09: 04: 2026
Honouring Excellence and Future-Proofing Horticulture
The opening session of HortiFlora Expo 2026 went beyond the traditional ribbon-cutting, setting a tone of excellence, innovation and forward thinking for the industry. A key highlight was the recognition of outstanding performance, as Gold Level Certificates were awarded to top-performing EHPEA member farms for their consistent compliance with the EHPEA Code of Practice for sustainable horticulture production.
Fourteen member farms received this prestigious recognition, reflecting their unwavering commitment to international standards, environmental stewardship and strong social responsibility. The awards underscored the growing importance of sustainability as a cornerstone of global horticulture competitiveness.
Across the Expo, side-stage discussions brought together leading experts from around the world to explore the future of the sector. These sessions tackled critical themes shaping horticulture today, including sustainable financing, smart logistics and transport, AI-driven tools and emerging technologies. Conversations also delved into global market trends in fruits and vegetables, sea freight dynamics, circular solutions, gender inclusivity, consumer behaviour and food safety—offering a comprehensive outlook on the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Creating Space for Youth and Women-Led Innovation
HortiFlora Expo 2026 also stood out as an inclusive platform, actively promoting participation by youth and women entrepreneurs. Micro and start-up businesses led by these groups leveraged the Expo to showcase their innovations, build visibility and establish valuable market connections.
Women smallholder farmers from rural communities were equally present, using the platform to exhibit their fresh produce and engage directly with buyers and partners. For many, the Expo provided a rare and impactful opportunity to step into larger value chains and forge meaningful business linkages.
Strengthening Partnerships for Sector Growth
EHPEA’s engagement throughout the three-day event reflected a strong commitment to collaboration and sector advancement. Executive Director Tewodros Zewdie led a series of high-level meetings and a roundtable discussion with regional and international partners, focusing on unlocking opportunities for Ethiopia’s horticulture industry.
Discussions with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) explored pathways for member farms to access finance and technical support. Engagements with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) centred on leveraging Ethiopia’s potential in high-value fruit production, while talks with Partners in Food Solutions (PFS) highlighted opportunities to strengthen food systems, enhance food safety and boost the competitiveness of Africa’s food processing sector through shared expertise.
A notable milestone was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Maastricht University in the Netherlands. The partnership will support tailored capacity building and training programmes for students and industry players, ultimately strengthening the sector’s skills base and global competitiveness.
From Momentum to Movement
HortiFlora Expo 2026 concluded on a high note, leaving behind renewed energy and clear momentum for the industry’s next phase. Notably, this year marked a strategic shift, with the Expo transitioning from a biennial to an annual event—an indication of its growing importance as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration and sustainable growth in horticulture.