominated products and the three winners will be on display on a special zone in Passage 10/11 throughout the duration of the trade fair.

The DIY Boulevard in Hall 11.1 is being staged again in 2026. The format that was introduced in 2016 is organised in cooperation with the manufacturers’ association, Haus & Garten (HHG). Products are presented in a POS-like shelf environment and enable a market-oriented presentation for different levels of trade. HHG member companies and companies from the HIMA network will be participating. The top 10 innovations of the industry will additionally be presented.

Networking and international business promotion
The EISENparty that starts at 18:30 p.m. on the first evening of the trade fair also forms part of the event programme. The evening event at the Rheinterrassen in Cologne offers scope for an informal exchange between international industry representatives. A shuttle service will run between the fair grounds and the event location.

EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair is relying on an extended hosted buyer programme and targeted VIP accreditation to strengthen its international reach. The focus is on high-quality B2B discussions and networking between international decision-makers from the industry, trade and procurement. In this way, the trade fair is underscoring its role as a global platform for the initiation of business and strategic exchange.

Tickets for EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair 2026 are available from the ticket shop on the official website. Information on the event and supporting programme mentioned can also be found there as well as an overview of all exhibitors.

Cologne, February 2026

Press Release

EISENWARENMESSE – INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR COLOGNE 2026: TRENDS AND INNOVATIONS IN THE HARDWARE INDUSTRY

EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair provides an unparalleled opportunity for discovering what’s next in the hardware industry. From 3 to 6 March 2026, more than 2,600 international exhibitors from 48 countries will present a wide range of new products in Cologne’s exhibition halls. Trade professionals and buyers from all over the world will gain a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and products – ranging from tools, accessories and building materials to DIY and industrial supplies, fittings, fasteners and fixings. A glimpse at the key themes and new products shows the market and industry trends that will define the trade fair.

Safety first: Better protection, reduced risk
Safety is at the heart of everything in the hardware industry. Today’s tool lines combine user-friendly design and higher safety standards. Intelligent design enhances the safety of work equipment – from locking pliers with improved pumping action and spades with reinforced foot treads to telescopic ladders with a wider base. There are also new lifting devices and heavy-duty suspension systems for moving furniture. Peace of mind is also provided by 3D alarm sensors and the latest Bluetooth technology for locks and door openers.

Better for your body: Improved ergonomics and health protection
Health is a megatrend – and that includes the hardware industry. That is why many tools now feature ergonomic upgrades for easier handling. Examples include pliers and bending tools that have been optimised to minimise physical strain and promote better posture. In addition, quieter mixers for concrete and mortar, and work clothing with improved UV protection provide increased health protection. Non-toxic building materials free from hazardous substances also enable healthier working conditions and easier disposal.

Compact class: Mini tools
New compact versions of well-established tools and equipment also make work easier. The key advantage is their lightweight construction, which lets you work longer without getting tired – perfect for tasks like sawing, welding or stripping wires. These streamlined products are also ideal for smaller hands and tight workspaces. In these cramped areas, compact handheld vacuums and high-pressure cleaners truly shine, delivering powerful performance in a small size. Convenient battery stations provide efficient energy for these tools. A sustainable side effect of these smaller products is that they require less material and shipping space, resulting in lower CO2 emissions.

Longer service life: Recycling and waste reduction
Speaking of sustainability, environmentally friendly solutions continue to be in high demand. This is evident in the increased use of post-consumer recycled plastics for tool parts and toolboxes. New cartridges or packaging for nails and screws made from recyclable paper contain little or no plastic. Used yarns and textiles are also being repurposed in new work clothing lines. Refining tool accessories like sanding belts and saw blades also reduces waste by extending their service life.

Adaptable tools: Versatile solutions
If there is one constant in the construction industry, it’s change. New materials and building products are constantly appearing on the market. That’s why modern tools can adapt accordingly. Examples include innovative interchangeable systems for blades, mixers and drill attachments. Cordless chargers offer similar flexibility for a wide range of professional applications. New ultrasonic cleaners also provide added versatility, cleaning everything from complex machinery and sensitive electronics to large construction equipment.

Fresh colours: Trend-conscious design
Fashion and home furnishing trends are also shaping innovations in the hardware industry. Tools today draw inspiration from natural colour palettes. Black finishes are also trending, highlighting premium quality and modern design. At the same time, vibrant colours brighten up the otherwise muted palette of tools and accessories. So a hammer might now come in bright pink – a fashion statement that also makes the tool easy to spot on a construction site.

Discover more trends and innovations in the hardware industry from 3 to 6 March 2026 in Cologne. EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair will once again showcase innovations that make construction and DIY work even safer, healthier and more sustainable.

Cologne, December 2025

Press Release

EISENWARENMESSE – INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR COLOGNE 2026: DIY BOULEVARD BOOKED OUT SOON CROWD PULLER ONCE AGAIN ABOUT TO SET AN EXHIBITOR RECORD

Already around six months prior to the start of EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair, which is taking place from 3 to 6 March 2026 in Cologne, it appears that the DIY Boulevard will also once again be one of the visitor magnets in its coming edition thanks to a high rate of participation on the part of the industry. Nearly all places for exhibitors have already been assigned. This is a clear sign of the attractiveness and relevance of the format, which celebrated its premiere in 2016 with 45 participants and has since grown continually. Record participation by exhibitors, currently at 60 applications, is once again expected for 2026.

Realistic success format
The EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair offers a broad spectrum extending from tools and accessories through building and DIY supplies to fasteners and fixings and industrial equipment. Within this offering, the DIY Boulevard in Hall 11 is a concentrated exhibition for the trade with a focus on DIY, building and garden products.

The special feature of the Boulevard is the presentation of the products in the shelf format, which simulates realistic retail sales situations. Trade visitors thus receive a compact market overview, valuable inspiration for their assortments and direct insight into the innovation highlights of the industry.

Integrated conversation areas at each shelf and the stand of the manufacturer association Haus & Garten e. V. (HHG) as the centre of the DIY Boulevard also provide the ideal prerequisites for exchange, networking and business.

Internationally networked, supported by strong cooperation
Participation in the DIY Boulevard is exclusively reserved for member companies of the HHG. Assuring additional international visibility is the participation of the HIMA network, through which member companies from all national associations, including from Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain, will be represented for the first time in 2026 on the DIY Boulevard. The area thus offers greater variety than ever in 2026, from which especially the trade public will profit.

“The DIY Boulevard has for good reason developed into one of the central attractions of EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair in past years. Here, trade visitors experience products as they will later be presented in the retail trade. Together with the HHG, we can thus offer both exhibitors and visitors unique added value”, Sebastian Hein, Director of EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair Cologne, explains.

Dr Marie-Charlotte Claßen, Deputy Managing Director of the manufacturer association Haus & Garten e. V., adds: “We can once again look forward to a completely booked Boulevard in 2026. That demonstrates how great the demand is for this concept. A compact, yet diversified showcase of our industry, ranging from innovative product ideas through realistic shelf placements to sales-boosting presentation concepts, awaits visitors. This time too, the diversity of the manufacturers and line-ups represented will be especially exciting. Bundled on the Boulevard, they will offer a unique overview of the capabilities of the DIY industry.”

Leading international trade fair with a diverse offering
In 2026, the EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair will once again occupy six halls of the Cologne fair grounds and present a diversity of offerings that is globally unique. The leading trade fair of the hardware industry is viewed as an international industry meeting point, where buyers and dealers from around the world can discover the latest products and trends and initiate business.

Cologne, 8th October 2025

Press Release

EISENWARENMESSE – INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2026: INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRY KEY PLAYERS ARE BETTING ON THE WORLD’S LEADING TRADE FAIR AT AN EARLY DATE

Already a good response in the early bird phase

The event can already demonstrate good interim results around nine months prior to the start of EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair. The early bird phase was a success not only internationally with exhibiting companies from more than 40 countries and a foreign share of more than 87 percent. Numerous German companies have also already applied and thus secured the advantages of early booking. EISENWAREN – International Hardware Fair 2026 takes place from 3 to 6 March 2026 – and thus for the first time in Cologne in a new sequence of days from Tuesday to Friday.

“The result following the early bird phase gives us plenty of reasons for optimism. We are pleased that many industry leaders from Germany and abroad have already confirmed their participation in EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair 2026. The demand once again confirms the importance of the trade fair as the most important global platform for the presentation of new products, services and technologies”, according to Sebastian Hein, Director of EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair.

Diverse event programme
Spread on eleven hall levels, EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair once again provides a diverse offering that is unique worldwide – from tools and accessories through home improvement to fittings, fasteners and fixings and industrial supplies. Trade visitors can also once again look forward to a high quality event programme in 2026. Especially the EISENforum, with a programme curated by digital expert Michael Atug, and exploring exciting industry themes like the use of AI, provides important impulses for the continuing development of the industry.

With the DIY Boulevard, EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair, in cooperation with the German Association of Home & Garden Manufacturers e.V (HHG), once again provides companies with the possibility to present their products in an environment close to POS. This ensures an authentic product presentation experience on the boulevard for trade visitors.

The renowned “EISENaward powered by ZHH” 2026 will also be presented live again. In cooperation with the central association for the hardware trade (ZHH), EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair searches for outstanding new ideas, inventions and solutions directly from the industry. The three winners of the award will be honoured live on stage. A trade public will also be able to marvel at the ten nominated products during the trade fair in a special area. Registered exhibitors can apply with their innovations at no charge as of autumn 2025.

The event programme will be continually updated. Additional formats are currently in planning.

Cologne, 24th June 2025

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