In an age where communication is increasingly digital, FlowerTrials underlined the continued importance of bringing people together to form lasting and meaningful business relationships.

Despite geopolitical challenges that prevented some international regulars from attending, the 2026 edition recorded more than 77.500 company visits, the highest amount since the covid pandemic in 2019. In total, 4.909 visitors from 89 countries attended FlowerTrials® (-0.8% vs 2025) and visited 16 companies each on average.

"We’re more than 25% up on last year in visitors – so, the numbers have been good, but the response and interest from the visitors even better. We’re nurturing existing relationships while building many new ones this year. You really get to see what the future might hold!" – Stephen Page, Exhibitor with Walter Blom Plants.

Tested for resilience: Novelties stand firm in challenging weather conditions

From 9 to 12 June, 58 breeders presented an impressive range of novelties: New genetics, breeding breakthroughs and countless colourful blooming displays. As severe hailstorms hit the South region on Tuesday, visitors witnessed an unexpected demonstration of plant performance on the outdoor locations.

"We look back at highly successful FlowerTrials! The weather presented its fair share of challenges with strong rain and hail but to our delight, everything still looked excellent the next day. The perfect example of plants that have been tested under challenging real-life conditions." – Annieck Nota-Ruijgrok, FlowerTrials Comité & Exhibitor with Beekenkamp Plants.

From bench to retail: Inspiring display concepts shape future consumer trends

FlowerTrials 2026 provided abundant inspiration, as exhibitors pushed the boundaries of market-driven and social-media ready concepts, translating consumer trends into compelling retail opportunities. As Michael Perry (Mr. Plant Geek) pointed out: "This year, there were some incredibly imaginative displays. It offers retailers fresh ideas for bringing breeders' innovations to life in-store. Very inspiring!"

Visitor voices from around the world

• “There are so many different companies on show here, I am trying to visit as many as I can!” – Visitor from South Korea
• “I come every year on behalf of my North American clients to see what’s new in the world of plants, you can’t miss this!” – Visitor from the U.S.A.
• “At FlowerTrials I can study the most new varieties and explore how to market them in China.” – Visitor from China