Nigel Wright Group at FIBO 2025: Reflections, Highlights and What Comes Next
The European fitness and wellness industry is in good shape — literally and figuratively. Now worth over €36 billion, with Germany leading at €5.82 billion (according to DSSV, EuropeActive and FIBO via Bodymedia), the market’s appetite for innovation and growth is clear. That momentum was easy to see at FIBO 2025 in Cologne, the world’s largest trade event for fitness, health, and wellness.
With over 1,200 exhibitors and around 155,000 attendees from nearly 130 countries, it wasn’t short on energy. Nigel Wright Group was pleased to attend again this year, meeting with clients and new connections alike — and getting a proper feel for where the sector is heading.
What We Saw — and Heard
From wearable tech and active nutrition to connected equipment and performance wear, the range of ideas and products on show was impressive. We had valuable conversations with brands like Fabletics and Teveo, who are doing interesting things where fashion, function and sustainability overlap.
Elsewhere, the event itself was full of activity. HYROX, boxing matches, live fitness demos — the atmosphere reflected the very market it serves: dynamic, social, and always evolving.
People, Purpose and Leadership
One session that stood out was the Ladies Lunch, where senior women from across the industry shared thoughts on what good leadership looks like right now. Tina Müller, CEO of Weleda, gave a sharp and thoughtful keynote on transformation — not just at the business level, but in how brands stay aligned with changing values and consumer behaviour. Her focus on authenticity and innovation really resonated.
Conversations That Matter
As ever, it was a brilliant chance to catch up with partners and spark new relationships. We spoke with businesses like Technogym, Huel, MaxiNutrition, EGYM, Matrix, Precor, KoRo, ahead GmbH, and many more.
There was a clear theme across discussions: growth is happening — but it brings pressure. The need to scale sustainably, build strong commercial teams, and stay close to the customer journey is on everyone’s radar.
How We Can Help
At Nigel Wright Group, we work with fitness, wellbeing, and lifestyle businesses across Europe and beyond. Our focus is on helping companies hire the people who can navigate this growth — senior leaders who combine market expertise with commercial drive and a genuine interest in consumer wellbeing.
Whether you’re planning expansion, shifting strategy, or simply strengthening your current team, we’d be happy to talk about how we can support you.
Oliver Büscher
Associate Director
E: oliver.buescher@nigelwright.com
M: +49 170 14 111 38
DD: +49 211 5401 0896
Düsseldorf Office
Telephone: +49 211 8823 0897
Email: germany@nigelwright.com
Address: Benrather Karree, Benrather Strasse 18-20, 40213 Düsseldorf, Germany