Although some exhibitors had the feeling the 2019 Cultivate show was slightly slower than it was last year, the event remains one of the best to meet up with suppliers active in the North American market. Celebrating its 90th edition this year, the show attracted more than 650 exhibitors and thousands of guests.
Click here for the HortiDaily Photo Report of Cultivate '19
Automation
Earlier this week we already updated you on how automation is key in the North American market nowadays, because of the labor issues in the market. From logistics solutions and packing machines to transplanting installations - you name it, and it's there. Other than that, better control over the greenhouse remains an important topic, and with newly launched tools and mobile devices suppliers are eager to step into this market. Then there were many suppliers of IPM present - showing that integrated pest management becomes more and more important for plant growers here as well.
Click here for the HortiDaily Photo Report of Cultivate '19
Good vibes
In general the vibe in the North American market is a very good one and therefore so was the vibe at the Cultivate. The potted plant growers had a good year, the greenhouse vegetable growers are making money and the emerging cannabis industry is giving an extra push to the market - making it an interesting market for suppliers. On top of many of them having a presence at the show, also lots of them pay the event a visit. Since many growers are exhibiting themselves, it can be worth to make a short tour around the show - although with over 650 exhibitors this might take a while!
Many trade shows
So how come suppliers had the feeling the amount of visitors was lower? One of them noticed it was mainly the amount of vegetable and cannabis growers that seemed to be lower - something that can be explained by the GreenTech show in Amsterdam being visited very well by many US and Canadian growers. On top of that, a ton of cannabis related events are currently being organized everywhere in the US and Canada. With Cultivate not focusing officially on these markets, it can be that these groups decide to skip the show for a year.
So Cultivate '19 is a wrap. But not for long; after our vacation we will be back with full reports and articles about projects, innovations and other news that we scooped up at the trade show floor.