Record Number of Flower Growers at this year’s IFTF Expo

This year’s International Floriculture Trade Fair (IFTF) is poised to be the largest ever, featuring 151 flower growers from around the globe, a significant rise from last year’s 137, reflecting a 10% growth. Exhibitors represent 13 countries, and for the first time, flower growers will make up over half of all participants, increasing from 47% to 53%.

Uganda

Uganda is making its debut at the expo, showcasing six growers in a national pavilion. Ethiopia continues to expand its presence, bringing in more exporters, while Kenya shows the most remarkable increase, with a substantial number of growers participating. This includes two national pavilions—one from the Kenyan Agriculture Ministry and another from the Kenya Flower Council—alongside many individual stands from Kenyan growers, underscoring the country’s commitment to the flower industry.

South America

South America is also well-represented, particularly by Colombia and Ecuador, which together will host 98 growers, marking a 5% increase from last year and making them the two largest contributors from the continent. With a notable rise in participation from African growers, especially from Kenya and Ethiopia, the “big four”—Colombia, Ethiopia, Ecuador, and Kenya—are solidifying their positions as leading suppliers of cut flowers globally. With visitors arriving from over 125 countries, IFTF is reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s premier cut flower trade fairs.

Union Fleurs – International Flower Trade Association and FSI – Floriculture Sustainability Initiative are pleased to announce the confirmed lineup of panellists who have all accepted the invitation to contribute to a stimulating conversation at Floriforum on Monday 4 November afternoon (4pm-6pm) in the auditorium of IFTF on the eve of the opening of the trade show:

• 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’

They will join on stage Jan van Dam, CEO of Dutch Flower Group, following his opening keynote speech and will share their views and insights with the audience through a mix of short presentations and moderated panel discussions. 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 programme and facilitate interaction and co-creation with the audience to ensure a dynamic and stimulating afternoon.