What had already been emerging long before the fair was confirmed in an impressive way from May 10 to 12, 2017: Hortiflorexpo IPM Shanghai was able to register not only increases in the number of exhibitors and the area but also a considerable plus with regard to the visitors. In total, 31,264 trade visitors (in 2015: 19,820) came into the Shanghai New International Expo Center – a rise by 57 percent.
The Chinese horticultural market is booming. The home gardening trend has arrived in the middle class.
“Just like our exhibitors and visitors, we are enthusiastic about this year’s event. The figures speak for themselves. The standard of living of the Chinese population has altered enormously. More money is being spent on flowers and plants. The green sector in general and Hortiflorexpo IPM as its most important horticultural fair in China in particular are profiting from this,” was the assessment made by Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen.
“The cooperation between the China Flower Association, Shanghai Intex Exhibition Co. Ltd., China Great Wall International Exhibition Co. Ltd. and Messe Essen is bearing fruit. Two fair brands have grown together here and are now reaping successes together,” the CEO of Messe Essen continued.
Altered Consumption Behaviour Strengthens Green Sector
The subject of home gardening is becoming ever more significant in China. Particularly the middle class is showing a great willingness to consume in this field. For the horticultural sector, that means launching new products on to the market and investing in corresponding technology. Therefore, Hortiflorexpo IPM is all the more important as a platform on which supply and demand come together in an exactly matching form. The supporting programme took up topical subjects: In addition to a guided horticultural tour on the day before the fair, specialist seminars gave insights into innovative technologies, modern greenhouses and new plantbreeds. In live shows, a top-class German florist demonstrated floral design on the highest level.
German exhibitors presented themselves on a joint booth promoted by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Here, a total of 13 firms showed quality products “Made in Germany”. Other official national participations introduced themselves from the following nations: Colombia, Ecuador, France, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Taiwan and Thailand.
Exhibitors praise quality and professionalism of the event
On an area of over 37,000 square metres (in 2015: 26,000), 795 exhibitors (in 2015: 621) from 30 countries (in 2015: 27) showed their products and services in the Plants, Technology, Floristry and Garden Features areas. These also included David Perez, General Manager, Prime Flowers, Colombia: “We have been an exhibitor at Hortiflorexpo IPM Shanghai for the first time. The fair was excellently organized and able to demonstrate a very high quality. We can meet our customers here. Because our roses are very popular in China. In general, our expectations relating to the participation in the fair were exceeded. We will certainly be involved in the next editions once again.”
Steven Anderson, CEO of Mayer GmbH & Co. KG, Germany, also showed that he was very satisfied: “For us, the fair was a complete success! We have been allowed to hold a lot of interesting discussions and have learned to improve our understanding of the needs of the Chinese market in this way. The established, new contacts will help our firm to continue to participate in the growth of this exciting market. Today, we are already looking forward to next year’s fair in Peking.”
According to the regular cycle, Hortiflorexpo IPM will take place in Peking in 2018, in the China New International Exhibition Centre from May 10 to 12.
