Bogotá, Colombia – The fifth edition of ExpoPlantas, the renowned Colombian Nursery Trade Show, concluded on Friday, September 22, 2023, leaving an indelible mark with its verdant display of live plants, bringing together 100 exhibitors from 7 countries, and welcoming nearly 1,000 professional visitors. The event was orchestrated by the Association of Colombian Nurseries, Colviveros, with resolute support from the Netherlands, the Colombian Minister of Agriculture, and the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce. Both organizers and participants were elated to observe that the trade show had far exceeded expectations, drawing praise for its impressive roster of exhibitors and the active participation of discerning buyers.
Nestled within the accommodating environs of the Compensar facilities in Bogotá, ExpoPlantas unfurled as an exemplar of the Colombian nursery growers’ prowess. The show’s extensive canvas exhibited an enchanting array of offerings, including a diverse spectrum of flowering plants, foliage plants, orchids, cacti, succulents, palms, and forestry, alongside inputs indispensable to the nursery chain.
The Netherlands Pavilion assumed a prominent presence, boasting participation from esteemed companies such as ABZ Seeds, Broekhof, Evanthia, Flora Supplies Unlimited BV, Hotraco, Köen Pack, Könst-La Serena, Martin Stolze, Succulents Unlimited BV, and Tropical Seeds. In parallel, the LYG Agroflowers Breeders Pavilion unveiled the latest releases from distinguished names in the floral industry, including Benary, Dümmen Orange, Hilverda-Florist, Morel, PanAmerican Seed, Schoneveld, Syngenta, and VitroPlus. The presence of Dosatron added further depth to the exhibition’s offerings.
The trade show was inaugurated with grandeur by Pascal Koeleman of 2 Dezign, representing Holland. Over the course of the three-day event, ExpoPlantas unfolded as an educational platform, hosting 14 training sessions and workshops dedicated to diverse topics encompassing productivity enhancement, varietal rights, marketing strategies, technological innovations, and the intricacies of live plant exports, among others. Distinguished guest speakers, including Laura Piñan from Naktuinbow, Andrés Castellanos from ProColombia, and Camila Valle, PanAmerican Seed Sales Manager for Latin America, shared their valuable insights and expertise with attendees.
A crowning achievement of the event was the prestigious Grand Champion award, presented to the Colombian company 7 Colinas. The award, bestowed by Diana Lucía Villamil, General Manager in Charge of the Colombian Phitosanitarium Agency, ICA, marked a remarkable accomplishment. In a symbolic image captured alongside Lina Montoya, the judges, and Alfonso Alvarado, Colviveros’ technical consultant, the victory radiated.
The ExpoPlantas Outstanding Varieties Competition further highlighted the industry’s excellence. Dümmen Orange clinched the top spot with the Calla Zantedeschia Red Symphony. Morel secured the second position with the Cyclamen Halios, while VitroPlus clinched the third position with the Asplenium Crissie. The Grand Champion distinction was also attributed to the Colombian firm 7 Colinas for their exquisite anthurium from Anthura, reaffirming their commitment to excellence and innovation in the nursery sector.
ExpoPlantas 2023 thus concluded as a resounding success, celebrating Colombia’s thriving nursery industry and fostering invaluable connections within the global horticultural community.