Vibrant Spring Edition of PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt

The second Spring Edition of PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt, held on the 4 and 5 February 2025, was a resounding success. The exhibition floor was bustling with activity, especially on the first day, when visitors eagerly entered the fairgrounds right after opening.

Attendees were treated to a vast selection of immediately available outdoor greenery and the impressive presentations of enthusiastic exhibitors showcasing their companies and product ranges. This success is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our community.

With the well-established setup combining the 175 exhibitors of PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt and the 5,000+ sample lots at GROEN-Direkt, the fair continues to prove its strength. While several trade fairs in the sector are experiencing a decline, this innovative formula is showing a clear upward trend. The event attracted a diverse international audience, including plant buyers, garden centre owners, traders, exporters, and industry professionals from all over Europe, fostering a sense of global community and connection.

Lively and inspiring atmosphere

Board member Hans Cok described the event as a successful and dynamic edition. “It was a vibrant and relaxed fair, with a strong turnout. It was particularly rewarding to see large visitor groups, such as the 70 garden centers that used the fair as an opportunity to train and inspire their green teams.”

His positive feedback and the endorsement of the International Association of Horticultural Producers-AIPH reassure us of the event’s continued success and the confidence of our community in its future.

Exhibitors also reflected positively on the event. New and existing business connections were strengthened, and the trade activity at the fair increased compared to 2024, reinforcing the fair’s reputation as an essential industry meeting point.

Green Retail Awards – Visitor’s Favourite 2025

Visitors could vote for their favourite new plant at the entrance by placing green balls in the designated columns. The clear winner of the Green Retail Award for Visitor’s Favourite was Leybaert BV with their Rhododendron’ Maximus’. This outstanding plant captivated visitors with its impressive flower buds and resilient characteristics, making it a popular choice for professionals and consumers.

Green Future Hub – ‘Does a Brand Work?’

At the Green Future Hub, this edition focused on the theme ‘Does a Brand Work?’, which will also be highlighted in the upcoming Autumn Edition. The discussions and presentations explored the importance of branding in the green sector, giving exhibitors and visitors valuable insights into how strong branding can boost plant sales and recognition.

Looking ahead

PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt, the Green Retail Fair, remains the key meeting place for professionals in the outdoor green industry. The next edition will occur on 27 and 28 August 2025, alongside the GROEN-Direkt Autumn Fair at the International Trade Centre in Hazerswoude/Boskoop.

For more information and registration, visit plantariumgroendirekt.nl.