Ireland has hosted the annual Summer Meeting of the Christmas Tree Growers Council of Europe (CTGCE) for the first time since 2012. Almost 100 growers and buyers from Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom, Austria, Norway and other member countries joined their Irish colleagues from 6 to 8 July, based at the Mount Wolseley Hotel in Tullow, County Carlow, for the three-day event, from July 6-8.
The Summer Meeting rotates each year among the Council’s 14 member countries. It is one of the industry’s most important events. Growers come together to share the latest research, promote modern growing methods, and build partnerships in sales and marketing. They also share a wider message with the public: real Christmas tree farms support pollinators, store tonnes of carbon, and create valuable habitats for wildlife.
Delegates visited three of Ireland’s leading producers: Valley Christmas Trees in County Wexford, Mountain View Christmas Tree Farm near Avoca, and Kavanaghs Real Christmas Tree Farm in Newtownmountkennedy. The quality of the Nordmann Fir, Noble Fir, Lasiocarpa and other varieties made a strong impression. All three farms are now fully sold out for the coming season — and demand looks set to stay high for years to come. Many visitors have extended their stay, or plan to return in the coming months, to complete deals with other Irish producers. Ireland produces approximately 750k marketable Christmas trees every year. The home market consumes almost 450k, with the balance assigned for export to the UK and Europe. Almost 80% are sold to British clients, with the remainder decorating homes on the continent.
Business was balanced with a warm Irish welcome. Travelling by coach through the hills, valleys and rivers of counties Carlow, Wicklow and Wexford, delegates enjoyed some of the region's best-known attractions. The Avondale Tree Top Walk proved a highlight — especially for the brave few who returned to ground level by the 90-metre slide. A visit to Avoca Handweavers gave many the chance to bring home a special reminder of their trip. Each evening ended with a fine dinner and live music from local performers, with a few surprise singers stepping up from the audience.
Organisers are very grateful for the support received from Bord Bia, the horticultural export authority, and Carlow Tourism. The Council now looks ahead to the 2027 Summer Meeting, which will be hosted by Belgium.
