The 17th International Flora Expo 2024, an AIPH-approved exhibition, will take place from 25 to 27 October at the Nesco Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. This highly anticipated event will bring together the best in floral artistry, pot plant production, greenhouse technologies, urban farming innovations, and much more. Participants and exhibitors will showcase their expertise and products in floristry, seeds, irrigation systems, and landscaping technologies, setting a global stage for business, innovation, and exchange.
At the helm of this transformative event is M B Naqvi, an influential figure in India’s floriculture industry and Chief Editorial Coordinator and CEO of Floriculture Today, India’s premier B2B magazine, since 1996, connecting growers, industry leaders, and horticultural professionals. He says: “Through Floriculture Today and the Expo, our mission is to drive innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in the floriculture industry.” His brothers, S. Jafar Naqvi and Mohd. Kausar, have been instrumental in supporting this venture, helping to shape the Expo into a platform that bridges international markets and local growers.
The International Flora Expo has evolved into more than a showcase of flowers, plants, and trees; it is a hub for education, engagement, and networking. Industry professionals and enthusiasts will come together to collaborate on sustainable horticultural practices that foster well-being and environmental stewardship. As Naqvi emphasises, “This year’s event goes beyond the exhibition—it’s a space for real collaboration on how we can use plants to promote sustainability and drive global innovation.”
Empowering India’s Floriculture Industry
India is the second-largest consumer market for flowers, and the International Flora Expo plays a crucial role in bolstering the country’s floriculture and horticulture sectors. With flower consumption growing at an impressive rate of 20 per cent annually, the Expo capitalises on this demand by connecting local growers with international buyers, driving market access and sales growth. India’s floriculture sector, which produced over 2,284 thousand tonnes of loose flowers in 2023-24, stands to gain from the Expo’s exposure and networking opportunities.
The Expo also serves as a platform to promote sustainable floriculture, offering workshops on eco-friendly practices such as hydroponics and aquaponics. These technologies not only improve productivity but also contribute to water conservation and resource reduction—critical factors for India’s growing urban and rural floriculture markets.
Balancing Domestic Growth with Global Competitiveness
The International Flora Expo successfully promotes India’s burgeoning domestic market while enhancing its competitiveness on the global stage. By showcasing cutting-edge innovations like greenhouse technologies and sustainable practices, the Expo equips local growers with the tools they need to meet international standards and expand into export markets like Europe, Japan, and the Middle East.
Mission to Revolutionise Floriculture in India
In conjunction with the Expo, AIPH supports the Grower’s Flower Council of India (GFCI), commending its efforts to advance India’s floriculture industry. GFCI has taken a firm stance against the import and sale of artificial and plastic flowers in India, advocating for the use of eco-friendly, locally-grown flowers. This initiative marks a crucial step towards environmental sustainability and the protection of local industries. “The GFCI’s mission to promote eco-friendly floral products aligns perfectly with our vision of a greener, healthier future,” says Naqvi.
Jack Goossens, AIPH Board Member and Chair of the AIPH Ornamentals Production Committee, and Treve Evans, AIPH Senior International Relations Manager, will meet with GFCI and key figures from India’s horticultural sector during the Expo to explore opportunities for collaboration. This partnership seeks to stimulate economic growth, reduce the use of plastics, and ensure the continued success of India’s floriculture sector, which remains a vital component of the nation’s agricultural landscape.
AIPH Presence: Elevating Global Credibility and Influence
The presence of AIPH further enhances the Expo’s stature as a globally recognised event. With keynote presentations, the Expo will set the stage for meaningful discussions around the future of sustainable horticulture. “The involvement of AIPH brings unmatched credibility to our event. Their insights will guide not only industry professionals but also set the agenda for a more sustainable global horticultural industry,” explains Naqvi. AIPH’s backing strengthens the Expo’s position as a key platform for international collaboration, drawing in global exhibitors, buyers, and thought leaders.
Exploring Green Power: Key Conference Agenda at the 2024 Expo
This year’s conference theme, “Plants, Places, People,” scheduled for 26 October, will delve into the transformative power of plants in urban and industrial spaces. The agenda will focus on how plants and green spaces reshape public places, industrial zones, and urban architecture, driving environmental and social benefits.
Discussions will centre on the role of plants in revitalising urban public spaces, parks, and plazas, with strategies for designing inclusive, sustainable green areas that foster community interaction. An interactive session will allow participants to collaborate on designing public spaces that incorporate native plants and eco-friendly practices.
The conference will also address the importance of green belts in industrial zones. Plants play a crucial role in pollution control and environmental protection, and case studies will highlight how green belts around industrial sites can positively impact ecosystems and improve air quality.
The need for vertical green spaces becomes more pressing as urban density increases. The session on vertical gardens and green facades will explore innovative ways to integrate greenery into building facades and rooftops. Key discussions will focus on overcoming regulatory and structural challenges in implementing vertical green spaces.
Sports infrastructure will also be a focal point, with case studies illustrating how green landscaping has been integrated into major stadiums to enhance both athletic performance and the spectator experience while promoting environmental stewardship within sports facilities.
These sessions provide an invaluable opportunity for floriculture, landscape architecture, and urban planning professionals to explore practical solutions for building greener, more sustainable urban environments.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future for Floriculture
Naqvi has a clear vision for the future through his role as editor of Floriculture Today and organiser of the International Flora Expo. “In five years, I see this Expo as the global hub for floriculture, sustainability, and innovation,” he says. “We will continue to focus on the latest trends and technologies, providing a platform where industry leaders, growers, and professionals can thrive.”
This long-term vision is built on a foundation of sustainability, innovation, and collaboration. “Our goal is to expand the reach of the Expo and create a community that is engaged year-round, sharing knowledge and building connections that strengthen the floriculture industry globally,” Naqvi adds.
Harnessing the Power of Plants for a Greener World
The 17th International Flora Expo 2024 will be co-located at the same time as the 17th Landscape & Gardening Expo, making it more than just an event—it is a movement to promote the power of plants in creating sustainable urban spaces and enriching lives. As Naqvi passionately explains, “This Expo is about bringing people together to explore how plants can drive environmental and social change. I invite everyone—growers, architects, planners, and environmentalists—to join us in this mission.”
With over 16,000 visitors expected, the International Flora Expo promises to be a vibrant hub of collaboration, innovation, and growth for the global floriculture and landscaping industries.
Visit www.floraExpo.com.
