HortiContact 2025 started!

Minister Madlener and Adri Bom-Lemstra to present the Innovation Award for Water Quality
On Thursday, February 20, 2025, during HortiContact, the award for the best innovation in water quality and water management will be presented by Minister Barry Madlener (Infrastructure & Water Management) and Adri Bom-Lemstra (Chair of Greenports Netherlands and Glastuinbouw Nederland). The award ceremony will take place in the KasLokaal (Energy & Sustainability Pavilion) and highlights innovations that contribute to more sustainable water usage in the greenhouse industry.

First 4.5 MWh Huawei Container Battery in the Benelux Unveiled at HortiContact 2025
The horticulture sector is making significant strides in the energy transition towards sustainable and efficient energy use. During HortiContact 2025, from February 18 to 20, the first 4.5 MWh Huawei container battery in the Benelux will be officially launched. This marks the beginning of a broader rollout, with 23 MWh of energy storage already on order. The collaboration between Bata Energy Solutions, Wattkraft, and Huawei underscores the growing role of sustainable energy storage in the horticultural sector.

Nearly 300 Exhibitors
With nearly 300 exhibitors, HortiContact not only focuses on current themes such as the future of greenhouse horticulture, energy & sustainability, and labor & education but also provides ample networking and business opportunities. Visitors can vote for their favorite innovation in the Innovation Zone, where cutting-edge technologies will be showcased.

Second Edition of the National Horti Symposium
In collaboration with OnderGlas magazine, the second edition of the National Horti Symposium, led by Dick Veerman of Foodlog, will take place on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, prior to HortiContact. This symposium provides an opportunity to learn more about the key challenges and opportunities for the greenhouse sector. Experts will discuss topics such as the 2025 horticulture agenda, energy, and the EU’s fossil fuel policies. The symposium begins at 10:00 AM, with registration starting at 9:30 AM.

Learning to Innovate in the KasLokaal
During HortiContact 2025, Kas als Energiebron will host an inspiring program in the KasLokaal, a mini greenhouse in the central Energy & Sustainability Pavilion. Interactive workshops on innovation and sustainability will cover topics such as smart tools for CO₂ optimization, digital cultivation systems, energy savings, and the use of heat pumps. These workshops, provided by Kas als Energiebron (an innovation program from the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture and Glastuinbouw Nederland), offer practical insights that can be directly applied to business operations.

World Horti Center Pavilion
The World Horti Center Pavilion provides a unique opportunity to discover the latest innovations and developments in greenhouse horticulture. Knowledge sessions from organizations such as the Plant Empowerment Academy, Artechno, Beanstalk, and Vertify will cover topics including future cultivation systems, energy savings, and the effects of sunlight on crops.

Innovation Zone
The Innovation Zone at HortiContact is the place to explore how the greenhouse sector is innovating for the future. From AI-driven solutions to smart LED lighting and sustainable cultivation systems, visitors can vote for their favorite innovation. The HortiContact Innovation Award 2025 will be presented on Wednesday evening at 9:15 PM during the exhibitor networking event.

Let’s Meet
On Wednesday, February 19, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Let’s Meet at the World Horti Center Pavilion offers an excellent networking opportunity with leading companies in the greenhouse sector, including Isolectra, RED Horticulture, VALTO Biocontrol, Van der Knaap, and Plant Empowerment Academy. This networking event serves as a platform for sharing knowledge and exploring potential collaborations.

Radio Networking Terrace
This year, in collaboration with Ruimtescheppen, the Radio Terrace will be transformed into an atmospheric Italian setting, complete with a Panini Bar. Hortibiz News & Media will broadcast live radio and record engaging podcasts in collaboration with BERG Ruimtescheppen BV.

Ranking the Grower
Ranking the Grower is back! This grower competition, previously organized by KAS Magazine until 2022, is being revived in collaboration with event organizer Easyfairs. Over the coming months, the search is on for the ‘most sustainable companies’ in the categories of vegetables, flowers, and plants. Visitors of HortiContact 2025 can already vote for their favorite grower. The grand finale will take place during the Ranking the Grower Event at HortiContact 2026 in Gorinchem.

KAS Work & Learn Tour
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, KAS Magazine will organize the KAS Work & Learn Tour for students of Horticulture & Agribusiness from Inholland Delft. These students will have the opportunity to experience the greenhouse industry in practice through guided tours of exhibitors and innovations, as well as presentations at the Labor & Education Pavilion.

HortiContact will be open on Tuesday, February 18, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Wednesday, February 19, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Thursday, February 20, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Evenementenhal Gorinchem. Admission is free for professionals in the greenhouse industry with prior registration.

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