For the first time in the history of IPM ESSEN, a cannabis variety was admitted to the fair's official novelty competition and went on to win the Publikumspreis, the public award voted for by professional visitors. The winning entry was BCN Critical XXL© Autoflower by Seedstockers, which received the highest number of votes, according to the event organizers.
The award was presented by Eva Thäler Theuerkauf, President of the Zentralverband Gartenbau e.V., together with Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen GmbH, during the fair. The novelty competition at IPM ESSEN traditionally features new plant varieties from conventional horticultural breeding programs.
Cannabis had not previously been part of this competition. Visitors were able to vote throughout the fair, choosing from forty two new plant entries submitted by twenty seven exhibitors.
© Seedstockers
Seedstockers' BCN Critical XXL© Autoflower was included in the IPM Novelty Showcase and described in official ZVG communication as a compact, easy to grow green cannabis plant intended for hobby gardeners and self suppliers. The plant was presented as suitable for balcony and patio cultivation and positioned as accessible for beginners.
The variety on display was an autoflowering cannabis plant, meaning it flowers independently of light cycles. The exhibition presentation focused on its compact structure and ease of cultivation. Visitors at the showcase were able to view the plant's flowers, resin coverage, and aroma alongside other ornamental and edible plant entries.
BCN Critical XXL© was also presented in multiple formats. According to the exhibitor, the variety is available as an autoflowering and feminized version, as seeds, as a living plant, and as part of a complete grow kit aimed at first time growers. The display combined genetic material with cultivation products intended to simplify access for new growers.
The Publikumspreis reflects votes from professional visitors rather than evaluation by the expert jury, which focuses on botanical and breeding criteria. Organizers stated that the winning margin was decisive.
Jouke Piepenbrink, CEO of Seedstockers, commented on the result, saying, "Winning this award is not only a big leap for Seedstockers, but really a big victory for the cannabis plant itself, and for anyone who still doubts whether the general public is ready for cannabis. Seeing professional visitors at IPM vote so clearly sends a powerful signal."
Seedstockers worked with KK Farming as its production partner for the project.
IPM ESSEN is an international trade fair for horticulture held annually in Germany. The event hosts more than one thousand three hundred exhibitors from over forty five countries, covering areas such as ornamental plants, breeding, young plants, cultivation technology, and production systems. The IPM Novelty Showcase typically features new varieties developed through long term breeding programs for ornamental and edible plants.
BCN Critical XXL© Autoflower was the first cannabis cultivar to participate in the competition and to receive the Publikumspreis at the event.
For more information:
SeedStockers
seedstockers.com
