“For us, the Trade Fair is the perfect opportunity every year to gain inspiration, discover new trends, and connect directly with colleagues and customers from across the sector,” says Danny de Bruin of De Jong Plant B.V. The 25th edition of the Trade Fair Aalsmeer is a great moment to reminisce and look to the future. We do this together with exhibitors, visitors, and the organization. 

Boskoop-based grower De Jong B.V. has been a regular visitor to the fair for many years. We spoke to Danny de Bruin about why they visit the fair every year: "Especially in November, when it's gray outside, we look forward to spring together with our customers. The trade fair offers us the opportunity to inspire buyers and show them that there is plenty of potential even during this period, for example with the Ilex vert. Jingle Bells."

Inspiration for every season

According to Danny de Bruin, sales manager at De Jong B.V., the focus for them during the Trade Fair is on two periods. “We are showing Ilex vert. Jingle Bells, a unique plant with bright red berries that enhances the Christmas feeling, both indoors and outdoors. We are also focusing on spring with a wide range of hydrangeas. We provide an extra visual presentation with a label or pot cover.”

Notable trends in the tree nursery sector

Danny points out that the trends in the tree nursery sector are clearly visible. Sustainability, greening, and climate change are playing an increasingly important role and, at the same time, offer many opportunities. “The greening of the living environment is an important development for our sector. We are constantly looking for innovations that contribute to more sustainable cultivation, for example through better resistance, natural compactness, and the use of organic crop protection.” At the same time, these changes also bring challenges. Think of changing regulations, stricter sustainability requirements, changing consumer preferences, and the lack of knowledge on the shop floor. Keeping up and adjusting in all these areas is a challenge in itself.

A clear place at the trade fair for all tree nursery products

New this year is the tree nursery pavilion, which is entirely dedicated to tree nursery products. Around 40 growers will be presenting their range here. De Jong Plant B.V. has made a conscious decision to participate in the pavilion. “We want to create a clear location for customers with tree nursery products. This allows them to gather information efficiently and means they don't have to walk around the entire trade fair looking for the right growers,” says Danny de Bruin. The pavilion offers an overview and convenience, allowing visitors to get to know the latest developments and products in the tree nursery sector in a targeted manner.

Wide range throughout the year

The nursery specializes in hydrangeas and a wide range of special licensed varieties aimed at the higher segment. In addition to the well-known Hydrangea varieties, which are sold as garden shrubs in the spring and then with flowers, there are also other products that occupy an important place. “In the first months of the year, these include Paeonia, Lavatera, and Syringa. In the last months, Ilex vert. Jingle Bells has become increasingly popular,” says Danny de Bruin.

You can register for the fair via this link.