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IPM ESSEN 2026 Highlighted Innovation in Horticulture. (Image credit: IPM ESSEN)

Event News

IPM ESSEN 2026 delivered a clear message of confidence and momentum for the global horticultural industry, bringing together innovation, business and international exchange at a time of continued economic pressure.

Held from 27 to 30 January, the 42nd edition of the world leading horticulture trade fair attracted almost 40,000 trade visitors and reinforced its role as a central meeting point for the sector.

“IPM ESSEN is the central international platform for orientation, exchange and future solutions,” summarised Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen. “Networking within the horticultural industry is essential today – the key to identifying trends early, finding answers together to structural challenges and consistently seizing new opportunities.” Discussions throughout the event reflected uncertain markets, rising production requirements and cost pressures. At the same time, there was a strong sense of determination to shape the future, which drove exceptional interest in new technologies, innovative products and modern sales concepts.

With 1,476 exhibiting companies, IPM ESSEN 2026 recorded a three per cent increase in exhibitors compared to the previous year. This growth was widely viewed as a positive signal in challenging times and a clear indication of industry confidence. The return of several exhibitors further strengthened the fair’s reputation as an international business platform, with more than 85 per cent of exhibitors stating their intention to participate again.

International participation remained high, as 41 per cent of visitors travelled from abroad. The Netherlands formed the largest visitor group, followed by Italy and other European markets, while Great Britain Northern Ireland, Spain and the USA were also strongly represented. The fair continued to serve as a hub for decision making, with 68 per cent of visitors identifying as decision makers and many initiating purchases during the event or planning orders based on contacts made.

The supporting programme was broader than ever, addressing topics such as sustainability, climate resilient plants, peat reduction, urban greening and digital marketing. New formats, including the Woodland Arena, highlighted the growing societal relevance of horticulture. IPM ESSEN 2026 ultimately showcased the industry’s innovative strength and adaptability, setting a confident tone ahead of the next edition scheduled for January 2027.

Kobus Wiese, owner of Wiesenhof en Dr Theo de Jager, board chairman of Saai.(Image credit: Saai)

Livestock

As foot and mouth disease continues to spread across South Africa, many livestock farmers are facing severe financial strain and uncertainty. 

With frustration mounting over delays and administrative setbacks, the private sector has begun stepping forward to offer practical support.

Wiesenhof Coffee Roastery has partnered with the Southern African Agri Initiative to strengthen Saai’s disaster relief fund. The fund is aimed at assisting family farmers who have been heavily affected by the outbreak and the challenges surrounding its management.

While official processes remain slow and markets unsettled, businesses are choosing to act. Four years ago, Wiesenhof pledged a portion of its profits from every cup of coffee sold, along with selected items from Wiesenhof and Dulce restaurants, to promote farm safety and modern agricultural technology. That commitment has now been expanded to address the urgent needs created by the current crisis. The focus includes improving biosecurity measures, supporting vaccine logistics and providing emergency financial relief to struggling producers.

“When you enjoy a cup of coffee with us, you stand with our farmers. Together we are building a stronger agricultural sector and protecting food security for the future,” says Kobus Wiese, owner of Wiesenhof.

Dr Theo de Jager, Chairman of Saai, highlighted the importance of family farms within the broader food system. “Family farms are the backbone of food security. When they fall, communities fall with them,” he says. “This partnership proves that the private sector is willing to take responsibility when systems fail.”

The fund is designed to offer real assistance to farmers battling to safeguard their herds, secure movement permits, retain access to markets and manage mounting cash flow pressures.

Kobus adds, “Agriculture is the heart of our country. With every cup of coffee, we choose to make that heart beat stronger.”

On Friday, Wiesenhof formally handed over a cheque to Saai at its coffee shop in Franschhoek. The gesture symbolised a shared commitment to supporting South Africa’s family farms during one of their most challenging periods.

Abla Dzifa Gomashie promotes Ghanaian Chocolate. (Image credit: Ghanaian Times)

Agriculture

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, on February 14 drew attention to the economic and cultural importance of Made in Ghana chocolate as the country marked Ghana Chocolate Day.

Addressing questions on her sector on the floor of Parliament of Ghana in Accra, the Minister used the moment to celebrate Ghana’s thriving cocoa and chocolate industry. She shared locally produced chocolate with Members of Parliament, the Speaker and parliamentary clerks, turning the session into a reminder of the value of supporting home grown products.

In an interview on the sidelines of the event, she encouraged Ghanaians to make a deliberate choice to consume chocolate produced within the country. She described Ghanaian chocolate as more than a sweet treat, calling it “a brand, an identity, and an expression of love for our own products.”

The Minister explained that the local chocolate industry continues to create employment opportunities, particularly for young entrepreneurs and women working across production, packaging and distribution. From cocoa farmers to small scale processors and retailers, many families depend on the sector for their income.

According to her, the steady growth of the chocolate industry has helped households earn stable incomes, pay school fees and take an active role in national development. She stressed that supporting local businesses strengthens communities and builds economic resilience.

She further urged citizens to prioritise goods made in Ghana, noting that spending on imported products drains resources from the local economy. “Anytime you buy something produced outside Ghana, you are sending the money out of Ghana,” she stated, adding that she remains committed to strongly promoting Ghanaian products at every opportunity.

Ghana Chocolate Day is observed each year to encourage the consumption of locally manufactured chocolate, add value to the country’s cocoa and deepen national pride in one of Ghana’s most treasured natural resources.

Understanding the shifting landscape of global agriculture.

Technology

Global agriculture continues to expand, yet the agricultural machinery market is navigating a period of turbulence.

Economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies are reshaping where and how farm equipment is bought and sold. This evolving landscape was outlined during the press conference launching the 47th edition of EIMA International, the world’s leading exhibition for agricultural technologies, set to take place in Bologna from 10 to 14 November.

Mariateresa Maschio, FederUnacoma President, said, “Protectionist policies in some countries, economic sanctions, interference with trade routes, and tariff wars have led to market fragmentation and a sharp slowdown in trade which is weighing on the performance of the agromechanical sector.”

Traditional markets are feeling the strain. The United States recorded a 10 percent fall in tractor sales in 2025, while Germany, France and the United Kingdom also posted double digit declines. In contrast, southern Europe is showing renewed momentum. Italy and Spain both closed the year with strong growth, signalling cautious optimism within the European agricultural machinery industry.

India remains the standout performer. With tractor sales exceeding 1.1 million units, the country continues to dominate the global market. According to Maschio, this growth reflects deeper structural demand rather than a short term spike. “Over the past fifteen years, output in the primary sector has grown significantly,” said Mariateresa Maschio, “but to meet the needs of the world’s population it will have to grow by a further 14% by 2034, especially in India and in those countries of North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East that are experiencing the highest demographic growth.”

A new geography of agricultural production is emerging, driven by mechanisation, digital farming solutions and expanding demand in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Chinese manufacturers are rapidly increasing their presence across these regions and even gaining ground in Europe.

“In the coming years we will have a highly segmented agromechanical sector, with low-cost basic technologies alongside highly advanced technologies for complex operations,” added Mariateresa Maschio, underlining the importance of innovation, policy support and international cooperation as the sector looks ahead.