Plenty of Attention for new Innovations

The fully occupied exhibition floor was bustling with visitors on both days. Teun van Geest of Vreugdenhil Bulbs & Plants had a very positive experience during his first participation in the fair. "It actually exceeded expectations. I made many new contacts and renewed old ones." Jantine van der Kwaak of Jac. Niekerk B.V. is also very enthusiastic. „We spoke with many visitors from the Netherlands, Belgium, and England and are very satisfied with the excellent care provided at the fair."

Exhibition manager Marjolein Wieckardt also looks back on a successful edition. „Both exhibitors and visitors speak of a successful edition. This positive sentiment is reflected in the number of bookings for next year. The head and corner stands for the autumn edition of 2025 are already almost sold out."

Green Retail Awards

At a fair focused entirely on garden plants, there was also plenty of attention for new innovations. On the first day of the fair, the Green Retail Awards winners were announced in the categories Best Novelty and Best Market Innovation. The awards went to Agastache 'Agapk' (BEELICIOUS PINK), submitted by Vitroflora Grupa, and Naturosa, submitted by Meer Plant BV.

For the Visitor's Favorite Award, visitors could cast their votes using green balls. At the close of the fair, it was clear that Catharanthus roseus Soirée Light Pink Dark Eye, submitted by MNP / Suntory, was overwhelmingly the favorite plant of the visitors.

Green Future Hub

In the Green Future Hub, attention was given to demonstrably sustainable production. On both days, a round table discussion was held with specialists from the consulting organization GTC+, industry organizations Anthos, LTO, and Intratuin Nederland, certification body MPS, and Griffioen Wassenaar.

The topic of discussion was the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, a directive for companies to report on their impact on people and the climate) and whether certification is sufficient to meet these requirements. The overall conclusion was that steps have already been taken, and the CSRD also offers opportunities for companies. However, there remains a significant challenge for industry organizations to raise awareness and get all growers on board.

About PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt

PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt, the Green Retail Fair, together with the Autumn and Spring Fairs of GROEN-Direkt, is the key meeting place for green professionals and suppliers. The next editions of the fair will take place on 4 & 5 February 2025 and 27 & 28 August 2025. The fair is held in and around the GROEN-Direkt hall at the International Trade Centre in Hazerswoude/Boskoop, with opening hours from 7 AM to 5 PM (4 PM on the second day). For more information, visit the website https://plantariumgroendirekt.nl/. The fair is only accessible to trade visitors and requires prior registration via the website.