After three years without IPM ESSEN due to the pandemic “The joy that IPM ESSEN could finally take place again could be felt in every hall and at every stand”, Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen, sums up. The reunion of the green sector turned out to be more international than expected. Over 40,000 trade visitors from more than 100 countries came to Messe Essen to exchange information and to place orders. There was a wide range of products: 1,330 companies from 46 nations presented their innovations and new products in the fields of plants, technology, floristry and garden features from 24 to 27 January 2023.

Eva Kähler-Theuerkauf, President of the North Rhine-Westphalia Horticultural Association and Chairwoman of the IPM Advisory Board added: “IPM ESSEN 2023 was a complete success. It was good to meet again in our gardening family. The fair also met with great interest internationally. Anyone who was there neither as an exhibitor nor as a visitor definitely missed out a lot.”

“We look back on intensive and successful days at the fair. In all halls, one could vividly experience what horticultural entrepreneurship is all about – be it new technology, new varieties or new business ideas. This is how we can tackle the challenges of the industry. For the ZVG, after the pandemic break, it was an absolute must to be there. The reunion was important for everyone”, summarises Jürgen Mertz, President of the Central Horticultural Association (ZVG), the conceptual sponsor of IPM ESSEN.

Climate plants, air purifying houseplant, environmentally friendly packaging and peat alternatives were particularly on trend. Sustainable production is playing an increasingly important role in horticulture, i.e. the responsible use of energy, water, fertilisers, substrates and plant protection. Various start-ups presented projects and solutions in this regard both in the new Horticultural Technology Innovation Centre and at the Young Innovative Companies stand. For example, CO2-storing plant charcoal made from biomass was presented, which stores water and releases nutrients. In the area of pots, recycled plastic and compostable materials dominated. Also on display were smart transport and logistics solutions as well as software.

Further award ceremonies were on the agenda at IPM ESSEN: On the first day of the fair, the best new plants were awarded prizes in the IPM novelty showcase: in the category “Spring Flowering Plant” the Primula polyantha hybrid POLLYANNA, in the category “Flowering Houseplant” the Anthurium andreanum ANTHFYSAN, in the category “Green Houseplant” the Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Bikini’ ®, in the category “Woody Plant” the Acer campestre ‘Street Pillar’, in the category “Tub Plant” the Mangave Mad about Mangave ® ‘Blazing Saddles’ and in the category “Cut Flower” the Chamelaucium ‘Ever Flowering Wax’. The Audience Award went to the Erysium hybrid RYSI TM ‘Winter Spirit’ on the Thursday of the fair.

The best storytelling was honoured with the Show Your Colours Award. With its unique colour gradient from red to purple and its fragrant flowers, the hardy rose “Rosa Rosy Boom Colours Change” by Diderk Heinje won the award.

90 per cent of the trade visitors were satisfied with the range of products and services at IPM ESSEN 2023. 91 per cent are planning a repeat visit, 92 per cent recommend IPM ESSEN to others. On the part of the exhibitors, 95 percent plan to participate again. The next opportunity will be from 23 to 26 January 2024, when the 40th IPM ESSEN will be launched at Messe Essen with a special anniversary programme.

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