The Autumn Edition of PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt, held on 26 and 27 August, was characterised by active trading and a targeted international trade audience.
During the two fair days in Hazerswoude-Dorp/Boskoop, Th Netherlands, the current assortment of garden plants, new introductions, and meetings between growers and buyers took centre stage.
High-quality visitors and increasing trade
The number of visitors was comparable to the previous edition, with exhibitors noting that the decision-making authority of those present was high. Buyers from retail chains, purchasing organisations, exporters, wholesalers, and individual garden centres were well represented. Trading was excellent both at the stands, where the focus was on forward trading for the coming spring, and at the GROEN-Direkt sample fair.
GROEN-Direkt recorded an increase in both the average trolley price and the total number of trolleys sold compared to last year. After a period in which the sales market showed a slight contraction in many countries, this increase in turnover is a striking development. The sales results indicate a positive market sentiment and the expectation of higher autumn sales of garden plants in Europe.
Green Retail Awards
During the fair, the Green Retail Awards were presented for distinctive introductions and concepts within the sector. From the entries, the jury’s selected the following winners:
Best Novelty: Mahonia 'BBM9' (JUNGLEWHISPER) by Colorchoice Plants EU BV/Valkplant BV
The KVBC judging committee appreciated the combination of compact growth, red young shoots, and fragrant orange-yellow flowers, resulting in year-round ornamental value. With this, this Mahonia beat 44 other novelties; a respectable number of new plants presented at the fair.
Best Market Innovation: Urban Oase by Van Son & Koot
This new concept translates the 'urban jungle' trend to the outdoor space with a specific assortment of foliage plants for balconies, patios, and city gardens, perfectly matching current retail demand. This year, the international retail jury judged no fewer than twelve new brands and concepts. Blomsterlandet will include the winning concept in its stores.
Visitor’s Favourite: Clematis ’Zo25005’ (GLORIOUS® CLOUD) by J. van Zoest BV
This Clematis received the majority of the public votes and was immediately available for trade, allowing garden centres to add the product directly to their assortment. This makes PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt a special trade fair, where dozens of novelties are not only presented but are also immediately available for garden plant retail.
Knowledge and inspiration
The Plantarium Green Future Hub offered in-depth content with a roundtable hosted by trade journal De Boomkwekerij. During the roundtable, experts discussed the impact of factors such as climate and sustainability on our future product assortment.
Michael Perry highlighted one hundred products, ranging from traditional varieties to drought-resistant novelties. His selection emphasised trends like climate adaptation, biodiversity, and aesthetic added value. Unique in this regard were his presentations during the Botanical Banquet.
Looking ahead to 2027
The next Spring Edition of PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt is scheduled for 2 and 3 February 2027. The Autumn Edition will take place on 25 and 26 August 2027. Up-to-date information and registration options can be found at www.plantariumgroendirekt.nl.
