Vijfhuizen, the Netherlands. Organiser Dick van Raamsdonk is looking forward to it. "There will be entrepreneurs present from every flower-breeding country and that makes it interesting for traders. The increased presence of international breeder has also led to a growth in the number of technical suppliers."The finishing touches are currently being put to the stands at IFTF, at Expo Haarlemmermeer in Vijfhuizen. The fifth exhibition of the horticultural fair will feature 215 exhibitors. Country pavilions include, amongst others, those for Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya and Ethiopia. Additionally, there will be growers from over 60 countries, "from Thailand to South Africa; any country that grows flowers is here," says exhibition organiser Dick van Raamsdonk. "It is a truly international breeders fair."
The visitors also come from a wide variety of countries. The number of pre-bookings has been slightly higher than last year. "But that doesn’t mean much yet," says van Raamsdonk. "We expect a growth of about 10%. Ultimately, the visitors are the fair’s fuel."
Suppliers
The target for the IFTF includes both the cut flower trade and cut flower growers. As a result of the latter group’s presence, an increasing number of suppliers come to Vijfhuizen, taking into account breeders and the bulb industry, as well as engineering companies. This increase became especially clear after the disappearance of the Horti Fair. "There is no other exhibition where suppliers can come in touch with the international ornamental sector; that's why they come to us "and that is positive, even if it also leads to problems such as lack of space. “Due to the increase in demand for larger stands and booths, next year we will be expanding the exhibition space,” promises Van Raamsdonk.The rose sector
In recent weeks, the Dutch rose cultivation sector has taken some heavy blows. Zuurbier & Co had to suspend operations; Steejo was declared bankrupt. Will this negatively affect the fair in some way? Van Raamsdonk believes it will not. “Dutch growers are at the auction, not with us.” He is referring to the FHTF, which is held concurrently with the IHTF, with shuttle buses connecting the two. “This distinction is made increasingly clear: the auction is for the Dutch breeder, and we are here for the international grower. Together, that results in the world’s largest horticultural event.”Check the exhibitor list here