The 2025 edition of the GrootGroenPlus trade fair once again demonstrated why Zundert, in the Netherlands is regarded as the beating heart of European horticulture. This year’s theme, “Heart for Green”, reflected the fair’s focus on sustainability, innovation, and cooperation across the green sector. Over three days, exhibitors, growers, buyers, and journalists explored forward-looking solutions for biodiversity, circular production, and climate-resilient landscapes, confirming the Netherlands’ leadership in horticultural excellence.

Held from 30 September to 3 October, GrootGroenPlus offered a vibrant mix of exhibitions, lectures, and demonstrations. The “Heart for Green” event brought together key voices: Elise Wieringa, Sustainability Manager at Intratuin, presented the retailer’s mission to make 50% of Dutch gardens greener by 2030. Marco Lassini (Stantec) highlighted nature-inclusive design as a tool for future urban planning, while Tierra Outdoor shared insights into the circular use of Paulownia wood and cross-sector collaboration between horticulture and construction.

A special highlight was the Zunderts Groen Imago Prijs, a prestigious local distinction awarded annually at GrootGroenPlus. In 2025, the honour went to ROOTZ, the knowledge and innovation centre for the tree nursery industry. Presented by Alderman Ralph Bogers, the award recognised ROOTZ for its pioneering role in bridging research and practical applications, strengthening the innovative image of Zundert’s green sector.

Press Excursion: Exploring the Roots of Innovation

The annual press excursion remains one of GrootGroenPlus’s most valued traditions, offering international journalists a firsthand look at the craftsmanship and ingenuity that define Dutch horticulture. In 2025, the press group visited five exemplary nurseries in the Zundert and Breda regions, each showcasing a unique perspective on sustainable production.

At Dictus-Havermans Nursery, a family-run business, the focus on renewable energy and water conservation stood out. Solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and smart irrigation show how traditional nurseries can operate responsibly and efficiently.

C.A.M. Poppelaars BV impressed the group with its 40-hectare open-field cultivation, where GPS-guided sowing and mechanical weed control replace chemicals, a fine example of technology-driven sustainability.

De Weimer Tree Nursery presented an advanced hybrid model that integrates open-ground and container cultivation, enabling flexibility for both domestic and export markets. Its attention to biodiversity and soil health sets a strong benchmark for the industry.

At Laurens van Haperen Nursery, visitors discovered a hedge plant producer combining tradition with cutting-edge technology. Precision planting using RTK GPS ensures consistency and efficient resource use, demonstrating how digital tools can enhance plant quality.

The visit to Total Transplant Solutions (TTS) offered a glimpse into the future of automation. The company showcased its innovative 18 Air Tray®, designed to promote healthy root systems and faster propagation, alongside robotic planting demonstrations, revealing how automation can shape the next era of horticulture.

In addition to the external visits, an internal press tour at GrootGroenPlus introduced journalists to some of the fair’s most forward-thinking exhibitors:

Van Tilburg Boomkwekerij (Netherlands) combined craftsmanship and innovation in ornamental shrub cultivation, offering species like Japanese cherry, lilac, and maple, all carefully grafted, labeled, and grown for year-round delivery.

Hachmann Baumschulen (Germany) impressed with its legacy of rhododendron breeding since 1929. Under Holger Hachmann’s leadership, the nursery has produced over 400 new varieties and maintains an 8,000 m² ornamental garden featuring 1,200 rhododendrons and 500 rare shrubs.

Nick De Meester Nursery (Belgium) showcased precision in open-field cultivation of hedge plants such as Buxus, Taxus, Ilex, and Photinia, emphasizing uniformity and quality.

Miscanthus-Agri highlighted the future of bio-based production through chain collaborations around Miscanthus fiber crops. Its work connects growers and industries to develop sustainable materials for paper, construction, and bioplastics.

Boomkwekerijen Zundert (Netherlands) demonstrated its mastery of rootstocks and hedge plants cultivated on 20 hectares of sandy soil. The family business, now in its third generation, is known for strong, uniform plants with optimal root development.

As tradition dictates, the Green Grand Prix 2025 was a major highlight. The jury, impressed by the overall quality of entries, awarded three gold medals:

Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘PNOS01’ (PERFUME PARTY®): a compact evergreen with fragrant flowers loved by pollinators.

Phillyrea angustifolia ‘Grand Prix’®: a dense, upright plant with Mediterranean charm.

Spiraea japonica ‘JW1’ (RICK STAR®): a fast-growing, vividly coloured variety with a cheerful appeal.

Blending innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration, GrootGroenPlus 2025 once again showcased the best of the green industry. With dedicated professionals, cutting-edge technologies, and inspiring plant introductions, the fair continues to nurture a collective vision, growing towards a greener, smarter, and more resilient world. The preparations for the 36th edition of GrootGroenPlus, which will be held from 30 September – 2 October 2026, have already started.