Flemish horticulture will shine at the 41st edition of the International Plant Fair (IPM) in Essen, Germany, taking place from January 28 to 31, 2025. A total of 32 companies will proudly represent Flanders at this premier global horticultural event, showcasing their expertise and innovations at booths organized by the Flanders’ Agricultural Marketing Board (VLAM). This participation underscores the region’s reputation as a leader in high-quality, sustainable plant production.

A Strong Flemish Presence Across Three Halls

Since IPM’s inception in 1983, Flemish horticultural businesses have consistently utilized this prestigious platform to display their diverse range of plants and innovative techniques. At the 2025 edition, the VLAM booths will be distributed across three key halls:

• Hall 2 will host renowned companies like CS-plant, Dataflor, Decock Plants, De Croock, De Vos-Hertschap, John De Wilde, Denis-Plants, Deroose Plants, FlorAmor – Hortinno, Helleborus, Herplant, Joluplant, Leybaert, Labeau, Boomkwekerij Peers, Plant Select, Rudy Raes Bloemzaden, offering visitors a glimpse into cutting-edge plant varieties and cultivation methods.
• Hall 6 will feature businesses such as Jules Block, Geert Bogaert, Calle-Plant, Goossens Raf, Heyeveld, Laurica-plants, Rimbaut Peter Boomkwekerij, Vandamme Sierplanten, Van Poecke & zn, Patrick Vos Boomkwekerij, celebrated for their craftsmanship in ornamental plants.
• Hall 8 will highlight ADM Greentraders, Neyt-Van Sante, Sylva, Van Hulle B&C, among others, who are setting benchmarks in sustainable and resilient plant production.

Each booth will be adorned with VLAM’s iconic colourful cube designs, which visually represent the vibrancy and diversity of Flemish horticulture. The slogan “WE GROW YOUR WAY” reinforces their commitment to meeting global market demands with precision and creativity.

Flanders: Small in Size, Big in Impact

Despite its modest agricultural footprint of 5,800 hectares, Flemish horticulture generates an impressive annual turnover of €580 million. Flowers and ornamental plants account for 36% of this revenue, with nursery stock making up the remaining 64%. With 91% of its produce exported within the EU and a growing footprint in third-country markets, including the UK, Flanders has become a symbol of quality and reliability in horticulture. Iconic Belgian plants such as azaleas, begonias, and roses continue to captivate international audiences.

Pioneering Sustainable Solutions

Flemish horticulture is committed to innovation and sustainability. Through scientific research, growers are developing climate-resilient plant varieties and adopting precision farming techniques that optimize water, nutrient, and pesticide usage. The adoption of alternative substrates reduces dependence on resource-intensive materials, while integrated pest management minimizes chemical applications, promoting a healthier ecological balance. These initiatives not only reflect Flanders’ forward-thinking ethos but also meet the rising demand for environmentally conscious practices in global markets.

Explore Flemish Excellence Online

For those eager to learn more about Flemish exhibitors and their offerings, the dedicated website FlandersPlants.com serves as a valuable resource. Visitors can explore company profiles, product catalogues, and updates on innovative practices in Belgian horticulture, ensuring they are well-prepared for their visit to IPM Essen.

Celebrating Flemish Craftsmanship

IPM Essen 2025 offers a unique opportunity for Flemish horticultural businesses to network, share expertise, and expand their global reach. By blending tradition with innovation, Flanders continues to lead the way in creating a sustainable, vibrant future for horticulture.