The first day of the 35th edition

The first day of the 35th edition of GrootGroenPlus was once again focused on meeting, discovering, and inspiring. From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere was relaxed yet vibrant. Along the red, grey, and blue routes between the stands, there was a steady flow of growers, suppliers, traders, and international visitors. Not an overwhelming crowd, but exactly what characterises the trade fair: plenty of space for meaningful conversations and valuable
Wednesday 1 October 2025
Visitor flow was smooth, and the route system once again proved effective. From 9 a.m., various juries began assessing the submitted plants for the Green Grand Prix, evaluating the green stands for the Jac. Lodders Award, and judging the supplier stands for the Jan van Dongen Award. Among other things, they determined which stand best reflected the trade fair’s theme: ‘Heart for Green’. A jury from the municipality of Zundert also reviewed which company best qualified for the Zunderts Groen Imago Prijs.
Constructive conversations and recognition
Many participants were quick to comment on the high quality of visitors. They noted that the majority were decision-makers, buyers, and partners who took the time to engage meaningfully with the products on display. There was laughter, nodding in agreement, and above all, plenty of exchange. “It’s that unique blend of a friendly atmosphere and professional focus that sets GrootGroenPlus apart,” was a sentiment frequently heard along the stands.
Press and delegations
A group of over 30 members of the international trade press also made their way around the trade fair, later joined by buyers from several international garden centres. The journalists represented countries including Belgium, Denmark, Germany, England, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. Early feedback from this group was highly positive. In preparation for the 2026 edition, several Hungarian growers attended the trade fair to explore potential participation. A delegation from the Turkish Ministry was also present.
Internal press tour
During a guided tour, the journalists visited the stands of Boomkwekerij van Tilburg (B025), Hachmann Baumschulen (B028), Boomkwekerij Nick de Meester (B075), Miscanthus Agri (B090), and Zundert Boomkwekerijen in collaboration with Boomkwekerij Ronald Dictus (B104). All were located along the blue route. This type of tour is organised annually to give exposure to companies that are located (sometimes far) outside of the Zundert region. Tomorrow, the journalists and buyers will visit several companies at their sites in West Brabant. In addition, a special children’s press tour is being held in cooperation with Stichting Nationale Boomfeestdag.
International buzz
Once again, the fair demonstrated its strong international presence. Alongside Dutch, one could frequently hear conversations in English, German, and French – but also in Bulgarian, Polish, and even Ukrainian and Russian. The latter has been far less common in recent years. Several delegations attended to seek inspiration and connect with trade partners. For many growers and suppliers, this immediately opened up opportunities to discuss potential export prospects.
Product introductions attract attention
Several premieres could be found throughout the trade fair, from new plant introductions and innovative cultivation techniques to smart mechanisation solutions. Visitors took the time to gather information and immediately related it to their own practice. A striking trend this year was the growing focus on sustainable cultivation, covering everything from environmentally friendly packaging and biological solutions to presentations on circular substrates.
Results GreenGrandPrix
Gold – three outstanding highlights
· Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘PNOS01’ (PERFUME PARTY®) – Boomkwekerij B. van Roessel (Plantipp)
· Phillyrea angustifolia ‘Grand Prix’® – Huijbregts Boomkwekerij BV (Plantipp) B129
· Spiraea japonica 'JW1' (RICK STAR®) – Boomkwekerij Jos Willemsen en Zoon vof (Van Vliet New Plants) B022
Silver – three promising plants
· Actinidia chinensis ‘Herma' – Minier Professional Solutions R061
· Ilex crenata ‘Ermany Tower’ – Boomkwekerij Marcel van Nijnatten
· Phillyrea angustifolia ‘Green Line’® – Meer Plant BV G051
Bronze – a wide range of quality
· Abelia grandiflora ‘Abelops02’ (Mystic Daydream) – About Plants Zundert BV B016
· Abelia grandiflora ‘Opstal101’ (Happy Daydream) – About Plants Zundert BV B016
· Buxus 'HER2008114' (GIANT) – Herplant BV R111
· Cornus kousa ‘ZuilB1’ (FLOWER TOWER®) – ASRA Plant bvba B121
· Erica x darleyensis ‘Torero’ – Florall – Sparhoeve G032
· Ficus carica ‘Minfigfor’ (ROUGE DE JUILLET (RED JULY)®) – Minier Professional Solutions R061
· Hebe ‘Donna Ida Purple’ (ADDENDA HEBE DONNA IDA PURPLE®) – About Plants Zundert BV B016
· Miscanthus ‘Lady in Red’® – Hoogenraad Handelskwekerijen BV G120
· Salix candida ‘Jefberg’ (First Editions® ICEBERG ALLEY) – Florall – De Nolf G032
· Thuja occidentalis ‘King of Brabant’ – Van Vliet New Plants BV R098
· Vitex ‘Daniel Searle’ (Magical® Chicagoland Blues) – Florall – De Nolf G032
The plants are on display at the stage in the central restaurant. All 27 participating plants are also presented in stand G125.
Stand awards
· Jan van Dongen Award – TTS Total Transport Solutions R130. The nominated stands were Dutch Tree Machinery R015 and MVL Beregening, Techniek, Boomkwekerij, Bricks R089.
· Jac. Lodders Award – About Plants Zundert BV B016. The nominated stands were Nieuwelaar van der Mee B095 and Alpha Plants BV R101.
· Zunderts Groen Imago Prijs (ZGIP) – BCT – ROOTZ B067.
Square of Tomorrow
Once again this year, GrootGroenPlus is placing special focus on garden centres, including those abroad. The trade fair aims to highlight that October is the perfect time to explore the assortment and discover a wealth of planting ideas. In fact, GrootGroenPlus is already showcasing the 'Square of Tomorrow' today! Would you like to contribute to the 'Square of Tomorrow'? Let us know what should be featured on the square! The themes are water, soil, biodiversity, and the senses.
We therefore call on all participants to contribute products for the Square of Tomorrow. Let’s work together to ensure that all four elements are well represented by Thursday noon!
Atmosphere and experience
In addition to the business contacts, the relaxed atmosphere stood out. The spacious halls and well-presented stands gave the trade fair a professional appearance, while the restaurant and garden furniture seating areas created opportunities for spontaneous and informal encounters. “Here, you can really take your time,” one participant remarked.
Selfie wall
And don’t forget to take a picture in front of the selfie heart wall at the central trade fair square and share it on social media!
Looking ahead
After a successful day, both participants and organisers are looking forward to the days ahead. New encounters, follow-up meetings, and further product presentations are on the agenda. GrootGroenPlus has once again proven to be the place where the tree nursery industry comes together and looks ahead to the future.