The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) members consist of thousands of growers of flowers and ornamental plants around the world who are together united by one essential goal – promoting the place of plants in people’s lives.
AIPH is responsible for approving the world’s most exceptional horticultural expos creating long lasting green legacies in cities across the globe.
AIPH Blooming Economies & Cities to Inspire The World 2.0. Up-to-date statistics from recent Expos hosted in Asia and Europe.
Learn moreAIPH hosts several conferences, webinars and events such as the International Grower of the Year award throughout the year. Read about these along with the latest news about the association’s activities.
The AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards celebrate the best of the best in ornamental horticulture
Learn moreAIPH’s key aim is to stimulate demand for ornamental trees, plants and flowers worldwide. We are committed to supporting growers in achieving this by protecting and promoting the interests of the industry.
The AIPH’s Global Industry Intelligence Centre (GIIC) is an international hub for industry information and knowledge exchange.
The report contains insights on production and consumption of the floriculture industry in Thailand, imports and exports, and business opportunities
DownloadAIPH Green City activities promote the essential role of plants in creating vibrant urban areas in which people and businesses can thrive.
Last week, the city of Ghent in Belgium hosted the 77th AIPH Annual Congress, bringing together horticulture professionals from around the globe for a week of inspiration, learning, and networking, underlining AIPH’s role as the world’s champion for the power of plants.
Organised with the support of Host Partner AVBS, AIPH’s Member in Belgium, the Congress spotlighted sustainability and technological innovation in ornamental horticulture. “This Congress is where the world of horticulture comes together to share knowledge, set future priorities, and celebrate our achievements,” said AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio during the welcome dinner. “In times of rapid change, collaboration through AIPH is more vital than ever.”
During the AIPH International Horticultural Expo Conference, delegates heard how upcoming AIPH-approved Expos are not only progressing in their planning but also shaping long-term legacies of sustainability, education, and innovation. International Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama, Japan (GREENxEXPO 2027) has finalised its Sustainability Strategy and the first official participants have been confirmed.
In Thailand, Expo 2029 Korat continues long-term planning and development under the theme ‘Nature and Greenery: Envisioning the Green Future’, while the Udon Thani International Horticultural Exhibition 2026 has revealed its official mascots following a design competition.
Delegates of the 77th AIPH Annual Congress following the Expo Conference
Nearby in the Republic of Korea, the 2028 Ulsan International Garden Expo is undergoing site improvements and will integrate gardens with UNESCO World Heritage sites, transforming an industrial city into a global garden city. Meanwhile, the Taean International Horticultural-Healing Expo 2026 will be a healing-focused horticultural exhibition, highlighting wellness, therapeutic gardens, and Nature-based Solutions.
Finally, organisers of Expo İzmir 2027 in Türkiye updated delegates on its progress. Under the theme ‘One Health,’ the Expo will showcase sustainable urban and ecological solutions.
A highlight of the Expo Conference was the approval of two new Expos: Expo 2031 Minnesota, USA, and Expo 2029 Garden Baghdad, Iraq.
AIPH Members granted provisional approval for the first A1 International Horticultural Expo in the USA, which will be located near the Mississippi River. Expo 2031 Minnesota will reflect the full diversity of the United States by incorporating all USDA agricultural zones, ensuring that the country’s wide-ranging climates and crops are represented. While horticulture remains central, the Expo will connect plants to broader themes of agriculture, food production and supply, energy, water treatment, health and wellbeing, and future technology.
Additionally, Members also approved an International Green Expo to be held in Baghdad, Iraq. Expo 2029 Garden will be the first of its kind held in Iraq and will showcase horticultural innovation in arid climates while honouring the country’s agricultural heritage. The Expo will transform a 375-hectare site along the Tigris River into a global platform for horticulture, culture, and innovation. The masterplan includes cultural gardens, business centres, national pavilions, and renewable energy projects.
These landmark approvals demonstrate how AIPH continues to expand opportunities to showcase horticultural excellence and to harness plants as drivers of prosperity, cultural exchange, and resilience.
In the first half of the AIPH International Horticultural Industry Conference, speakers from around the globe examined how ornamental horticulture can secure a sustainable future.
Opening the Conference, Juan Carlos Isaza, Senior Technical Expert at GLOBALG.A.P., commented: “Sustainability has shifted from a USP to a licence to operate — and now it moves beyond that, to securing our future. We have made remarkable achievements as a sector, but the responsibility is to push the boundaries further.”
Growing Media Panel: Tim Briercliffe, Cecilia Luetgebrune, Jennifer Pheasey, and Julia Ostrowski
Industry experts offered both ‘zoomed out’ and ‘zoomed in’ views of the topic. Keynote Speaker Daan de Vries, an Independent Sustainability Consultant, examined the issue on a planetary scale, highlighting the contribution horticulture makes to global change. On a more focused scale, Union Fleurs Secretary General Sylvie Mamias commented on the need to embed sustainability in business strategies while Frank van der Heide of Tuinbranche Nederland highlighted the growing demand from consumers for sustainable products.
The ‘Great Growing Media Debate’ panel revealed diverging national approaches to peat and its alternatives. With viewpoints from Belgium, Germany, and the UK, the panel explored the differing needs of producers in each country and in the wider context of Europe.
Meanwhile, the ‘Industry Action’ panel explored what the industry is already doing to improve sustainable practices and what the next steps need to be. Augusto Solano, President of Asocolflores, underlined the social dimension of sustainability: “Our responsibility goes beyond the farm gate. It is about people – about peace in the home, about health, about the wellbeing of the communities where we work.”
These conversations reflected a unifying message: sustainability in horticulture is not an option, but a shared responsibility – we must push the sector to embed sustainability not just in production but in the wellbeing of people, communities, and cities worldwide. The need for sharing data and examples of pro-active industry initiatives were shared.
The second half of the Industry Conference focused on technological innovations in ornamental horticulture, including the use of AI. Keynote Speaker Ingrid Creten of KBC’s Surf Studio showcased the many applications of AI, from Meta Ray-Ban glasses to generative video. She urged growers to experiment with the tools available to find what worked to give them a competitive advantage.
Dr Johan Van Huylenbroeck, Scientific Director of ILVO, gave a real-life example of how AI can be used to improve horticultural production. Using drones to scan a nursery’s products allows AI to analyse each plant and identify any unhealthy samples before the signs become visible to human eyes.
Moving away from AI, TTA-ISO Business Development Manager Joep Hendricks showcased technological innovations supplied by the company. Robotics are being utilised to enable growers to process millions of cuttings while improving quality. He commented: “Hands still touch every flower we buy – but automation is transforming propagation and planting. This isn’t about replacing people; it’s about consistency, quality, and unlocking the data that AI needs to make us more efficient.”
The clear message: innovation is not just about gadgets – it’s about ensuring horticulture is future-proof, productive, and competitive in a fast-changing world.
Delegates exploring a Belgian Nursery.
Following two days of Conferences, delegates were taken on tours of local nurseries to see first-hand how Belgian growers are implementing sustainable practices and utilising technology in their production.
Located in the heart of Belgium’s production zone, Viaverda leads applied research in ornamentals. Over their two sites, they investigate different techniques for improving the sustainability of horticultural production, including smart irrigation, hydroponic cultivation, greenhouse climate control, and more. This research is then shared with growers to bolster the sustainability of the entire industry. Examples of these techniques in action were demonstrated by the other nurseries on the tour.
At Leybaert, every drop of water is reused. The nursery boasts a reservoir that can contain up to 14 million litres of water. During the rainy months, this basin collects water that can be used during the dry season. Whatever water is not absorbed by the plants is treated with UV disinfection to be used again.
Romberama utilises sustainable substrate techniques to grow amaryllis. They use perlite as an alternative due to its natural advantages in water retention, aeration, and drainage. Owner Raf Rombouts informed delegates that the substrate in their greenhouse was 35 years old due to its effectiveness.
Innovation is at the base of everything Plant Select does. One example of their out-of-the-box thinking is the use of spiders as a form of bio-control. These tiny arachnids consume bacteria and other pests, reducing the need for harmful pesticides. FloraCulture International recently interviewed Plant Select’s Managing Director, Luka Snels. Read the interview.
Similarly, carnation grower Anjers de Nijs uses insects to keep their plants healthy. Mites are spread through the crops to feed on harmful insects. For other diseases or pests, the mites do not consume oil, and fungi-based products are used.
Houseplant producer Dirk Mermans combines sustainability with technology through the use of smart screens to save energy. These screens allow the producer to determine the level of sunlight that passes through to the greenhouse while helping to control the heat by managing infrared radiation. By utilising two layers, the screens also allow for varying levels of light at different points in the greenhouse to accommodate different plants’ needs.
Offering a sales perspective, Fleur’s ‘Cash&Carry’ model demonstrated how technology can be used to benefit consumers. Their electronic shopping carts allow buyers to explore the store’s collection with greater ease and find the exact products they’re looking for. Behind the scenes, Fleur is transitioning its machinery from combustion equipment to electric alternatives to improve their sustainability impact.
Save the date: the AIPH Meeting 2026 will take place from 8th-12th March 2026 in the beautiful city of Sydney, Australia. The event is organised with the support of AIPH’s member in Australia: Greenlife Industry Australia.
AIPH thanks: Congress Partner AVBS; Headline Sponsor Biblo; Industry Conference Headline Sponsors GLOBALG.A.P. and TTA-ISO; Expo Conference Gold Sponsors WeLodge and Living Hospitality; Industry Conference Silver Sponsor HORTICERT; Expo Conference Dinner Sponsor Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau; Professional Tours Lunch Sponsors Viaverda and VLAM; Industry Conference Partners CIOPORA and Dutch Greenhouse Delta; and Media Partners FloraCulture International, FloralDaily, Guíaverde, and Thursd.
