The long-standing Dutch trade event International Horti Fair was in all likelihood held for the last time in 2012. This year’s move to Aalsmeer was cancelled amid arguments with FloraHolland, making even a 2014 edition unlikely. Exhibitors, meanwhile, have initiated talks with the Amsterdam RAI Convention center about the potential for a new fair.
The announcement at the hortifair.com website is fairly clear about why a joint Horti Fair / FloraHolland Trade Fair could not be realized in Aalsmeer this year, despite initially positive response. Organizationally, part of the Horti Fair would have had to be accommodated at a location external to the auction building, most likely a large tent. That resulted in a chorus of criticism from exhibitors.
Financial difficulties also played a major role. Costs are skyrocketing in general while not enough people are willing to spend money on the fair, Horti Fair director Willem Nijdam has stated. The proverbial stroke that broke the camel’s back was when FloraHolland demanded that Horti Fair shoulder part of the 1.1 million euro cost of the construction of a new parking area, according to an insider.
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