The 36th edition of GrootGroenPlus, held from 30 September to 2 October at the BCT site in the municipality of Zundert, has come to a successful close. With 285 participants from seven countries, visitors from 37 countries and a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, the trade fair lived up to its theme, ‘Growing Together’. Participants rated the quality of the trade visitors as very good. Preparations for 2027 have already begun: registration is open and the first 50 participants have already signed up.

Participants and visitors
This year, GrootGroenPlus welcomed 285 participants, 66% of whom were active in the green industry and 34% were suppliers. Visitor numbers remained almost the same as last year, but the composition of the visitors and their distribution across the three trade fair days revealed some interesting developments.

International visitors accounted for 34% of the total, with no fewer than 37 countries represented. The six main countries of origin were Belgium, Germany, Poland, Italy, England and France. The largest increases were recorded from Algeria, Denmark, England, Poland and Ireland.

The quality of the visitors was particularly noteworthy. As many as 67% identified themselves as buyers or business owners. The proportion of buyers increased in particular. This means that GrootGroenPlus is increasingly developing from a true networking trade fair into a place where actual business is also conducted. This year, the organisation received many reports of orders placed during or as a result of the trade fair.

Traditionally, growers, traders, exporters and garden centres were well represented. In addition, an increase was seen in visitors from the supply industry and technology. Of all visitors, 81% indicated that they had attended the trade fair before.

Layout, visitor flows and atmosphere
The trade fair once again covered 10,000 m² of trade fair space, supplemented by a large outdoor area. Visitors could follow the three familiar routes – red, blue and grey – covering a total distance of 1.2 kilometres.

Visitor numbers were well distributed across the three days. Wednesday attracted 33% of visitors, Thursday 36% and Friday 31%. Friday afternoon brought another positive surprise, with a large number of international visitors.

The unusually warm weather gave this edition a distinctive character. While in other years, heating is sometimes needed, this time the heaters were used for ventilation. The atmosphere on the trade fair floor was positive, with participants particularly appreciating the quality of the contacts made.

The theme ‘Growing Together’ was also reflected in various ways. Alongside the extensive displays of trees and plants, there was considerable attention for new developments, including innovations in mechanisation, robotisation and automation.

Sustainable water management, plant health and future-proof entrepreneurship were also important topics.

International promotion and press
Once again, considerable efforts were made to increase international visibility. GrootGroenPlus welcomed a large group of international trade journalists and buyers, for whom an extensive programme had been organised. This included visits to tree nurseries and suppliers at their premises in the Opheusden area.

There were also many organised group visits from the Netherlands and abroad, including from the International Plant Production Society (IPPS). The international interest once again underlined GrootGroenPlus's position as a meeting place for the tree nursery industry.

The promotional campaign also contributed to trade fair attendance. Of all visitors, 58.7% indicated that they had booked an admission ticket after seeing a digital or printed advertisement.

Awards and recognition
Several awards were once again presented during GrootGroenPlus 2026. The Jac. Lodders Award for the best green stand went to Boomkwekerij Damen. The Jan van Dongen Award for the best supplier stand was won by BCT ROOTZ. Hergo Boomkwekerij BV received the Zunderts Groen Imago Prijs.

There were also several awards for plants. At the Green Grand Prix, three plants received gold awards: Cardiandra ‘Suapc 1707’ (AUTUMN BOUQUET), Miscanthus sinensis ‘Vica 21’ (VOLCANO) and Quercus ilex ‘Pyramidia’ (IDEAPYRA). Silver went to Mahonia eurybracteata ‘Hilmah’ (METEOR) and Miscanthus sinensis ‘Royal Purple’.

Agapanthus ‘V002’ (LADY LAUREN) was awarded bronze. In addition, several entries from the Better Buxus assortment received an honourable mention. The Green Grand Prix focuses on cultivation performance, quality and market value of plants.

At the separate KVBC Novelty Assessment, Cardiandra ‘Suapc 1707’ (AUTUMN BOUQUET) was named the best novelty of GrootGroenPlus 2026 and awarded gold. Picea glauca ‘Klavercon’ (LITTLE NORDIC) received silver, while bronze awards went to Leucothoe ‘Opstal12’ (SPARKLING GOLD) and Phillyrea angustifolia ‘HUGP16’ (GRAND PRIX).

Working together towards the future
In addition to the awards and product presentations, GrootGroenPlus provided plenty of opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaboration. During the trade fair, Rabo Transition Tickets and Water Vouchers were presented to support innovation and sustainable water management.

On Friday morning, Rowy Roelands of Roelands Boomkwekerijen BV and Krijn Overbeke of Huijbregts Boomkwekerij BV also presented the vision ‘Treeport – Course Towards 2045’. This focuses on future-proof entrepreneurship, plant health, innovation and the involvement of young entrepreneurs, among other topics.

Prior to the presentation of this vision, Royal Anthos and LTO Bomen, Vaste planten en Zomerbloeiers also presented the industry vision ‘Groen is leven’ (Green is Life).
These initiatives aligned with the trade fair theme ‘Growing Together’, in which collaboration between entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions, public authorities and future generations played an important role.

Looking ahead: the 2027 edition
We look back on the 36th edition of GrootGroenPlus with satisfaction. The evaluation is still ongoing, and the survey results are currently being processed. The initial responses and visitor data from booked tickets already paint a positive picture.

Meanwhile, preparations for GrootGroenPlus, taking place from 6 to 8 October 2027, are already underway. Registration is open and the first 50 participants have already signed up.

The next edition will also take place at the BCT site. The exact layout is still being developed, but the three familiar routes – red, blue and grey – with the restaurant centrally located on the trade fair floor will remain.

With the successful 2026 edition still fresh in mind, GrootGroenPlus looks ahead with confidence to another three days of international encounters, innovation and collaboration.