Every year in the first week of November, the global floriculture community gathers in the Netherlands. It’s a moment when growers, breeders, exporters, and buyers from all over the world meet under one roof – or rather, two. From 4-6 November last, the International Floriculture Trade Fair (IFTF) in Vijfhuizen and the Royal FloraHolland Trade Fair Aalsmeer together formed the beating heart of the global flower business.
The Netherlands at the Heart of Global Floriculture
While both fairs share the same week and attracted overlapping audiences, the IFTF clearly took the international spotlight. Spread over five halls, it’s where the global floriculture network connects.
From Europe to Africa to North and South America and Asia, almost every continent was represented. Visitors could walk through stands from the Netherlands, Italy, and France to Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Africa to Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, and the USA to Japan, China, and India – a true journey through the world of flowers within a single day.
Building Connections and Showcasing Innovation
The atmosphere was distinctly international yet familiar. Professionals met each other on the exhibition floor and in the stands, sharing ideas, discovering innovations, and renewing business friendships. The focus was not only on trade but also on connection. In a world that keeps changing, the IFTF remains a place where growers, breeders, and buyers understand that progress happens together.
For many companies, especially from abroad, the IFTF was a chance to show their latest varieties to the Dutch and global markets. The Netherlands still plays a central role as the trading hub of the floriculture world. Being visible here matters – it’s where the year’s conversations begin, partnerships form, and trends emerge. Everyone who counts in floriculture knows that presence at IFTF is simply part of the business.
It is well possible that after 23 hours of exhibiting hours, you still lacked time to see everything. The fair was not just about showing the beauty of floriculture, but also a place to meet with old and new friends.
The Dutch Counterpart: Trade Fair Aalsmeer
Alongside the IFTF, the Trade Fair Aalsmeer, held in the Royal Floraholland auction building, showcased the strength of the Dutch market itself.
While IFTF focused on the international stage, Aalsmeer highlighted the innovation and diversity of local growers and suppliers of cut flowers and pot plants.
Together, they represent two sides of the same coin: one reflecting global collaboration, the other showing the depth and expertise of the Dutch flower industry. Visiting both fairs offered a complete view of where floriculture stands today and where it’s heading.
Stronger Together – Now and in the Future
Beyond the impressive displays, both events underlined a shared message – floriculture is stronger when connected. The industry thrives on personal contact, shared goals, and mutual trust. Whether you’re discovering a new rose variety, negotiating export partnerships, or simply catching up with old friends, the spirit of these fairs lies in unity and exchange.
As the fairs closed their doors once again, it was clear that the global floriculture community remains alive and growing. From the energy on the exhibition floor to the ideas sparked in conversations, the Netherlands proved once more why it stands at the center of this colorful, ever-evolving world.
Next year, the IFTF and Trade Fair Aalsmeer will again open their doors during the first week of November. Until then, the connections made and ideas exchanged in Vijfhuizen and Aalsmeer will continue to shape the future of floriculture – together.
Header and feature image: Joey Azout from Alexandra Farms with John Pouw from Viking Roses.
