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IFTF 2024 Impression

Published: November 25, 2024

 

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IFTF 2024

Published: November 18, 2024

After three colorful days, the IFTF came an end. At 5pm, the Expo Greater Amsterdam will close its doors on November 7th, concluding the 14th edition of the IFTF. How was the show? So far, the exhibitors are pleased. Traditionally, the show is attracting visitors from all over the world. Striking this year is the increased number of visitors from the US. Once again, it was a real buyer-grower exhibition.

This year, it is the first time that the show is held from Tuesday till Thursday instead of Wednesday till Friday. Whether this shift will positively impact the visitor numbers has to be seen. However, there are high expectation because it’s a trend that you see at many exhibitions in many countries.

FloralDaily is also exhibiting at the show, handing out their free Greenhouse Guide. And of course, our editors are present, taking pictures for their traditional photo report and looking for the latest news.

Pro Ecuador organized a country pavilion at the IFTF 2024, build with recycled pallets and natural materials. Juan Carlos Yepez from Pro Ecuador says: “IFTF 2024 has become our most important promotional event outside Ecuador.”

The team of Soex Flora, an Indian rose farm

Ravikumar Sivalingam and Ruud van der Gaast of Rosebud, one of Uganda’s largest rose growers, with Martin Westerhout of Roses and Flowers Consultancy.

“IFTF 2024 is a fantastic opportunity for Rwanda to establish meaningful connections with buyers worldwide,” stated Ms. Janet Basiima, Division Manager of Export Markets Development & Innovation at NAEB.

The team of Mecaflor launching their new sleeving machine that attaches flower food to the sleeve.

Source: FloralDaily.

 

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The Floral World United at IFTF 2024

Published: November 12, 2024

This is a report of how the floral industry met at the annual International Floriculture Trade Fair.

This year’s International Floriculture Trade Fair was a feast for the eye. The halls of Expo Greater Amsterdam were filled with the most beautiful flowers from all corners of the world. This is a report of how the floral industry united for three days in a tiny Dutch town with a big exhibition venue.

Three Days of Floral Feelgood
There’s nothing that beats flowers at their best. Walking around in the Expo for three days are not enough to stay amazed on the beauty of all the colors Mother Nature has for us.

The message that they sent across the halls was clear: Flowers are good for you! They contribute to well-being in many ways: by bringing prosperity to thousands of workers earning a living in the industry as well as conveying positive emotions to consumers buying and getting these flowers.

The World Gathers at the International Floriculture Trade Fair
The whole world was there in Vijfhuizen’s venue. Walking around at the fair, you’d pass by all the breeders and growers that matter from Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, and the USA, before passing by the European companies from Italy, Spain, France, Denmark, Turkey, and—naturally—the Netherlands. Next stop: Africa represented by many producers from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda, finally turning to Asia where the most delicious flowers from India, South Korea, and Japan took the stage.

Over three days the fair attracted thousands of visitors who were meeting old friends and getting to know new ones. The atmosphere in the corridors was loose and relaxed, and a good conversation about the flowers, machinery, techniques, and the industry as a whole was never far away. Every day ended with a toast to the prosperity of the mutual business.

Flowers Love People, People Love Flowers
Yes, the industry is under some pressure to give an answer to the criticism of a minority group of people who would rather buy plastic flowers or none at all than understand the emotional and economic significance of flowers. That topic was brought to the table on the eve of the IFTF during the annual Floriforum, where representatives from all levels of the industry met and discussed. The conclusion could be no other than that everyone who is involved in the flower business should speak out, and tell the story of how flowers love people and that (the far majority of the) people love flowers.

Source: Thursd.

 

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IFTF 2024 Breaks All Records

Published: October 31, 2024

This event is truly expanding as a global hub for the floriculture industry.

This year’s International Floriculture Trade Fair (IFTF) is shaping up to be the biggest yet, with record-breaking participation from flower growers worldwide. With over 150 growers representing a 10% increase from last year, this event is truly expanding as a global hub for the floriculture industry. Exhibitors this year will span 13 countries, showcasing a wide array of blooms and innovations aimed at elevating sustainable floriculture practices. So, what’s happening from 5 to 7 November at IFTF?

More South America and Africa

A highlight of the IFTF this year is the increased presence from Africa and South America, with first-time participation from Uganda, which will feature six growers in its own national pavilion. Meanwhile, Ethiopia and Kenya are growing their presence, with Kenya organizing two national pavilions—one from the Agriculture Ministry and another by the Kenya Flower Council (KFC)—along with individual exhibitors. South America is well-represented by 98 Colombian and Ecuadorian growers, emphasizing the importance of these regions in the global floral trade.

Come to Expo Greater Amsterdam in Vijfhuizen

Hosted at the Expo Greater Amsterdam (formerly known as Expo Haarlemmermeer) in Vijfhuizen, Netherlands, IFTF is renowned for fostering industry connections while showcasing everything from new flower varieties and sustainable production methods to technology designed to make operations more efficient. As floriculture continues to focus on sustainability, many exhibitors are spotlighting environmentally friendly practices like water-efficient growing and eco-friendly packaging. Innovation in floral displays is also expected, with florists and floral designers presenting imaginative creations that reflect the latest trends.

Floriforum With DFG’s CEO Jan van Dam

Union Fleurs – International Flower Trade Association and FSI – Floriculture Sustainability Initiative have announced Jan van Dam, CEO of Dutch Flower Group, as the keynote speaker to open this year’s Floriforum, taking place on Monday 4 November afternoon on the eve of the opening of IFTF. He will set the scene and inspire the afternoon program with stimulating perspectives on the theme “Cultivating Sustainability Together – Shaping Tomorrow’s Floriculture”.

After the keynote speech, there will be panel discussions led by a moderator. Panelists from different parts of the industry will share their thoughts and contribute to the discussion with transparent and data-driven insights. The conversation will focus on the important steps we collectively need to take for both B2B and B2C, aiming to create a unified, positive message. This approach will help sustain the future of the flowers and plants market and keep attracting the consumers of tomorrow.

The panel for 2024:

• Jan van Dam, CEO of Dutch Flower Group
• Sibbe Krol, Director of Sustainability, Bloom & Wild Group
• Yvonne Watzdorf, Managing Director of the Flower Council of Holland
• Dominic Weston, Director Product and Supply Interflora British Unit (National Unit covering UK & Ireland) and Sustainability Manager Interflora-Fleurop Global Flower Services
• On behalf of the Fairmiles initiative: Simon Derrick, Global Head of Sustainability Blue Skies, and James MacGregor, Development Economist and author of the ‘Fair Miles: recharting the food miles map’

The conversation will focus on the important steps we collectively need to take for both B2B and B2C communication, aiming to share knowledge and best practices in order to create a unified, positive message. This approach will help sustain the future of the flowers and plants market and keep attracting the consumers of tomorrow.

Professional moderator Simone van Trier will conduct the overall program and facilitate interaction and co-creation with the audience to ensure a dynamic and stimulating afternoon.

Registration to Floriforum is free of charge and still open to qualified participants directly involved in the international floriculture industry. But the seats are almost sold out. If you are not yet registered, don’t miss out, and sign up now using the conference registration form to join the conversation. 

Floriforum is organized by Union Fleurs – International Flower Trade Association in partnership with FSI – Floriculture Sustainability Initiative and sponsored by HPP Worldwide and Kuehne + Nagel. It will take place on Monday 4 November 2024 from 4pm to 6pm in the auditorium of IFTF, EXPO Greater Amsterdam in Vijfhuizen, the Netherlands and will be followed by a networking cocktail at 6pm. A welcome coffee will be offered to attendees from 3 pm. 

Diversity in Programs, Participants, and Innovations

With the diversity of programs, participants, and innovations on display, IFTF 2024 is set to be an unmissable event for anyone in floriculture. The event, which will run from November 5-7, will provide ample opportunities to explore floral art, make industry connections, and dive into new global trends in the floriculture space.

Where and When?

Whether you’re traveling from a neighboring country or across the globe, Expo Greater Amsterdam is conveniently located with easy access from Schiphol Airport and major transport links.

Attendees are encouraged to register to secure their spot, as the event is expected to draw a large crowd once again. With over 25,000 square meters of exhibition space, it’s important to plan your visit wisely to ensure you can explore the event fully and take advantage of all the opportunities it offers.

The venue address of IFTF is:

Greater Amsterdam Expo (formerly known as Expo Haarlemmermeer)
Stelling 1, 2141 SB Vijfhuizen, Netherlands

Exhibition hours are:

• Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, from 10:00 – 18:00
• Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, from 10:00 – 18:00
• Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, from 10:00 – 17:00

All photos by Rob Metsers (info@robmetsers.nl) courtesy of HPP.

Source: Thursd.

 

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Beware of attendee list scams and unofficial exhibiting listings!

Published: November 27, 2018

We would like to alert you to the presence of “unofficial” companies that are actively approaching attendees and exhibitors with offers to publish, purchase or order exhibitor/attendee lists from IFTF. It is unfortunate that some past participants have become victims of these deceptive practices.

We want to emphasize that HPP Exhibitions, the organizer of IFTF, does NOT provide visitor contact details to any third parties. Therefore, we strongly advise against responding to these requests, as these companies do not possess the genuine attendee list and are attempting to scam you.

Please remain cautious and vigilant when dealing with any communication regarding attendee lists. Protect your personal information and be wary of unsolicited offers that may compromise your security.

If you have any concerns or questions, please reach out to the official IFTF organizers directly. Your trust and safety are our top priorities, and we are committed to ensuring a secure and successful event for all participants.

 

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Beware of possible hotel fraud

Published: November 27, 2018

There are ‘unofficial’ companies aggressively pursuing attendees/exhibitors to book discounted hotel rooms through their company. Unfortunately, some past attendees/exhibitors have fallen prey to these companies and have either:

• Been relocated with little or no warning
• Lost their significant deposits
• Not had the guest rooms they thought they had booked
• Not had the hotel they thought they had booked
• etc.

This has caused great hardship to these companies and individuals. Reservations made through an agency will be at your own risk. We advise you to book directly with hotels and not through a third party.

Such companies should be avoided, as there are no agencies affiliated to HPP Exhibitions, other than those mentioned on our website!

 

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