Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The expoSE and expoDirekt 2026 will celebrate significant anniversaries, featuring Europe's leading trade fair for asparagus and berry production alongside Germany's largest fair for direct agricultural marketing.
With over 400 exhibitors and 5,000 expected visitors from more than 30 countries, this event is a key opportunity for industry professionals to network and explore the latest trends and technologies.
expoSE and expoDirekt takes place in Karlsruhe, Germany.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: expoSE is held at Messe Karlsruhe (Karlsruhe Trade Fair Center) in Rheinstetten, just outside Karlsruhe city centre, Germany - the listing covers the November edition; confirm the exact dates and daily opening hours on expo-se.de before booking travel.
- 2Sector Focus: commercial asparagus and strawberry growing - planting and harvesting technology, asparagus ridge and bed forming, mulch and perforated film, drip irrigation and fertigation, frost protection, crop protection, sorting and pre-cooling, packaging
- 3Organiser: staged by VSSE, the Association of South German Asparagus and Strawberry Growers, at Messe Karlsruhe; the direct-marketing fair expoDirekt runs alongside expoSE on the same site.
- 4Audience: professional asparagus and strawberry growers, substrate and tunnel growers, farm direct marketers and farm-shop operators, machinery dealers, and suppliers of inputs, film, irrigation, cooling and packaging - a German-speaking farming audience.
- 5Tickets: sold through the organiser - current listing data shows a regular day ticket at EUR 16 and a duration ticket at EUR 30, with reduced rates for seniors and disabled visitors; verify current prices and registration steps on expo-se.de.
Why visit
Attendees will benefit from networking opportunities with industry leaders, access to innovative products and services, and insights from expert-led forums. Dates and Venue: expoSE and expoDirekt take place from 18-19 November 2026 at Karlsruhe Trade Fair Center, Germany. Scale and Focus: The event features over 400 exhibitors from 18 countries and expects more than 5,000 visitors. Buyer Authority: Attendees include decision-makers from the asparagus and berry production.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors gain visibility among a targeted audience, opportunities for direct sales, and the chance to showcase their products to decision-makers in the agriculture sector. Scale and Focus: The event features over 400 exhibitors from 18 countries and expects more than 5,000 visitors. Buyer Authority: Attendees include decision-makers from the asparagus and berry production sectors.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Agricultural producers and growers
Direct marketers and retailers
Industry consultants and advisors
Research and development professionals
Agricultural technology providers
Government representatives in agriculture
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Suppliers of agricultural machinery
Producers of seedlings and young plants
Manufacturers of packaging solutions
Providers of irrigation and fertilization systems
Consultants for agricultural practices
Distributors of agricultural products
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Seedlings and young plants for asparagus and berries
Agricultural machinery and equipment
Irrigation systems and fertilizers
Packaging solutions for agricultural products
Direct marketing tools and services
Software solutions for farm management
Location & Facilities
Venue
Karlsruhe Trade Fair Center
Messeallee 1, 76287 Rheinstetten, Germany
Facilities
Parking
Karlsruhe Trade Fair Center in Karlsruhe typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Karlsruhe Trade Fair Center in Karlsruhe typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Karlsruhe Trade Fair Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
18 – 19 November 2026:9:00 AM – 6:00 PM on the 18th
9:00 AM –5:00 PM on the 19th
General admission
Regular day ticket
16General admission
Reduced day ticket for seniors and disabled persons
14General admission
Regular duration ticket
30General admission
Reduced duration ticket for seniors and disabled persons
26
Who runs the show
Organisers
VSSE
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
This edition
—
Visitors: 5,000
Exhibitors: 400
Next edition
Not announced yet
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Karlsruhe, Germany
Why it matters
Attending expoSE and expoDirekt on 2026-11-18 to 2026-11-19 in Karlsruhe lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · EUR
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
mid-scale
Rheinstetten / Messe Karlsruhe vicinityShortest transfer to the halls; the first category to sell out on peak expoSE and expoDirekt days. Book well ahead and confirm cancellation terms. Approximate band.
budget to mid-scale
Karlsruhe Innenstadt / HauptbahnhofGood rail and KVV tram links; convenient if you combine the fair with supplier visits in the city. Approximate band.
premium
Karlsruhe / Ettlingen / DurlachUpscale city and spa-style properties within a 15-30 minute drive of the fairground. Approximate band.
mid-scale commuter towns
Baden-Baden / Rastatt / BruchsalFallback options when Karlsruhe is full during fair week; rail connections to Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof are frequent. Add transfer time to your daily plan. Approximate band.
planning note
Booking timingKarlsruhe is a compact city and the November fair window is a busy period for business travel; booking two to three months ahead usually secures better rates and the closest properties. Rates shown are directional planning ranges, not quoted prices.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
KVV tram / Stadtbahn
Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
KVV day ticket and multi-day passes
Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Deutschlandticket
Estimated costMonthly price is set annually by the scheme; check the current rate before purchase. Approximate guidance only.
Taxi
Estimated costApprox. EUR 25-40 for the station-to-fairground trip with a metered taxi. Confirm live local tariffs.
Ride-hailing
Estimated costVaries by app and demand; confirm availability before relying on it.
Car and parking
Estimated costParking fees apply on site; check the current rate on the Messe Karlsruhe or organiser site. Fuel and rental costs are additional.
Intercity rail
Estimated costFares vary by booking date and train type; early Sparpreis tickets are typically much cheaper. Approximate guidance only.
taxi
Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forFrankfurt Airport (FRA) to Karlsruhe Trade Fair Center
Weather
November in Karlsruhe and the Upper Rhine valley is typically cool, grey and damp: daytime highs around 6-11 C, overnight lows around 1-5 C, a realistic chance of early frost and of fog sitting in the Rhine valley, and roughly 50-70 mm of rain spread over about 12-15 wet days. These are climatological averages, not a forecast - check a current forecast a few days before travel. The fair itself runs indoors at Messe Karlsruhe, so weather mainly affects airport transfers, the walk from tram or car park to the halls, and any outdoor machinery or demonstration area.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Germany.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Language at the fair
German is the working language of expoSE and most grower and exhibitor conversations happen in German. English is widely understood in hotels, at Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof and by many international suppliers, but German-language product sheets and a German-speaking colleague make machinery and agronomy discussions far easier.
Fairground location
Messe Karlsruhe sits in Rheinstetten, outside the Karlsruhe city centre, so plan a KVV tram, Stadtbahn, bus or taxi for the last leg rather than expecting to walk from the Hauptbahnhof. Add 20-30 minutes to your first morning for orientation, badge collection and the walk to the halls.
Payments and tipping
Cards are widely accepted in Germany, but some farm-direct stalls and smaller food stands still prefer cash in euro, so carry a small amount. Restaurant tips are normally rounded up by around 5-10 percent rather than a US-style percentage, and service charges are rarely added to the bill.
Sunday closing and punctuality
Shops and most supermarkets close on Sundays, so stock up on essentials on Saturday if you arrive over a weekend. Punctuality is expected for meetings and stand appointments, and a short handshake greeting is standard when you introduce yourself.
Local rhythm in Karlsruhe
Karlsruhe is a compact, flat and cycle-friendly university city on the Upper Rhine, with a strong tram network and a walkable centre around the Marktplatz and Schloss. In November the social scene moves indoors to the city-centre inns and breweries, and day trips to Baden-Baden or Strasbourg are possible with rail connections from Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Karlsruhe; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Karlsruhe; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Karlsruhe Trade Fair Center: Rheinstetten / Messe Karlsruhe vicinity: Rheinstetten / Messe Karlsruhe vicinity; Karlsruhe Innenstadt / Hauptbahnhof: Karlsruhe Innenstadt / Hauptbahnhof; Karlsruhe / Ettlingen / Durlach: Karlsruhe / Ettlingen / Durlach.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Karlsruhe; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Karlsruhe's local network is operated by KVV: Stadtbahn/tram lines, S-Bahn and buses link Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof and the city centre with the Messe Karlsruhe fairground in Rheinstetten - use the stop serving the exhibition centre and check the current line map on the KVV site. Buy tickets in the KVV app or at platform machines and validate them before boarding. Approx. EUR 2.00-4.00 for a single journey within the Karlsruhe zones and approx. EUR 7-9 for a day ticket; confirm live fares. The Germany-wide Deutschlandticket (monthly price set annually) is also valid on KVV regional services and can be worthwhile if you stay several days.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Karlsruhe Trade Fair Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Approx. 1-11 C across a typical November day in Karlsruhe: overnight lows around 1-5 C and daytime highs around 6-11 C, with occasional early frost and Rhine-valley fog. Climatological guidance only, not a forecast - check current conditions before travel.
Seasonality: November is one of the damper and greyer months in the Upper Rhine valley, with roughly 50-70 mm of rain spread over about 12-15 wet days, short daylight hours and a genuine chance of fog. Pack a waterproof coat and shoes plus layers, and plan extra time for airport and station transfers; the fair halls at Messe Karlsruhe are indoors, so weather mostly affects the journey rather than the show floor.
Packing: November 2026
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at expoSE and expoDirekt usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-14
Confirm the expoSE dates and daily opening hours on expo-se.de, and check whether the organiser prefers online ticket purchase or on-site registration.
T-13
Book transport into Frankfurt (FRA), Stuttgart (STR) or Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden (FKB) and reserve accommodation in Rheinstetten, Karlsruhe centre or Ettlingen before fair-week rates rise.
T-12
Buy the ticket that matches your stay - current listing data shows EUR 16 for a regular day ticket and EUR 30 for a duration ticket, with reduced rates for seniors and disabled visitors.
T-10
Build a hall plan around the asparagus and strawberry product groups you actually need: crown and planting technology, ridge forming, mulch film, irrigation, frost protection, crop protection, cooling, packaging and direct-marketing equipment.
T-8
Email two or three priority suppliers to request a stand meeting, and note the hall and stand numbers from the organiser's exhibitor list.
T-7
Check passport validity, Schengen visa or ETIAS status and travel medical insurance for Germany.
T-5
Plan the airport-to-fairground leg: direct ICE/IC trains run from Frankfurt Airport to Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof in roughly 1h05-1h30, then KVV tram, Stadtbahn, bus or taxi to the Rheinstetten fairground.
T-4
Set up a KVV ticket option (app or machine) for Karlsruhe local transport and check current single and day fares, approximately EUR 2.00-4.00 and EUR 7-9 respectively.
T-3
Check the November forecast: expect daytime highs around 6-11 C, overnight lows around 1-5 C, rain and possible Rhine-valley fog. Pack layers and a waterproof coat.
T-2
Confirm on expo-se.de whether expoDirekt runs in the same halls in parallel, so you can budget time for farm direct-marketing suppliers as well as field machinery.
T-1
Download any hall plan or organiser app, charge devices and note parking or shuttle arrangements at Messe Karlsruhe.
T-0
Arrive at opening time, collect your badge, and walk the machinery and film aisles first while the halls are still quiet.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Karlsruhe Trade Fair Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2expoSE and expoDirekt registration concourse
Karlsruhe Trade Fair Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Karlsruhe Trade Fair Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights€190.00
- Per diem × 2€150.00
Estimated total€340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
EUR 16 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | EUR 16 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether expoSE and expoDirekt fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Where is expoSE held and what is the venue address?
expoSE takes place at Messe Karlsruhe, the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Center, in Rheinstetten (Messeallee area), southwest of Karlsruhe city centre. The fairground is not at Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof, so allow time for a tram, bus or taxi transfer; confirm the address and hall layout on expo-se.de before travelling.
What are the dates and opening hours of the next expoSE?
The organiser publishes confirmed dates and daily opening hours on expo-se.de. The edition described in this listing falls in the November window at Messe Karlsruhe; because trade fair dates can shift, check the official site for the final calendar before booking flights or hotels.
Is expoSE a trade-only fair or can the public attend?
expoSE is aimed at commercial asparagus and strawberry growers and their suppliers, and it is accompanied by expoDirekt for farm direct marketers. Ticketing evidence in this listing shows standard day and duration tickets rather than a purely accredited trade badge, so check the organiser's visitor terms for who may register and whether any day is restricted.
How much does a ticket cost?
Current listing data shows a regular day ticket at EUR 16, a reduced day ticket at EUR 14 for seniors and disabled visitors, a regular duration ticket at EUR 30 and a reduced duration ticket at EUR 26. Prices can change between editions, so confirm the current rate and purchase channel on expo-se.de.
What product groups are exhibited at expoSE?
The show covers the practical supply chain for asparagus and strawberry production: planting and crown handling, ridge and bed forming machinery, mulch and perforated film, drip irrigation and fertigation, frost protection tunnels, crop protection and forecasting, harvesting aids, sorting and grading, pre-cooling and cold storage, packaging and labelling, and direct-marketing and farm-shop equipment.
How do I get to Messe Karlsruhe from Frankfurt Airport?
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the main long-haul gateway for the region. Direct ICE/IC trains run from the airport's long-distance station to Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof in roughly 1h05-1h30, and you then continue by KVV tram, Stadtbahn, bus or taxi to the Rheinstetten fairground. Driving takes around 1h15-1h45 on the A5 depending on traffic. These times are approximate - check live timetables.
Is parking available at the fairground?
Messe Karlsruhe operates on-site car parks next to the halls, with parking fees charged on entry. Because expoSE and expoDirekt can fill the site on peak days, arrive before the morning rush or use the KVV network. Confirm current parking rates and access gates on the venue or organiser site.
Do I need German to do business at expoSE?
German is the working language of the fair and most exhibitor and grower conversations happen in German. English is widely understood in hotels, at Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof and by many international suppliers, but German-language product sheets and a German-speaking colleague make technical machinery discussions much easier.
What is expoDirekt and is it included in the same visit?
expoDirekt is the direct-marketing fair staged alongside expoSE on the Messe Karlsruhe site, covering farm shops, display refrigeration, packaging, labelling and sales systems for producers who sell their own asparagus and strawberries. Check the current hall plan on the organiser site to confirm how the two fairs are laid out and whether one ticket covers both areas.
What is the weather like in Karlsruhe during a November expoSE?
November in the Upper Rhine valley is cool and damp, with typical daytime highs of about 6-11 C, overnight lows of about 1-5 C, roughly 50-70 mm of rain across the month and a real chance of fog and early frost. The fair halls are indoors, so weather mainly affects airport transfers and any outdoor machinery area. Treat these as climatological averages, not a forecast.
Do I need a visa to attend expoSE in Germany?
Germany is in the Schengen area. Many visitors, including EU/EEA citizens and travellers from the UK, US, Canada, Australia and Japan, can enter visa-free for short business trips of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Other nationalities need a Schengen type C visa applied for in advance at a German embassy or consulate. Rules change, so verify with the German mission in your country and carry your registration confirmation and accommodation details.
Glossary
- expoSE
- The Karlsruhe trade fair for asparagus and strawberry production, staged by the Association of South German Asparagus and Strawberry Growers (VSSE) at Messe Karlsruhe in Rheinstetten; the direct-marketing fair expoDirekt is held alongside it.
- Bleichspargel (white asparagus)
- Asparagus grown under soil ridges or covering film so the spears never photosynthesise, producing the pale, thick spears that dominate German and southern European markets.
- Green asparagus
- Spears that are allowed to emerge above the ridge and colour up; harvested with different knives and handling lines, and shipped with tighter cold-chain requirements than white spears.
- Fechser (asparagus crowns)
- One-year-old asparagus rhizome divisions planted out to establish a new field; crown quality and grading determine the yield life of the plantation, which is why growers inspect them at the fair.
- Ridge or dam cultivation
- The raised soil ridge built over asparagus rows each season, then levelled and re-formed; ridge formers and bed-shaping implements are a core machinery category at expoSE.
- Mulch film and perforated film
- Black or white film laid over ridges or strawberry beds to control weeds, warm the soil and shift harvest timing; film thickness, UV life and laying speed are standard comparison points for growers.
- Harvest window
- The limited period (traditionally ending on 24 June in Germany) during which asparagus may be cut; equipment that speeds cutting, collection and cooling directly raises the value of that window.
- Frost protection tunnel
- Low tunnels, fleece or heated covers used to protect early asparagus and strawberry crops from late frost; a frequent demonstration category in the outdoor area of the fair.
- Tray plant / plug plant (strawberry)
- Young strawberry plants raised in trays or plugs for rapid establishment, used for fresh runners, waiting-bed and substrate systems; plant quality and variety choice are major buying decisions.
- Substrate and tabletop cultivation
- Growing strawberries in coir, perlite or peat-free mixes in troughs, gutters or on tabletops rather than in soil, which changes irrigation, fertigation and harvesting equipment requirements.
- Remontant (everbearing) variety
- Strawberry varieties that fruit repeatedly within a season rather than in a single flush; they shift labour planning and the type of picking aids and cooling capacity a farm needs.
- Drip irrigation and fertigation
- Delivering water and liquid nutrients directly to the root zone through drip lines and dosing units; a key cost and water-efficiency topic for asparagus and strawberry growers.
- Pre-cooling and cold chain
- Rapid removal of field heat after harvest plus consistent cold storage and transport; asparagus and strawberries both lose quality within hours, so vacuum, forced-air and hydrocooling systems are exhibited.
- Direktvermarktung (direct marketing)
- Selling produce directly from the farm, at farm shops, stalls or markets; the expoDirekt side of the fair covers shop fittings, display refrigeration, packaging, labelling and sales systems.
- Integrated crop protection
- Combining monitoring, beneficials, forecasting and targeted plant protection products to manage pests such as asparagus beetle, strawberry blossom weevil and aphids with fewer chemical inputs.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- expoSE 2026
- expoDirekt 2026
- horticulture events
- expoSE and expoDirekt
- expoSE and expoDirekt 2026
- expoSE and expoDirekt Karlsruhe
- expoSE and expoDirekt Karlsruhe 2026
- Karlsruhe Germany
- Agriculture
- Agriculture Karlsruhe
8 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.