Here Are Some Developments In The American Horticulture Industry Recently

Here are some developments in the American horticulture industry recently:

### Market Size and Sales Growth - According to new economic research from the University of Florida and the University of Tennessee, the $147.8 billion environmental horticulture industry in the United States is not only one of the fastest-growing industries in the country but also continues to expand even during economic recessions. - In 2020, due to the increase in people's time spent at home due to the pandemic, the number of new gardeners in the United States grew by more than 16 million. The sales of flowers, vegetable seeds, vegetable seedlings, as well as easy-to-care-for small potted plants like succulents, combined potted plants, annual flowers, and indoor plants saw a significant year-on-year increase.

### Changes in Consumption Trends - **Increasing Demand for Smart Gardening Equipment**: In the past two years, the consumer market for lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and other electrical equipment in the United States has grown rapidly. Smart gardening equipment such as weeding robots, with its high efficiency, strong sense of technology, and innovativeness, has gradually become an essential item in gardening. - **Expansion of Omnichannel Shopping**: During the pandemic, American consumers' demand for online shopping and home delivery increased by 50% and has continued to rise. By 2023, consumers have shown a greater preference for one-stop shopping. Meanwhile, gardening apps like "From Seed to Spoon" have become extremely popular. - **Pursuit of Natural and Vintage Styles**: In 2023, people were more nostalgic than before and showed more interest in vintage-style products. In terms of plant selection, they favored native plants that are primitive and require low maintenance. - **Increasing Focus on Health and Environment**: Consumers' attention to the environmental friendliness and sustainability of horticultural products has been constantly rising. They tend to choose environmentally friendly products such as organic fertilizers and degradable flowerpots. Meanwhile, the demand for horticultural plants and garden designs that can improve indoor air quality and promote mental health has increased.

### Innovation in Products and Services - **Launch of Products Suitable for Small Spaces and Container Gardens**: Affected by the real estate market, the number of small living spaces has increased. Online searches for "small space design" and "container garden" have skyrocketed. Many small but functional containers and plant varieties suitable for growing in such containers have emerged in the market. - **Popularity of Novel Plant Varieties**: Horticultural enterprises have started to offer a wider range of exotic and novel plant varieties, such as unusual succulents, variegated plants, or brightly colored plants, to meet the needs of gardening enthusiasts. - **Diversification of Gardening Services**: This includes providing design services, such as biophilic design that integrates plants and greenery into homes and workplaces, as well as wellness garden designs for mental health. These gardens contain soothing elements such as aromatic herbs, tranquil water features, and comfortable resting areas.

### Application and Development of Technology - **Digitization and Automation**: From AI-driven pest control systems to automated greenhouse management, technology has made horticultural operations more efficient and sustainable. Growers can remotely monitor and control conditions to optimize crop growth and resource utilization. - **Advancement in Indoor Gardening Technology**: With the emergence of advanced LED plant growth lights and smart irrigation systems, indoor gardening has been on the rise in recent years. Correspondingly, the horticulture industry has also provided more plant varieties specifically for indoor use, making it easier for consumers to bring the beauty of nature indoors.

### Adjustment of Industry Structure and Cooperation - **Industry Consolidation and Expansion of Scale**: The trend of industry consolidation is evident. Achieving economies of scale through acquisitions may increase the profits of nurseries and landscapers. Large production bases and horticultural companies are constantly expanding in scale, while some small and medium-sized enterprises are gradually losing their market share. - **Increasing Participation of Producers in the Retail Segment**: Producers are increasingly directly involved in the retail segment. Stores like "big box stores" and "lifestyle centers" are gradually dominating, and the number of pure garden centers is decreasing. Growers also sell their products directly to end customers through "farmers' markets" and the like.