In conversation: Van der Salm on 25 years of Trade Fair Aalsmeer

Louis van Dijke of Van der Salm: 'The Trade Fair offers buyers time savings, clarity and direct access to growers'.

The 25th edition of Trade Fair Aalsmeer is a milestone in the sector. It is a great moment to reminisce and look to the future. We are doing this with exhibitors, visitors and the trade fair organisation. 'Connect to grow' is what the trade fair is all about and what also emerges from the stories. Louis van Dijke: ‘The Trade Fair is an ideal opportunity to meet business relations, make new contacts and present our range in an environment that offers overview and inspiration.’

Van der Salm in Boskoop has been a regular exhibitor in the tree nursery street at the Trade Fair Aalsmeer for many years. Since its inception, they have invested in sustainability and mechanisation in the cultivation of their lavender, gaultheria and now also ilex, boxwood, yew, conica and flower bulbs. They have since grown into a company with no fewer than 13 branches in the Netherlands and four in Portugal. ‘With these locations, we can supply large batches of uniform quality over a very long period,’ says Louis van Dijke, commercial manager at Van der Salm.

Ideal access to a large number of growers and buyers

Louis: "The Trade Fair Aalsmeer is an ideal opportunity for us to meet business relations, make new contacts and present our range in an environment that offers overview and inspiration. For customers, this saves time, provides clarity and gives direct access to a large number of growers. And for us as an exhibitor, it is the place where the entire sector comes together and where we can meet a huge number of business relations in a short period of time – from regular customers to international partners and exporters who bring their customers with them. These moments also allow us to maintain and deepen relationships." Last year and the year before, there were over 600 exhibitors and more than 20,000 visitors at the Trade Fair Aalsmeer.  

Tree nursery pavilion

This year, for the first time, a pavilion will be organised for tree nursery growers. At streets 15 and 16, there will be a central location with a complete overview of the tree nursery growers' range. Van der Salm will also be there. ‘In the pavilion, customers can get new ideas, see strong products and talk to the right partners. Those personal contacts and the dynamics of the Trade Fair inspire us every year to be there with full energy,’ says Louis.  

Sustainable

Van der Salm strives to be at the forefront of the market with product innovation and production processes. They also invest in personnel, society and the environment. Currently, all pots are made from 100% recycled material and are recyclable after use. Louis talks about the latest innovation: ‘Through our customers, we are hearing the voice of the consumer more and more clearly. Their preference is for products that are sustainable, require little maintenance and provide long-lasting enjoyment. That is why we are now testing fully biodegradable pots, among other things, so that consumers can put the pots with the plants in the ground. Convenience is key!’  
 

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