IPM ESSEN 2026 reaffirmed its position as a leading international event for the green sector, hosting 1,476 exhibitors from 41 countries and nearly 40,000 trade visitors. As an AIPH Affiliate Member and Approved International Horticultural Trade Show, IPM ESSEN serves as a key platform for industry exchange, innovation and commercial growth across the horticultural value chain.
International Pavilions and Member Representation
The 2026 edition once again demonstrated the strength of international participation. Fourteen national pavilions from 13 countries brought together breeders, growers and suppliers from across Europe, Asia and the Americas. AIPH Member associations played an important role in this presence, with their members represented through coordinated national stands, including France, Denmark, Costa Rica, China, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and Türkiye. In addition, other countries were represented through joint or individual stands, including Israel, Portugal and the USA. These collective showcases not only highlight national production strengths, but also create space for cooperation, knowledge exchange and new market connections.
Beyond the headline figures, the 2026 edition offered a clear snapshot of how breeding priorities are evolving in response to climate pressures, changing consumer behaviour and shifting commercial realities.
Innovation In Focus
Among the highlights of the fair was the IPM Novelties Showcase – Plant Innovations 2026, initiated by German AIPH Member, the Central Horticultural Association (ZVG). The 2026 competition attracted 42 entries from 27 exhibitors, with eight new plant introductions recognised across six categories. The initiative continues to provide international visibility for breeders and growers developing the next generation of ornamental plants.
Notably, two of this year’s awarded novelties were presented to two AIPH Affiliate Members. Anthura BV received recognition in the flowering houseplant category for Tillandsia Camina®, while HilverdaFlorist was honoured in the bedding and balcony plant category for Garden Gerbera Garvinea® Sweet Pastry.
Their recognition reflects the broader ecosystem of innovation within AIPH’s international network, where breeders, growers, young plant producers and industry organisations collaborate to respond to emerging market needs.
Throughout the four-day event, discussions focused on key sector priorities, including climate-resilient plant breeding, peat alternatives, sustainable production systems and new customer engagement strategies. High levels of decision-making authority among visitors underscored the fair’s importance for both commercial activity and strategic dialogue.
Continuity Beyond the Show Floor
During the event, AIPH presented the International Grower of the Year Awards and engaged with members, partners and stakeholders at its stand and across the show floor. Conversations built on recent AIPH initiatives, including outcomes from the Cut Flowers meeting and ongoing work supported by the International Statistics Flowers & Plants Yearbook, demonstrate continuity across the association’s programmes and reinforce the link between market dialogue and long-term sector development.
With the next edition of IPM ESSEN scheduled for 26–29 January 2027, collaboration across AIPH’s network of members and affiliate partners will continue to provide a platform for innovation and leadership within the global ornamental horticulture community.
