Full of inspiration at Messe Frankfurt
At the beginning of February, the Messe in Frankfurt once again provided a few days of accommodation for Christmasworld, Ambiente and Creativeworld. The more than 4,600 exhibitors from over 170 countries attracted approximately 148,000 visitors to the three trade fairs; 8,000 more than in 2024. In addition to networking and placing orders, they mainly came to gather inspiration and discover the latest trends and innovations in the field of consumer goods and seasonal decorations – and they were not disappointed, because there were beautiful displays and beautiful new products to see. The satisfaction of visitors and exhibitors was therefore high.
Patrick Dobbe passes the baton
Patrick Dobbe started Dobbeflowers more than twenty years ago at the Cultra in Aalsmeer, where it quickly grew from a small team to a larger and larger operation. Seven years ago, Dobbeflowers moved to the Green Trade Center (GTC) and entered into a collaboration with Waterdrinker and Agora to reach even more customers. 'I am incredibly proud of everything my team and I have accomplished, but at the same time, it is time to take a new path. I have therefore decided to leave Dobbeflowers.'
Fashion and flower spectacle in the Philippines
The Bohol International Flower Festival (BIFF), a celebration of flowers and couture, took place in November 2024 at the Grand Resort Bohol, Philippines.
Spring has begun
On February 9 & 10, spring started at Star & Van der Gugten in Wetteren (BE) with an inspiring two-day event full of floral art, craftsmanship, and a wide range of (spring) flowers. Three generations of florists: Daniël Ost, Erik Lockley, and upcoming Dutch talent Bente van Meurs let the flowers speak and showed innovative creations with materials that you should not miss this season. The sustainable products of Smithers-Oasis were also given a stage during the demonstration.
Dutch inspiration in Japan
At the initiative of the Japanese floral designer Kazuyo Asayama, Lily Beelen gave several demos and workshops in Japan last fall, with the aim of providing inspiration from the Netherlands. Kazuyo was at her side for five days as a translator and assistant. The first session was at the Yokohama Display Museum, a company that sells many silk flowers. The request was to process these materials. They also worked with wool from Lehner Stylit. Florists from Osaka and Kyoto came specifically for these master classes. Three arrangements were created: a wreath on a metal base, a necklace and a bracelet.
Round and round we go
For the first time prominently in Hall 5, the German Florists Association (FDF) presented an inspiring meeting place created for professionals in the floral industry during IPM Essen. The legendary rotating stage is rightly the centerpiece, with a number of inspiring flower shows by international and German top florists daily. But not only the stage revolves: circles and round (flower) shapes also play a major role in the arrangements.