Last Friday the Expo Haarlemmermeer closed its doors in Vijfhuizen for the tenth edition of the international floriculture trade exhibition (IFTF). The trade fair had an excellent start on Wednesday and was again characterized by its very international character. There was an optimistic atmosphere and the organization is also satisfied. In terms of visitor numbers, no figures have been published yet, but given the completely full parking area during the first 2 days - which is also a record - higher visitor numbers are also expected.
The team of FloralDaily was also present to make a photo report of the show.
Click here for the photo report.
Clockwise: the team of NIRP international, the Denkers team, the United Selections team and the Chrysal team.
NB Click here for an after-movie the organistion HPP made.
Optimism
During the three days of the fair there was an optimistic atmosphere, which is not entirely self-evident when looking at the current situation in the market, which is under pressure in many areas. Rose growers, in particular, have had a challenging year with an abundance of roses on the market and in some countries even political unrest that has made exports more difficult.
Click here for the photo report.
Trends
In total, almost 300 companies showed their products and services. What were the trends this year? The difficult period that rose growers are going through can be seen on the exhibition floor, but in a positive sense. They don't leave their heads hanging and try to think in an innovative and solution-oriented way. "There is an abundance of roses on the market and the cost of making bouquets in Europe and the UK is rising. So what can we do? Test and grow more crops and then pack them on the farms." In Kenya and Ethiopia, for example, the prices for making bouquets are much lower and therefore the demand for this option is high. And this trend can be clearly seen at the fair. Many Kenyan growers now also offer bouquets and are also testing the cultivation of different crops.
In addition, more and more growers are producing the 'garden rose' type of roses. The demand for this type of rose in Europe has increased enormously in recent years, and many are trying to grab a helping hand.
And don't forget, of course, the tinted flowers. For a number of years, we have been seeing this trend develop. Many growers now have a method of tinting their flowers, by spraying, dipping or absorbing they give their flowers different colours. In fact, tinting has become such a trend that it has become an additional focus of attention in breeding: How is the absorption of colour?
We also see more and more preserved flowers. This trend also started a few years ago and is now being picked up by more and more growers. Just like the tinting of flowers, the grower can enrich their assortment, and with this technique one can even appeal to another segment. Another advantage of preserved roses is that the grower does not have to deal with a perishable product - they can therefore keep a stock.
In the field of packaging, too, the issue of sustainability has been highlighted from all angles. Every effort is made to make the products as environmentally friendly as possible. Almost everything that is introduced is biodegradable, recycled or recyclable.
Click here for the photo report.
Future
All these developments make it difficult to predict how the sector will develop in the future, when looking at overall economic growth. However, looking at the sector as a whole and how everyone is able to adapt and innovate over the years, this gives good hope for the future.
"Global economic growth has slowed down since last year and this also has consequences for the flower sector. However, it is a normal phase in the upward and downward economic trend, which takes place every 7 to 9 years and is no different this time. It is difficult to predict how the economy will develop. In the past, however, the flower sector has proven time and again to be strong with enormous adaptability. It is therefore without doubt that this time again it will withstand any difficulty and continue to grow as always," said Dick van Raamsdonk, of HPP Exhibitions, the organisation of the IFTF in one of its latest press releases.