+ + + IPM ESSEN 2026 has launched

With a ceremonial opening, the International Plant Fair IPM ESSEN has started. North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister for Agriculture and Consumer Protection, Silke Gorißen, and ZVG President Eva Kähler-Theuerkauf welcomed exhibitors and trade visitors from around the world. Until Friday, 30 January 2026, around 1,500 exhibitors from more than 40 countries will present their innovations in the areas of plants, technology, floristry and garden features at Messe Essen. Trade visitors from all relevant international markets are expected.

“Anyone walking through the world’s leading trade fair IPM ESSEN these days, looking around, listening and joining the conversation, will see one thing above all: drive, a spirit of innovation and creativity,” emphasized Silke Gorißen, Minister for Agriculture and Consumer Protection of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, in her welcoming address.

“Horticulture is not only a strong economic sector – it enriches our lives and does us good. Horticulture contributes greatly to our food supply and to the greenery in our cities. Here in North Rhine-Westphalia, we are proud of our horticulture and we deliberately make its importance visible, for example through our garden shows. NRW is Germany’s number one horticulture state and, in the years ahead, the federal state with the most garden shows nationwide. Beyond that, we will continue to advocate for good, future-proof framework conditions and, as the state government, work consistently to support horticulture – with targeted funding programmes, investment in research and innovation, and a strong voice for our businesses in Berlin and Brussels. Added to this is our commitment to greater planning certainty and the urgently needed reduction of bureaucracy.”

IPM ESSEN as a driver of impetus for a competitive sector

Eva Kähler-Theuerkauf, President of the German Horticultural Association (ZVG), also highlighted the innovative strength and the importance of IPM ESSEN as the central meeting point for the industry. The entire value chain comes together here – and, according to Kähler-Theuerkauf, many businesses benefit from the impulses of the coming days throughout the year.

For this strength to have a long-term impact, competition on a level playing field and reliable political framework conditions are needed, for example an enterprise-oriented energy policy, consistent reduction of bureaucracy and practical environmental regulations. At the same time, she warned against national special approaches and additional burdens – for instance regarding plant protection or peat reduction – that could jeopardise competitiveness, particularly in the European market.

“IPM ESSEN makes it clear that the sector is ready to take responsibility and to shape the future actively and sustainably. Let us get started together – over the next four days and beyond.”