Photo Report: Growers, traders and suppliers at IFTF

A 3D printer, huge flower processing lines and countless new varieties. IFTF took place in Vijfhuizen in the Netherlands last week. Over 27.000 trade visitors attended the three day expo. Together with the 253 exhibiting companies, the number of participating countries totaled this year 128.

Clockwise: Mark Loos of IP Handlers with Piet Segers and Loes Beelen-Segers of IAA Fresh.Stan Muffels of Cyklop and his audience. Micha Danziger of Danziger. Arie van de Wijgert of Komeco was one of the visitors of the IFTF.

View the photo report here.

The trade show started off with a bang on Wednesday, and immediately showed its international character. On Thursday, more regional entrepreneurs found their way to the trade show, and on Friday the fair ended in a relaxed atmosphere.

Subjects discussed by the growers included the Valentine's Day troubles: because it's on a Sunday in 2016, entrepreneurs fear declining revenues. Among the international visitors, not only the exchange rates, but also many natural phenomena are cause for fear. Kenyan and Colombian growers fear the consequences of El Niño: rain and early cold could disrupt production. Furthermore, Ecuadorian growers fear the consequences of the possible volcano eruption.

Clockwise from top left: Bart Joosten and John van Eijk of Biobest; Pieter Zwinkels and Raymond van den Berg of SDF; Pierre de Measmaker of FotoCCar; and Lianca de Ruiter of Bercomex

The IFTF provides a stage for producing and trade parties that aren't involved with the auction. Many technological possibilities are also shown at the fair. New this year was the focus on the florist. Under the name "IFTF World of Flowers", the flower shop of the future was on display.

In the coming weeks, more stories about innovations at the trade show will follow. But first the photo report!

View the photo report here.