40th IPM: 36,000 visitors despite rail strike

The 40th edition of IPM is history: despite the nationwide rail strike, around 36,000 trade visitors came to Messe Essen from 23 to 26 January 2024 to find out about and order innovations in the exhibition categories of plants, technology, floristry and equipment from 1,403 exhibiting companies from 43 countries, according to the organisers.

There was great interest in climate-resilient and biodiversity-promoting plants as well as innovations for resource-conserving production. The IPM Discovery Centre demonstrated how sustainable solutions such as biodegradable materials for packaging and plant pots can be integrated into the trade and how customers can be inspired with green in the future.

Sustainable floristry was also the focus of FDF World. The IPM Concept Store showcased products to complement the green retail range.

Showcase for green industry awards

The IPM was also once again the stage for numerous award ceremonies, such as the Central Horticultural Association's (ZVG) showcase of new products for newly bred plants and new wild and growth forms, the Best Practice Award for practice-oriented products in the floristry trade in cooperation with the FDF, the Show Your Colours Award, the International Grower of the Year Award and the IPM Trade Fair Cup.

The organisers reported that trade visitors rated the range of products and services at IPM Essen 2024 as very positive overall. The next IPM will take place at Messe Essen from 28 to 31 January 2025.