Even though there were only 67, mostly Dutch exhibitors, it was favourably acknowledged by both visitors and exhibitors. Particular praise was received for the "Farmhouse" which was situated in the centre of Hall 11.1, and offered a perfect setting for specialist presentations and networking. Of course, some things like the presentation and ordering concepts, need a little bit of "tweaking", as one exhibitor commented: The goods - fresh flowers and ornamental plants - were presented together on planting tables and then ordered from the suppliers.
On the whole, the combined fairs with currently four segments were visited by 85 200 trade buyers from 154 countries, that means 3.8 per cent more than the previous year. The number of exhibitors increased by almost three per cent to 2 938; 63 countries were represented.
"The top purchasing decision-makers for all sales channels are represented, says Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt, summing up the fair. "More visitors made their way to Frankfurt than a year ago." According to the information provided, apart from the German visitors, most buyers came from Italy, Russia, Argentina, the US and Japan, to name but a few. The reason for this: "They encounter highly complementary product ranges here - unlike at any other exhibition…