NL: Groen-direct realizes higher sales

At the entrance of Ticket2Boskoop, which for the occasion had been transformed into a 'green oasis', a prominent exhibition theme was brought to visitors’ attention: the sustainable garden. Sjaak Willemstein, together with Leuverink Tuinen, provided an inspiring presentation of the latest trends and products in this area; from sustainable irrigation to bee-friendly building materials. "Sustainability is now really starting to become commonplace," says Taaf Rosbergen (GROEN-Direkt). "The consumer increasingly asks for origin and production method. Also the laws and regulations in the field of import have been tightened." It was in this context that GROEN-Direkt, already at the beginning of this year, introduced the 'green' certification stamps. All products can now also be chosen on the basis of certification.

The sales at the Autumn Fair were again above those of last year. The increase in turnover was mainly the result of new customers that visited the exhibition. The order size per customer was practically the same as last year.

The constant commitment to further increasing the diversity of the GROEN-Direkt assortment regularly brings in new suppliers. Several new suppliers could be seen at the layer fair. And also the crowded Product Promotion Square welcomed a number of newcomers during this edition.

Newcomer Dik Sonneveld from Kwekerij Robeek is no stranger to the fair, but this year he is participating for the first time. Sonneveld is more than satisfied. "You just need these kinds of trade fairs. The direct, 'real' contact is really very important in this digital age. That's why it gets busier here every year."

And also at the stand of Kwekerij Hoekert there was a constant inflow of garden centers, while their layers at the sample fair were sold well: "Next time definitely again".

An outsider at the fair was ‘Tijssen goed voor dieren’. The wholesaler was, with animal feed and accessories, new at the fair. "For the exhibition visitor our participation is an extra service, for us it is an excellent opportunity to also get an international foothold", says owner Mathijs Tijssen, who already at the first day of the exhibition speaks of 'a 100% score'. In autumn GROEN-Direkt will evaluate whether the presence of an animal feed supplier is regarded as a welcome service by the customers.

Traditionally, also the exclusive pre-sale of Christmas trees started at the Autumn Fair, with more than 1,000m² of various varieties and qualities. The exhibition visitor benefited from the exhibition offer and 'Best Deal'. There was a lot of attention for XL Christmas trees, intended for parties such as retailer associations, municipalities and gardeners. The freshly made pea soup was, like every year, very much in demand despite the summer temperatures.

The Autumn Fair of GROEN-Direkt is the main trade fair for tree nursery items, with more than 15,000 square meters of living catalog. Visitors can count on a, for Europe unique autumn and late summer assortment of garden plants. The attractive presentation of Christmas trees is unique: 1.000m² with many varieties and qualities. There is also room for a presentation of more than 25 concepts, which can be purchased to size, with the possibility of smaller order units. Furthermore, at the fair, there is also ample attention for the latest garden trends and novelties of the season. The 'place to be', for everyone who is professionally involved in a green environment.