Exhibition for Crop Protection and Horticulture, IPM ESSEN, commenced in 2025.
The 41st International Plant Fair (IPM), a renowned event in the horticultural industry, commenced its five-day run today at the Essen Fairgrounds. Over 1,400 exhibitors from around 50 nations are showcasing their offerings in plant cultivation, technology, floristry, and equipment till Friday. The opening ceremony was graced by numerous dignitaries, including representatives from business, associations, and politics. Hendrik Wüst, the Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia, sent a video message, while Eva Kahler-Theuerkauf, President of the Central Association of Gardeners e.V. (ZVG), and Silke Gorißen, NRW's Minister of Agriculture, gave speeches.
Eva Kahler-Theuerkauf emphasized the significance of IPM as the leading trade fair for the horticultural industry. She highlighted the sector's contributions and urged politics to establish favorable conditions for its growth, particularly in dealing with climate change. Minister Gorißen added that North Rhine-Westphalia led Germany in horticulture, both in terms of production and quality services. The industry in NRW leverages the platform to present innovations and network, she noted, expressing pride in its vibrancy and innovation.
Gorißen also called for supportive framework conditions and planned security for the horticultural industry. She pledged to continue minimizing bureaucracy and creating practical, implementable solutions for the sector, urging engagement from the new federal government.
The "IPM Innovation Showcase" competition also marked the event, with eight awards presented to winning plants. The Flamenco Mix F1 by Belgian company Rudy Raes Bloemzaden n.v won in the "Spring Flowers" category, while Suntory Flowers Europe's Sundaville® Blue took the prize in the "Beet and Balcony Plant" category. Other winners included Cyclamen persicum ‚Illusia' by Schoneveld breeding in the "Flowering Indoor Plants" category and Musa sikkimensis Ever Red by Hoogeveen Plants BV in the "Potted Plants" category. A special prize was awarded to Hibiscus syriacus Flower Tower Ruby for its narrow columnar form, making it suitable for small gardens, balconies, or terraces.
All 55 participating plants are on display in Hall 4 at the ZVG's Garden Construction Information Center. Visitors can learn about the latest innovations and trends in the plant market throughout the event and participate in a visitor survey. The presentation of the audience award will take place on January 30.
For more details about the IPM Innovation Showcase competition or the event in general, interested individuals can visit the official IPM Essen website or contact the organizers directly.
Eva Kahler-Theuerkauf, the President of the Central Association of Gardeners e.V. (ZVG), emphasized the importance of leading a lifestyle that includes home-and-garden activities such as gardening, urging politics to create favorable conditions for this sector's growth, especially considering the challenges posed by climate change. Minister Gorißen added that North Rhine-Westphalia leads Germany in horticulture, including home gardening, and that the industry showcases its innovations and networks at events like the IPM, underscoring its vibrancy and innovation in home-and-garden lifestyles.
