IPM ESSEN 2016: Advisory Board Sets Points for the 34th Edition

The starting signal has been given: After an IPM ESSEN 2015 of seemingly record proportions with an international visitor plus and 1,604 exhibitors from 49 nations, the Specialist Advisory Board set the points for the next edition of the world's leading trade fair for horticulture at its last meeting. There was particular praise for the comprehensive supporting programme. It is to be continued and extended even further.

The preparations for the next IPM ESSEN are in full swing. Even now, all the market leaders have communicated that they will be present at Messe Essen again from January 26 to 29, 2016. The current number of registrations is on the same high level as at the preceding event and is thus emphasising in an impressive way the outstanding position of the trade fair as the largest trading and information platform of the green sector anywhere in the world. With an exhibition area of around 110,000 square metres, the world's leading trade fair for horticulture will once more occupy the entire trade fair site in Essen.

International Horticultural Forum: Great Britain is the Partner Country
A few highlights of the comprehensive supporting programme have already been finalised. For example, Great Britain will be the partner country of the International Horticultural Forum. In cooperation with INDEGA - Interessenvertretung der deutschen Industrie für den Gartenbau e. V. ("Representation of interests of the German horticulture industry") and Verlag Eugen Ulmer, experts will provide information about chances and challenges of horticulture in Great Britain.

Moreover, Sue Biggs, Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society, will deliver a welcoming address during the opening ceremony of IPM ESSEN.

Fair Trade: Important Subject for the Green Sector, too
Commerce is attaching ever more significance to fair trade products. The awareness of the ultimate consumer is rising. Behind coffee, cut flowers occupy second place amongst the most-distributed fair trade products in Germany. According to the latest annual report of TransFair, it was possible to achieve a turnover of more than Euro 118 million in 2014 - with an upward tendency. Fair trade, the certification possibilities and the various testing seals will therefore play greater roles at IPM ESSEN 2016. There are plans for a compact presentation area for exhibitors who have already had their products certified with the Fair Trade seal as well as for an accompanying Information and Discussion Forum.

Platform for Awards Ceremonies
IPM ESSEN is traditionally the place where the newest plant breeds and creations are introduced and honoured for the first time. The Innovation Showcase and the Show Your Colours Award will now be supplemented by another renowned prize. For the first time, the international umbrella association called AIPH (International Association of Horticultural Producers) will present the "Grower of the Year Award" at Messe Essen. For their outstanding performances, plant breeders from all over the world will be distinguished in the following categories: Finished Plants and Trees, Young Plants as well as Cut Flowers and Foliage.

IPM on Tour
The IPM team is present at numerous events in the green sector all over the world with its own trade fair booths and, from person to person, provides exhibitors and trade visitors with information in situ. This year, the stations will include not only the trade fair's own foreign offshoots but also trade fairs in Germany, Italy, Colombia, the Netherlands, Poland and Turkey. The IPM team will offer the next possibility for individual discussions at Cultivate '15 in Ohio/USA in July.

Further information at: www.ipm-essen.de