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

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.

The three day programme begins on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

IFTEX 2026 marks the 13th edition of the International Flower Trade Exhibition and continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the most important business focused floriculture events in the world.

Set to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, the exhibition will be held from June 2 to June 4, 2026, at the Visa Oshwal Centre in Ring Road Parklands. Organised by HPP Worldwide, the event brings together the global flower trade under one roof and places East Africa firmly on the international floriculture map.

Designed exclusively for industry professionals, IFTEX 2026 is a trade only exhibition that welcomes growers, breeders, exporters, logistics providers and international buyers from across the globe. Entry is restricted to qualified visitors aged 18 years and above, ensuring a professional environment where meaningful business discussions and long term partnerships can flourish. The exhibition provides a focused platform for networking, sourcing new products and exploring opportunities within the fast growing global flower market.

The three day programme begins on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, with an official opening ceremony scheduled from 09:00 to 11:00 hrs, followed by exhibition hours running until 18:00 hrs. On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, the exhibition continues from 10:00 to 18:00 hrs and concludes with the official exhibition party from 18:30 to 23:00 hrs, offering a relaxed setting for industry networking. The final day, Thursday, June 4, 2026, runs from 10:00 to 16:00 hrs, allowing visitors to finalise meetings and business deals.

IFTEX has consistently positioned itself as a central global platform for the floriculture industry, attracting international participation and supporting large scale trade connections. While previous editions such as 2025 highlight the event’s growth, the confirmed dates and format underline the importance of IFTEX 2026 as a key calendar event.

For floriculture professionals seeking access to global markets, innovative flower varieties and valuable industry connections, IFTEX 2026 offers a unique opportunity to engage with the heart of the international flower trade.

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.