HortiFlora Expo also serves as a strategic showcase for sustainable agriculture, innovation and export competitiveness. (Image credit: HortiFlora)

The HortiFlora Expo 2026 is poised to reinforce its status as one of Africa’s most influential international trade exhibitions for the horticulture and floriculture sectors.

Organised by HPP Exhibitions in collaboration with the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers Exporters Association (EHPEA), the event will once again be hosted in Addis Ababa, bringing together growers, exporters, buyers, suppliers and agribusiness leaders from around the world.

Building on the momentum of previous editions, HortiFlora Expo 2026 is expected to welcome a strong international presence, with exhibitors and visitors travelling from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and across Africa. The exhibition provides a vital business platform for showcasing cut flowers, planting materials, fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, agricultural inputs, logistics solutions and agri-technologies, reflecting Ethiopia’s rapidly expanding role in global horticultural value chains.

Taking place at the Millennium Hall, the 2026 edition will continue to prioritise business-to-business engagement, offering structured buyer–seller meetings, networking sessions and opportunities to explore new export markets. The event plays a crucial role in strengthening trade relationships between Ethiopian producers and international buyers seeking consistent quality, traceability and reliable supply.

HortiFlora Expo also serves as a strategic showcase for sustainable agriculture, innovation and export competitiveness. As Ethiopia remains one of Africa’s fastest-growing floriculture exporters, the event will highlight advancements in production efficiency, sustainability standards, cold chain infrastructure and market access solutions.

With the exhibition now firmly established as an annual event, HortiFlora 2026 is expected to further elevate its global profile and support Ethiopia’s ambition to become a leading international horticulture hub. For both exhibitors and visitors, the expo offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, identify emerging trends and build long-term partnerships across the horticulture and floriculture industries.

With the support of the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers Exporters Association (EHPEA), the exhibition has experienced impressive growth over the past two decades. Van Raamsdonk expressed satisfaction with the latest edition, stating, “It was a highly successful event, featuring a record-breaking 140 exhibitors, stunning stands, and a consistent flow of visitors, including a strong international presence, particularly from the Middle East.”

This year, the exhibition expanded its scope beyond flowers to include fruits and vegetables. “The inclusion of fruit and vegetable growers alongside the traditional floral exhibitors significantly expanded the event’s scope.”

Explaining the shift to an annual format, he added, “With Ethiopia’s rising production of fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables, an annual event will further strengthen the country’s export potential, stimulate its economy, and foster continued growth in the horticultural sector’s employment.

EIMA International promotes knowledge sharing and networking.(Image credit: eima.it)

EIMA International stands as the world’s premier International Exhibition of Agricultural and Gardening Machinery, a landmark biennial trade fair in Bologna, Italy, celebrated globally as the innovation factory for the agri-mechanical sector.

The 2026 edition is scheduled from 10–14 November and will take place across the sprawling Bologna Fairgrounds, covering a total area of 375,000 m, including 122,000 m of net exhibition space. Each edition draws approximately 1,750 exhibitors from over 50 countries, showcasing more than 60,000 models of agricultural, horticultural, and gardening machinery, creating an unparalleled global platform for business and innovation.

The exhibition is meticulously organised into fourteen merchandise sectors, encompassing everything from tractors, engines, and irrigation systems to harvesters, livestock equipment, soil preparation tools, and specialized machinery. This structure allows visitors from professional buyers to farm managers to efficiently navigate and explore the most relevant agri-tech innovations.

Adding depth to the main sectors, specialised thematic showcases highlight emerging trends and niche technologies: EIMA Components (parts and accessories), EIMA Green (garden machinery), EIMA Energy (renewable energy in agriculture), EIMA Idrotech (water management solutions), and EIMA Digital (precision agriculture and electronic systems). These zones provide a hub for collaboration, cross-sector insights, and technological discovery.

Beyond machinery displays, EIMA International promotes knowledge sharing and networking, attracting professionals during the first two days before opening to gardening enthusiasts and the public. Attendees enjoy press events, virtual tours, multimedia coverage, and the EIMA app for planning visits, accessing exhibitor data, and engaging with interactive content.

With its scale, innovation focus, and historical significance, EIMA International remains a must-attend global event, driving market trends, fostering industry connections, and showcasing sustainable solutions that shape the future of agriculture and gardening worldwide.

The fifth edition of the exhibition delivered strong participation, high-level networking and tangible outcomes for food security and agribusiness innovation across the MENA region.(Image Credit: VIV MEA)

VIV MEA 2025 has concluded on a high note, reinforcing its status as the leading feed-to-food B2B trade platform for the Middle East and Africa.

The fifth edition of the exhibition delivered strong participation, high-level networking and tangible outcomes for food security and agribusiness innovation across the MENA region.

Held from November 25–27, 2025 at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, the event welcomed 10,830 professional visitors and 144 industry leaders from more than 110 countries. A total of 505 exhibitors from 49 countries showcased cutting-edge technologies and solutions spanning animal protein production, animal health, breeding and hatching, croptech, feedtech, food engineering, feed ingredients and additives, aquaculture and allied sectors.

Over three intensive days, VIV MEA 2025 served as a dynamic marketplace for knowledge exchange, business development and strategic partnerships. Industry stakeholders explored emerging trends shaping the future of livestock, poultry, dairy and aquaculture, while decision-makers connected with innovators driving efficiency, sustainability and resilience across the feed-to-food value chain.

A key strength of the event was its strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), underscoring a shared commitment to food safety, sustainable agriculture and regional food security. Majed Musabah Almemari, Hay Supply and Storage Section Head at ADAFSA, said, “Supporting VIV MEA 2025 gave ADAFSA valuable opportunities to strengthen its role across the feed-to-food value chain. The event enabled our teams to engage directly with international experts, learn about the latest technologies, and exchange knowledge on food safety, animal health, and sustainable farming.”

He added, “It also enhanced collaboration with global and regional industry partners, opening doors for joint initiatives and innovation projects. Overall, participating in VIV MEA helped us benchmark our practices, adopt new ideas, and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s leadership in applying advanced and sustainable agricultural solutions.”

VIV MEA 2025 also stood out as a world-class hub for regional food security, covering the full spectrum of animal husbandry, including poultry, dairy, fish, shrimp, eggs, cattle, goats and camels. International participation increased significantly, with major pavilions from the United States, Korea and France, which hosted the largest national pavilion. The exhibition floor was fully sold out, highlighting the event’s growing relevance.

 Anne-Marie Brault, Business France - French pavilion for agriculture said,“The French Pavilion at VIV MEA 2025 embodies France’s strategic ambition to strengthen economic ties and foster trade partnerships across the MENA region. By showcasing the excellence of French agrifood companies, we aim to create synergies that accelerate growth, open new markets, and deliver sustainable solutions for global food security. This event is a cornerstone for building long-term collaborations that reinforce France’s leadership in animal production and innovation worldwide.” 

Trade visitors can expect a rich mix of research insights.(Image credit: IPM ESSEN)

From 27 to 30 January, IPM ESSEN 2026 will once again position itself as the world’s leading horticulture trade fair, delivering an inspiring, future-focused programme across three specialist stages at Messe Essen.

Trade visitors can expect a rich mix of research insights, hands-on expertise and cutting-edge innovation at the Gardeners Forum (Hall 2), the Innovation Center Horticultural Technology (Hall 4) and the brand-new Woodland Arena (Hall 7).

Knowledge and market trends at the Gardeners Forum

The Gardeners Forum remains a key knowledge hub, tackling the most pressing issues shaping modern horticulture. Topics such as energy efficiency, CO₂ reduction, sustainable propagation systems, Gen Z consumer trends and artificial intelligence in global supply chains will take centre stage. Highlights include Fred Kruisselbrink’s sessions on energy efficiency strategies, Floris Tas’ presentation on the substrate-free rooting system ‘RCS 2.0’, and Leon Hünting’s talk, ‘Customers of the future: How we as breeders prepare our partners for Gen Z’.

A panel discussion will explore how Fairtrade is empowering women in global cut flower supply chains, while Oboya CEO Robert Wu will share insights into AI-driven supply chain optimisation. Additional contributions come from leading names such as Bailey Nurseries, Florensis, Landgard and Ulmer Verlag.

Digitalisation and technology in Hall 4

In the Innovation Center Horticultural Technology, the spotlight is firmly on digitalisation, automation and climate-smart solutions. Visitors can discover digital pest detection from PurPest, peat substitute strategies from Gramoflor, and bio-based polymers presented by NTIC Europe. One standout session promises new approaches to urban greening through biochar substrates and satellite-based monitoring, highlighting measurable climate impact. Universities, research institutes and tech pioneers round out a highly practical, innovation-driven agenda.

Trees, cities and climate resilience in the Woodland Arena

New for 2026, the Woodland Arena addresses urban greenery, sustainable trees and climate adaptation. Expert talks cover biodiversity, flood-resilient plants, future urban trees and climate-resilient city planning. Sessions such as ‘Urban trees under stress – water availability, tree health and tree growth in urban environments’ underline the urgency of nature-based solutions for greener cities.

With its continuously updated programme, IPM ESSEN 2026 promises four days of inspiration, networking and forward-thinking ideas shaping the future of global horticulture.