The global horticultural industry once again converged at Messe Essen, in Germany, from January 28 to 31, 2025, as IPM ESSEN reaffirmed its role as the premier platform for innovation and networking for the green sector. This year’s event, held under the theme “Endless Green Variety,” attracted over 40,000 trade visitors and featured more than 1,400 exhibitors from approximately 50 countries.

Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen, highlighted the event’s growing influence: “The spirit of optimism in the green sector is palpable. The increase in participation underscores the relevance of IPM ESSEN as a global industry driver.” Likewise, Eva Kähler-Theuerkauf, President of the Central Horticultural Association and Chair of the IPM Advisory Board, emphasized the fair’s impact: “IPM ESSEN 2025 has impressively demonstrated that horticulture is actively shaping the future. Trends emerge here, and solutions become tangible.”

International Participation at an All-Time High

A significant portion of attendees hailed from abroad, reflecting the event’s increasing international appeal. Forty-four per cent of trade visitors travelled from outside Germany—an increase of five percentage points from the previous year. Delegations from Turkey, Japan, and Australia were among those exploring new products and finalizing business deals.

The exhibition featured numerous national pavilions, allowing visitors to experience region-specific horticultural innovations in one central venue. Belgium, China, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, India, Israel, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, the UK, and the USA all showcased their latest developments.

Spotlight on Joint Stands: a Hub for Inspiration

Among the fair’s biggest highlights were the international joint stands, which brought together exhibitors from multiple countries to present their latest advancements in plants, technology, and sustainability. These collaborative booths provided a unique cross-border perspective on horticultural trends and practices.

Belgium: Sustainability and Innovation focus

Flanders under the umbrella of VLAM (Flanders’ Agricultural Marketing Board) was well-represented with three joint booths featuring 32 companies. Despite a decline in the number of horticultural enterprises in Belgium, those remaining are growing in scale and investing heavily in innovation. The focus was on climate-resilient plants, alternative substrate mixes, precision irrigation, and integrated pest management. Several companies also showcased renewable energy initiatives aimed at making operations more sustainable.

Denmark: Greenery as a design element

Floradania, Denmark’s horticultural marketing organization, organized a pavilion with 16 exhibitors displaying ornamental plants, Christmas trees, and bulbs. One of the standout trends was the integration of plants into interior design, reinforcing the growing role of greenery in modern living spaces. Sustainability remained a key theme, with exhibitors highlighting environmentally friendly production methods.

France: Showcasing national horticultural excellence

French exhibitors presented their offerings under the “CHOOSE FRANCE” label across different halls. Hall 2 featured breeders and young plants, while nurseries displayed their products in Hall 7. Leading companies from Provence, Pays de la Loire, Brittany, and Paris exhibited new varieties such as Morel Halios Red Allegro®, Petit Moulin®, and the Clematis “Notre Dame de Paris.” The exhibitors belong to Valhor, the French inter-branch organization for horticulture, representing over 45,000 businesses, including eight European pot manufacturers dedicated to sustainable packaging solutions.

United Kingdom: Strong industry representation

The UK’s Commercial Horticultural Association (CHA) hosted ten exhibitors, showcasing everything from roses and clematis to bio-stimulants, LED horticultural lighting, and sustainable packaging. Emma Brazier, CHA Event Manager, remarked: “IPM ESSEN is a pivotal event for us. Our exhibitors return year after year, recognizing its value. We’re thrilled to support ten UK companies this January, ensuring a successful start to 2025.”

Netherlands: Leading the way in sustainable horticulture

At the Royal FloraHolland joint stand in Hall 1, approximately 20 Dutch companies exhibited ethically grown chrysanthemums, eco-friendly Anthuriums, and other sustainably cultivated flowers. Hall 8 featured 40 Dutch companies under the BIZZ Holland banner, with a standout feature being the Show-Your-Colours Garden Center. This innovative space provided trade visitors with a real-world demonstration of concept tables, point-of-sale materials, and merchandising strategies.

Poland: Strengthening global presence

The Polish pavilion, led by the Association of Polish Nurseries (ZSzP), showcased a broad range of ornamental and fruit plants, from young saplings to mature trees. In addition to exhibits, visitors had access to the newly launched Polish Nursery Catalogue 2025 and the first-ever English edition of the “Catalogue of Proven Plants.”

Spain: Mediterranean Horticulture on display

Spain’s joint pavilion, organized by FEPEX, featured 31 exhibitors from regions including Valencia, Catalonia, and Andalusia. Spanning over 1,200 square meters, the Spanish pavilion displayed Mediterranean plants such as olive trees, palms, and fruit trees. A dedicated institutional meeting area provided ample networking opportunities.

Innovation at the Forefront

Beyond the exhibition halls, IPM ESSEN 2025 offered a comprehensive supporting program, combining knowledge transfer, trend analysis, and networking opportunities. The Gardeners’ Forum in Hall 2 provided practical demonstrations, while Hall 4’s Horticultural Technology Innovation Center showcased emerging technologies, including automation and vertical farming systems.

The IPM Novelty Showcase was a major highlight, recognizing groundbreaking plant innovations. Among the winners were a primrose Primula acaulis Flamenco Mix F1 from Rudy Raes Bloemzaden n.v. in Belgium with a flamenco-inspired aesthetic and a unique rose variety featuring an exceptionally high number of blooms per stem. The company Diderk Heinje received multiple awards, including recognition for the Asian flowering dogwood “Cornus kousa Flower Tower” and the hibiscus stem “Hibiscus syriacus Flower Tower Ruby.”

Hall 5’s FDF World captivated visitors with master floristry demonstrations from international experts. The IPM trade fair cup competition further showcased creative excellence in floral design, container planting, and bouquets.

Looking Ahead: IPM ESSEN 2026

The resounding success of IPM ESSEN 2025 sets the stage for another highly anticipated event. The next edition of the world’s leading horticultural trade fair will take place from January 27 to 30, 2026, at Messe Essen, promising even greater innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration.