The Landscape Istanbul Fair (LIF) 2025, held from 8–11 October at the Istanbul Fair Centre, confirmed its role as the leading horticultural trade event in Turkey and a vital bridge between East and West. Approved by the AIPH, the International Association of Horticultural Producers, the show’s fourth edition gathered more than 110 exhibitors across 7,000 m², showcasing Mediterranean and subtropical plants, landscape materials, and sustainable innovations.

According to Mustafa Gültekin Gökgül, CEO of Athena Fairs Inc., the larger exhibition area gave visitors “a broader variety of products, more opportunities to compare, and to negotiate business deals face to face.” The atmosphere was described by many as both dynamic and optimistic, despite the economic challenges facing the sector.

Among the international highlights was Vannucci Piante, one of Italy’s most respected ornamental plant producers. “We’ve been working in Türkiye for forty years,” said Duygu Avar Pesavento, company representative. “The demand has become more refined—clients now select large, high-quality specimens for hotels and private projects, especially in Istanbul. Turkish partners appreciate trust, continuity, and excellence.”

Also representing Italy, CaporalPlant has strengthened its presence in Turkey over the past few years. With more than 120 hectares of production and a wide range of Mediterranean plants: maples, camellias, azaleas, and eucalyptus, the company exports across Northern Europe and the Balkans. “Turkey is strategically positioned,” noted G.Feyza Aygen, sales account. “Here the growing season never ends, and collaborations with local nurseries make us more competitive.”

Nearby, AsyaLale, a long-established grower also based in Konya, shared its experience of adapting bulb production to a changing climate. “Warmer winters and shorter springs are challenging,” said the owner, Korkut Yetgin. “But flowers give people hope, especially after difficult years. Parks filled with color remind citizens that life continues to bloom.” With biogas facility, they transform agricultural waste into clean energy, promoting sustainable production and an environmentally responsible approach.

From Yalova, Samast Nursery presented 20 hectares of ornamental and herb production, including more than 200 species. “Despite the economy, fairs like LIF keep us connected to landscape architects and municipalities” the founder, Rıza Samast commented.

Design and sustainability also played a key role. Istanbul-based FlowerPot Alya showcased its “Ecopot Cornet” line—pots made from 100% recycled materials in modern tones of grey and cappuccino. “Sustainability is our priority,” said Batuhan Akova, Export specialist. “Innovation helps us overcome supply challenges.”

From the Konya region, AtlasLale drew attention for its rare open-field bulb cultivation. “We’re the only company in Türkiye producing bulbs in open soil,” explained Yavuz Selim Ateş, CEO of the company. “We export to the USA, Azerbaijan, and Iran, and recently partnered with national supermarket chains. LIF is where international buyers discover us.”

Digital innovation came from Toptan Bitki, a Sakarya startup linking 42 local producers through a no-fee marketplace. ‘We built a platform focused on transparency and speed‘, explained founder Bilal Saka. ‘The mission is to offer an easy and trustworthy shopping experience by providing quick access to high-quality plants, detailed product reviews, and transparent, comparable prices‘.

Running alongside the exhibition, the World Urban Parks Symposium explored the theme “NEXT: The next generation of cities and public spaces”, with experts discussing resilience, inclusivity, and innovation in green design. The symposium brought together a distinguished roster of international experts and practitioners. Opening the event, Tim Geyer, Chair of World Urban Parks with over 45 years’ experience in urban parks management in Australia, set the stage by framing parks as essential health infrastructure. Among the presenters were Fergus Garrett, CEO of the Great Dixter Charitable Trust and head gardener, speaking on biodiversity in gardens and cities, and Zina Abdulla, PhD researcher at the University of Bath, whose research focuses on equity in urban green space access for marginalized communities. The variety of voices and specialisations, from city garden directors to landscape architects and social inclusion researchers, ensured a rich cross-cutting discussion on the themes of climate resilience, water & resource management, inclusivity and innovation in public spaces.

As the fair closed, one sentiment united exhibitors: optimism. “Flowers are not a cost,” said a grower, “they are a message of renewal. Istanbul once again proved that nature and business can grow hand in hand.” Looking ahead, the next edition of the Landscape Istanbul Fair (LIF) will take place from 7–10 October 2026, set to once again bring together professionals, innovators, and visionaries shaping the future of the green industry.