Upcoming Trade Shows in France for Gardening

The French ornamental plant sector is experiencing a revival according to a study published by FranceAgriMer in June 2019, which promises stable growth. The comprehensive analysis offers insights into the horticulture industry’s performance in 2017/2018 and identifies key areas poised for expansion in the future. Despite a gradual decline in the number of companies within the sector, the overall economic outlook remains favorable. Sales have stabilized for the first time since 2009. While companies directly catering to end users have reaped the benefits of this economic stability, larger horticultural structures collaborating with retail partners have exhibited greater dynamism. However, challenges persist, with several factors impacting the industry's trajectory in 2017. The outdoor plant nursery sales declined slowly, which necessitated increased overheads to manage destocking, posing financial challenges for businesses. Despite a rise in sales, the profitability of hydroponic nursery and horticultural companies remained stagnant, which further placed strains on their financial viability. Cut flower turnover was on the rise, yet profitability remained low due to inadequate income to sustain fair wages for labor. The ornamental plants sector boasted a diverse range of products with plants and plant pots making up over 37% of industry sales in 2017. Additionally, nursery plants, cut flowers, perennials, aromatic herbs and various other botanical offerings contributed to the sector's robust performance. In 2018, consumer spending on outdoor plants reached nearly EUR 2.8 billion, revitalizing the declining market. While chain stores remain popular among consumers, garden centers emerge as the top retail destinations in terms of volume, capturing 23% of the market share. The study also outlined the evolving preferences of consumers as 55% of French individuals purchased outdoor plants in 2018. The pandemic has affected the gardening industry in France as more people turned to their gardens as a tool to mind their mental health.