2020-02-07

IPM Essen 2020 - the world's leading trade fair is once again setting the tone

IPM Essen 2020 - the world's leading trade fair is once again setting the tone
 
Author:
Managing Director Media Concept Group

A total of 1,538 exhibitors from 46 countries presented their innovative products and services in the fields of plants, technology, floristry and equipment from 28 to 31 January 2020. Messe Essen was once again the most important meeting place for the global green industry. Over 54,000 (2019: 52,800) visitors from over 100 countries came to find out about trends and ordered goods for the coming season. Climate change and sustainability were more than ever the defining themes of the world's leading horticultural fair.

The overall economic environment for horticulture was good to very good in 2019. The Germans spent 8.9 billion euros on flowers and plants last year - an increase of 2.7 percent over the previous year and the highest value since 2011. Per capita expenditure rose from 105 euros to 108 euros. (Source: Central Horticultural Association)
Similar positive developments in sales increases of between 2 and 4 percent can also be heard from Switzerland and Austria.

Supported by this positive mood, the innovative strength of the green sector was once again demonstrated. The vast majority of exhibitors tried to address the issues of sustainability and climate change and to incorporate appropriate answers in the product and service portfolio.

Whether environmentally friendly packaging, climate-tolerant new varieties, insect-friendly plants to promote biodiversity, air-purifying green plants, plant boxes with integrated water storage or peat substitutes - international horticulture impressively demonstrated its innovative strength. In the area of technology, too, the focus was on energy-efficient production processes and pioneering digital technologies.

In general, the industry benefits from the increasing awareness of consumers about living green and the environment in general. At the same time, plants are increasingly becoming lifestyle products in a fast-paced and digital world that sees their own garden or terrace as an “oasis of wellbeing”.

Everyone is talking about biodiversity - including during the IPM. While insect food is already considered a contribution to promoting biodiversity in Germany, much more is required in Switzerland to be able to use this message. It will be interesting to see how sustainable this trend is and what conventional horticulture will contribute.

Our small series of pictures provides some impressions from the IPM 2020. Essen - always worth a visit; at least at the time of the IPM.

 

Author:
Robert Wacker
Managing Director Media Concept Group
Robert Wacker has been working in the green industry since 1980. For 20 years, he has been developing marketing and sales concepts for breeders, producers and retailers. As Managing Director of all international affairs for the Media Concept Group, he regularly writes articles for this blog.

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