With nearly 1600 exhibitors and an area of 105,000 m2, the German horticulture fair is big as ever. The trade show was off to a great start yesterday, with crowded aisles in the morning and a small dip in the afternoon. Technology hall 3 has been popular among horticulture suppliers for years now. The atmosphere in the hall is remarkably positive. At last year's IPM, the signs were already there, and this year it's only being confirmed: the suppliers are doing great.
Top left: Wouter Steenks talks about his machines. Top right: Apollo with the debaler. Bottom left: PDI and Olsthoorn side by side, as usual. Bottom right: Leo Alleblas and Peter Breugem of Hogervorst Tabben
With a portfolio full of jobs, greenhouse builders everywhere share the same sentiment: they're not in need of new projects, and actually they'd prefer not to have anything new for a while, simply because their planning is full. Internationally, greenhouse construction is going full steam ahead. The Netherlands is also catching up with a lot of new projects. Screen installers, dealers, suppliers - they can already get their 2018 diaries, because this year is completely crammed.
The trade show will continue until Friday. On Monday, we'll publish a photo report of the IPM Essen.