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The show kicked off with Jamala, the Ukrainian winner of the 2016 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, baptizing the new Stokolex tulip. It was a good promotion for the show as it attracted a large audience and created a positive start of the show. However, not only the first day, but all days were characterized by positivity. The Ukrainian economy is forecasted to grow with some 2.5% this year and there was a vivid atmosphere on the exhibition floor. The flower sales on March 8 have been good for many and everyone seems to have good hopes for the future. Ukrainians are flower-minded people and that was clearly visible at the show. Many pictures were taken, there was a large interest in the new varieties and the florist demonstrations, which were well visited throughout the exhibition days.
The value of the Ukrainian Hryvnia is still low; about three times lower compared to the level before the crisis. As a consequence, the imported products are expensive. However, it was not withholding the international companies to exhibit. They decided to exhibit, not only to meet their clients, but also to show them that they have faith in the country and the floriculture industry. The exchange rate of the Ukrainian Hryvnia also boosts local production of flowers. The Ukrainians want to move forward and it even seems that they are doing so. According to many exhibitors, the Ukrainians are more or less 'used to' the current situation. The exhibitors notice the potential of the country and have good hopes that the situation in the country will improve, slowly but steadily.
Also the organizers of the show are positive about the growth potential of the country and therefore the Flower Expo Ukraine. This year, the number of international exhibitors increased a bit compared to the 2016 edition. However, it could have been higher. Due to the preparations of the Eurovision Song Contest, the organizers had to change the show dates twice and move it from April to March. "For many international growers, it was too close to March 8 (Women's Day), which made them decide not to attend the show", says Kuno Jacobs, Managing Director of Nova Exhibitions.
Next year, however, there will be a longer period between March 8 and the show as it is planned to be taking place from April 17-April 19. "And as there probably will not be again a Eurovision Song Contest taking place in Ukraine in 2018 we do not expect to move the date", laughs Jacobs.
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