Some exhibitors might have been watching the clock—traditionally, the final day of IPM is not the busiest. Overall, however, the atmosphere at the German trade show was quite positive, although the profile of companies in Hall 3 has changed significantly. A decade ago, this hall was filled with greenhouse builders and LED suppliers, but that has clearly shifted. Given the high costs of exhibitions, combined with growers' willingness to travel further to see new technologies, more companies seem to be increasingly critical about where they choose to exhibit, a development that's noticeable at next week's Fruit Logistica as well.
© Arlette Sijmonsma | HortiDaily.com
Nevertheless, the European plant and flower market remains substantial. IPM continues to be the largest trade fair for this sector, and the local German market is still strong enough to attract horticultural suppliers—including many domestic greenhouse builders, film suppliers, and developers of robotics and automation. And of course, the substrate suppliers.
On Monday, we will present a full overview in our photo report.
