Trade fair benefits from the increased interest of the Chinese in gardening.

The Hortiflorexpo IPM Shanghai, from 10 - 12 May 2017, was able to record not only a growth in exhibitors and surface area, but also a clear increase in visitors. A total of 31 264 trade visitors attended the horticultural fair in the Shanghai New International Expo Center - an increase of 57 per cent. The number of exhibitors rose by 28 per cent to 795, the surface area, on which the companies from 30 countries presented products and services in the sectors of plants, technology, floristry and equipment, has grown by 42 per cent to 37 000 m².
The reason behind these positive fair figures is the fact that home gardening is currently gaining importance in China. Especially the middle class is showing a high propensity to consume in this area.
The balance drawn by Oliver P. Kuhrt, chief operating officer of Messe Essen, is therefore quite euphoric: "Just like our exhibitors and visitors, we are enthusiastic about this year's event. The figures speak for themselves. The standard of living of the Chinese population has altered enormously. More money is being spent on flowers and plants. The green sector in general and Hortiflorexpo IPM as its most important horticultural fair in China in particular are profiting from this." Kuhrt particularly praises the cooperation between the China Flowers Association, Shanghai Intex Exhibition Co. Ltd., China Great Wall International Exhibition Co. Ltd. and Messe Essen. "Two fair brands have grown together here and are now reaping successes together," says the head of the trade fair.