Each year, IPM Essen in Germany brings together the best of the global horticulture industry, from cutting-edge machinery to the latest in growing media and sustainable production.
This year, Ernie Wearmouth attended the trade fair to connect with suppliers, spot emerging trends, and explore the innovations shaping the future of growing. Here’s what stood out.
GENERAL MOOD: A steady market, but innovation still thriving
While the fair didn’t feel quite as busy as in previous years, the overall mood across the industry was steady and resilient.
The growers and suppliers Ernie spoke with were generally experiencing stable conditions, not record-breaking, but still moving forward. Retailers, were still feeling the pressure, with ongoing uncertainty around the global economic landscape, tariffs and challenges.
Regardless, the message was clear: “horticulture is pushing ahead”, and innovation remains alive and well.
EMERGING TRENDS: automation, recyclability, and growing media insights
As always, technology was front and centre at IPM Essen. There was a strong emphasis on robotics and machinery designed to reduce labour costs, improve consistency, and help growers work smarter with fewer hands on deck.
Sustainability also continued to gain traction, particularly in the world of nursery pots. Larger pot manufacturers are increasingly embracing improved recyclability, with many following Modiform’s lead with grey pots made from 100% recycled material.
In growing media, however, the outlook was more complex with a “double whammy” for peat and coir supply.
Peat harvests are currently under pressure following a poor season, which is accelerating the trend away from peat-based media and increasing demand for alternatives such as coir fibre (coco peat).
But coir has also faced challenges, with a very wet season (monsoons) impacting harvest volumes. The result is reduced supply in both traditional peat and coco, pushing up costs and creating ongoing supply and demand pressures.
It’s a timely reminder that growing media markets are evolving, and growers will benefit from forward planning and reliable supply partnerships. Our team are happy to help on this topic.
A STANDOUT INNOVATION: the newly released Da Ros I7 Potting Machine
An exciting release from Da Ros was the I7 potting machine, newly launched and already generating strong interest among growers. Fabio Camisa from Da Ros demonstrated the I7’s capabilities, and it quickly became clear why it’s turning heads for handling larger pot sizes with speed and ease. See it in action here: PrimeHort.
STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS
One of the biggest wins from IPM Essen is the chance to strengthen our supplier relationships, and this year proved hugely beneficial.
We are excited to have firmed up exclusivity partnerships with Logitec Plus who produce exceptional coir processing machines, and Willburg Projecten BV who lead the way in pot labelling machines.
We’re also thrilled to share that our relationship with nursery automation leaders, Da Ros, has become even stronger, with our exclusivity now extending into Australia as we continue to grow in this new market.
Joining forces with world-leading horticultural businesses allows us to keep bringing tailored solutions to growers who want to maximise productivity and yields.
LOOKING AHEAD: an exciting year for smarter growing
IPM Essen continues to be an incredible event for building relationships, discovering new innovations, and bringing global insights back to our customers here in New Zealand… and now Australia too.
Smarter growing, all the way!
