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Karlsruhe is getting ready for expoSE & expoDirekt 2026
expoSE & expoDirekt | 18–19 November 2026 | Messe Karlsruhe (Germany)
Over 300 exhibitors from 14 countries have already signed up for the European industry meeting point for asparagus, berries and stone fruit
Almost 70% of exhibitors have already registered for the trade fair duo expoSE & expoDirekt at the Messe Karlsruhe: the 30th expoSE – Europe’s leading trade fair for asparagus and berry production with stone fruit cultivation and open-field vegetables – and the 15th expoDirekt – Germany’s largest trade fair for direct agricultural marketing. From 18 to 19 November 2026, the Association of South German Asparagus and Strawberry Growers (VSSE), organiser of the trade fair duo, expects around 440 exhibitors from 16 countries and around 5,300 trade visitors from over 30 nations. Interested companies can register here: https://www.expo-se.de/en/anmeldung/ Tickets for trade visitors will be available here from September: https://www.expo-se.de/en/ticket/
Double anniversary leads to positive response in exhibitor registrations
“Exhibitor bookings for our trade fair duo are going well. The early registrations are already enabling us to plan the layout of the exhibition stands in the halls. Once again, there are a great many interesting and innovative companies taking part. We look forward to preparing for the fair together and to the intensive exchange at our international industry meeting point,” explains VSSE Board Spokesperson Simon Schumacher.
In parallel with the trade fair preparations, the VSSE is taking stock of the current asparagus and strawberry season.
Asparagus season ends on a largely satisfactory note
The asparagus season traditionally ends on 24 June, St John’s Day. Cool nights repeatedly hampered asparagus cultivation this spring, presenting producers with challenges. Nevertheless, the season developed encouragingly up to Pentecost: thanks to the sunny days, demand for this delicacy remained high. Many consumers treated themselves to fresh asparagus, particularly at weekends and on public holidays. At the same time, the low night-time temperatures ensured that harvest volumes were distributed more evenly, allowing markets to be supplied continuously. However, the heat at and after Pentecost then dampened the appetite for asparagus somewhat, but with the long asparagus break approaching, asparagus lovers have been snapping up the delicacy once again in recent weeks.
Strawberry season in full swing with strong demand
The strawberry season is currently in full swing. The red, aromatic berries are very popular in Germany and beyond. Apart from the extreme temperature fluctuations, which required complex ventilation management, particularly before and at the start of the season, the inexplicably low prices in the food retail sector in the week leading up to Pentecost posed a challenge. Overall, the strawberry year is going very well: with excellent quality, a successful sequencing of the different cultivation systems and an unbroken trend towards pick-your-own strawberries.
Applications for the expoSE & expoDirekt Innovation Award open until 30 September 2026
Exhibitors at expoSE and expoDirekt can apply for the Innovation Award with their innovations and new products for direct marketing until 30 September 2026. An independent expert jury will assess the entries and award the prizes. The award ceremony will take place on the first day of the fair. Further information and registration at: https://www.expo-se.de/en/win-innovation-prize/
Professional exchange at expoSE & expoDirekt
This year, too, specialist forums such as the 37th Asparagus Day (in German and English), the 4th Berry Technology Forum (in German and English), the 3rd Stone Fruit Forum, the 1st Bushberry Forum and the Direct Marketers’ Forum will provide opportunities for knowledge transfer, exchange and networking.
Following the great success of the last two years, the Direct Marketers’ Forum will once again take place in Hall 1 at the stand of the direct marketing trade journal HOF direkt.
Further information is available at https://www.expo-se.de/en/specialist-forums/
The Association of South German Asparagus and Strawberry Growers (VSSE)
The Association of South German Asparagus and Strawberry Growers (VSSE) is Germany’s largest association of asparagus and strawberry growers, with around 630 members. Since 1996, it has organised expoSE – Europe’s leading trade fair for asparagus and berry cultivation – and, since 2011, has also organised Germany’s largest agricultural direct marketing trade fair, expoDirekt.
Further information can be found at www.vsse.de
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Record attendance and a strong international profile
