From 27 to 30 January 2026, Flanders, Belgium, will once again position itself as a player in international horticulture at the International Plant Fair (IPM) in Essen, according to VLAM. With a strong stand concept, innovative plant introductions and a focus on sustainable solutions, the Flemish presence highlights why the region has been a consistent and respected participant at this trade fair for decades.
Flanders has been an official partner of IPM since 1983 and will reaffirm that role in 2026. A total of 33 Flemish exhibitors will take part in the event in Essen. Their offering ranges from well-known regional specialties such as Ghent azaleas, Flemish laurel and rhododendrons to a broad and up-to-date assortment of green and flowering pot plants, perennials and woody plants. Climate-resilient plants and trees are also part of the display. In addition, Flemish companies will demonstrate their expertise in innovative propagation techniques.
© VLAM
Three joint stands
The exhibitors will be grouped across three collective stands, which share a modern design and the slogan "We grow your way", a concept that has become a recognisable feature of the Flemish presence at IPM.
In Hall 2, at stands B 25, D 26 and D 30, exhibitors include Dataflor, Decock Plants, De Croock, De Vos-Hertschap, John De Wilde, Denis-Plants, Deroose Plants, FlorAmor – Hortinno, Helleborus, Herplant, Joluplant, Labeau Breeders, Plant Select, Vegobel, Siergrassen Gert Gernée and Rudy Raes Bloemzaden.
Hall 6, at stands C 26, C 31 and D 26, will host ADM Greentraders, Aarbomex, Boweco, Boomkwekerij Peers, Jules Block, CS-PLANT, Geert Bogaert, Calle-Plant, Goossens Raf, Heyeveld, Laurica-plants, BK Schepers, Vandamme Sierplanten and Van Poecke & zn.
In Hall 8, at stands D 25, D 26 and D 28, the Flemish group will be represented by Neyt-Van Sante, Sylva and Van Hulle B&C.
Flemish innovations
Rudy Raes Bloemzaden will also present a number of new introductions at IPM 2026.
Primula acaulis 'Frilly Peach Melba F1
One of the highlights is Primula acaulis 'Frilly Peach Melba F1'. This distinctive new primula stands out for its bicoloured, elegantly fringed flowers in salmon and peach tones, inspired by the classic dessert "Pêche Melba". The variety brings a lighter, seasonal look to the winter assortment and adds value to existing primula ranges. It flowers from January onwards, offers excellent shelf life and is well-suited to larger pot sizes. The variety has been entered for the IPM novelty showcase.
© Rudy Raes Bloemzaden
Primula acaulis 'Frilly Snowball F1'
Another introduction is Primula acaulis 'Frilly Snowball F1'. This variety features uniquely fringed flowers and combines very early flowering with a bright white colour, making it suitable for the winter and festive period. It is characterised by an exceptionally long shelf life and a high number of strong flowers. Visually, the plant resembles a snowball. Thanks to its premium quality, 'Frilly Snowball F1' is also suitable for larger pot sizes and is positioned for indoor use where distinctive accents are required.
© Rudy Raes Bloemzaden
About Flemish horticulture
Flanders, Belgium, has a total agricultural area of 619,806 hectares. Of this, 5,826 hectares are cultivated by horticultural businesses, which are predominantly family-owned. Most production takes place in open ground, while greenhouse cultivation covers 511 hectares. The average horticultural holding has a size of 7.72 hectares.
The horticultural sector generates an annual turnover of €492 million. Flowers and ornamental plants account for 39 percent of this revenue, while the nursery sector represents the remaining 61 percent.
The green sector in Flanders has a long-standing export orientation. A total of 86 percent of exports are destined for intra-EU trade, while 14 percent go to non-EU markets, of which 25 percent is exported to the United Kingdom. Belgian specialties such as azaleas, begonias and roses are particularly popular outside the European Union.
Sustainability in practice
Innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship are central to the activities of horticultural producers in Flanders, Belgium. With scientific support, the sector develops new, robust plant varieties that are better able to withstand the challenges of climate change. The use of alternative growing media significantly reduces reliance on traditional substrate materials that require higher resource inputs. In addition, modern precision technologies help optimise the use of water, nutrients and crop protection products. Integrated pest management is prioritised over chemical applications, contributing to improved ecological balance.
Source: VLAM
