Looking back at IPM Essen 2025

A leading presence at IPM Essen 2025 

From 27–30 January 2025, the GLOBALG.A.P. flowers and ornamentals experts once again gathered in Essen, Germany, for the IPM trade fair – a key annual event for the floriculture sector. 

With over 1,400 exhibitors from 45 countries and more than 40,000 visitors, the fair served as an essential platform for showcasing innovations, engaging in sustainability discussions, and strengthening industry connections. 

Engaging with the industry 

IPM Essen 2025 provided an invaluable space for meaningful conversations with key players across the floriculture sector. At the GLOBALG.A.P. booth, we connected with consultants, auditors, growers, producer associations and more, exchanging insights on sustainability challenges and certification needs. Discussions centered on the sector’s future, including how GLOBALG.A.P. solutions align with the upcoming FSI 2030 strategy. Direct conversations with producers—such as those from Costa Rica and members of its government —helped us better understand regional sustainability priorities while sharing how GLOBALG.A.P. solutions can support their goals. 

Insightful discussions with stakeholders at the IPM Essen 2025.

Collaboration was also a key theme, as we engaged with fellow schemes MPS and Fairtrade, strengthening alignment on shared objectives. Meetings with Royal FloraHolland, VGB, and Dutch Flower Group allowed us to gather valuable feedback on how GLOBALG.A.P. certification can support supply chains via assurance, while also discussing ongoing product development. The opportunity to speak directly with producers was particularly valuable, ensuring that the solutions we develop remain practical and effective for those implementing them on the ground. 

The new Social Responsibility standard for flowers and ornamentals, set to launch later this year, was also a key topic of conversation. Visitors were encouraged to contribute their insights during the public consultation phase. 

Juan Carlos Isaza, Senior Technical Expert at GLOBALG.A.P., highlights the benefits of attending IPM Essen, stating: “We look forward to IPM Essen every year. It offers a unique opportunity to check technological developments related to challenging topics in the sector, such as peat substitution and crop management alternatives, as well as embrace discussions around interpretations and improvements to our own standards, like IFA for flowers and ornamentals version 6. Conversations with key stakeholders are especially relevant for understanding their sustainability expectations. It is always a valuable chance to exchange with other scheme owners and representatives of our national technical working groups.” 

Stakeholders engaging with the GLOBALG.A.P. booth at IPM Essen 2025.

Industry recognition: Sustainability in focus 

For the third consecutive year, GLOBALG.A.P. and the GGN label proudly sponsored the Sustainability category of the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards. This category honors outstanding efforts in areas such as water use, chemical reduction, and climate change mitigation. 

Sarah von Fintel, GLOBALG.A.P. Key Account Manager, took to the stage to present the award and offer heartfelt congratulations to La Gaitana Farms, this year’s winner. Meanwhile, Friedrich Lüdeke, GLOBALG.A.P. expert, delivered an insightful speech on Plant Propagation Material and the upcoming relaunch of the GLOBALG.A.P. IFA standard for PPM. 

Sarah von Fintel presents the AIPH International Grower of the Year award to La Gaitana Farms at IPM Essen 2025

Looking ahead 

GLOBALG.A.P. remains committed to fostering collaboration and driving forward responsible floriculture. The connections made and insights gained at IPM Essen 2025 will continue to shape future developments in certification, sustainability, and responsible production practices. 

We appreciate the opportunity to engage with industry professionals and look forward to next year’s event – see you at IPM Essen 27–30 January 2026!

Useful links and contacts 

Our solutions for the flowers and ornamentals sector:  

• IFA for flowers and ornamentals – Certification for on-farm practices. 

• IFA for plant propagation material – Certification for on-farm practices. 

• GRASP – Addressing labor rights and social responsibility. 

• IDA – For data-driven insights to improve sustainability practices. 

• Social Responsibility for flowers and ornamentals – Targeting social and labor conditions in flowers and ornamental production in high-risk countries. 

• GGN label for consumers – cross-category consumer label opportunities.  

Contacts 

• For technical/interpretation questions, please contact us at standard_support@globalgap.org. 

• If you operate farm management software and are interested in collaborating with GLOBALG.A.P. for the Impact-Driven Approach to Sustainability add-on, please contact Finn Lievenbrück (lievenbrueck@globalgap.org).  

• For all other purposes, please use our contact form.