There's more than enough to talk about this weekend in Ohio, where Cultivate kicked off. Saturday featured education sessions, tours, and workshops, and on Sunday, the trade show opened its doors. Flowers and plants took center stage, but the topics addressed were much more diverse. The weather, the Trump shooting, and the finale of the European Soccer Championship were extensively discussed on the trade show floor.
Hi team Dramm!
Cultivate is the largest event for the North American green industry, focusing mainly on the production part of the value chain. Approximately 600 companies exhibit at the event, including technical suppliers, breeders, packaging suppliers, and many more. Our team is present to make a photo report and hear about new introductions and ongoing trends, so let's get started.
Plant Products has busy days regardless of the show they participate in
The first day of the show taught us that the industry, which has seen a tough year, is confident again and expecting a much better 2025. However, 2024 so far, especially the bedding plant season, has been characterized by rain, affecting both production and sales.
Beneficial Insectary is rapidly expanding its team and its footprint in the North American market
Although traditionally politics is not something to discuss in business, it was inevitable given the attack on former President Trump. Many at the show expect this will further push his re-election bid, which is expected to result in lower interest rates, pressure on the labor market, and possibly import tariffs on several products.
Much more discussed than just plants - at least at the Genap booth!!
The finale of the European Soccer Championship was also closely followed in several booths. Although it wasn't as influential as it could have been if the Netherlands had made it to the finals, it did affect the first day of the trade show. This day wasn't too crowded anyhow. While companies with strong existing networks were not complaining, the question was raised about the added value of hosting a trade show this big on a Sunday and whether a shift to weekdays would benefit the event. Spoiler alert: this will not happen in 2025 either, as the dates are already set.