Cultivate 2026
Inspiring, Optimistic, and Genuine
7/16/2026
Foremost Reflects on a Bustling Cultivate 2026
“Inspiring, optimistic and genuine,” those are the three words Dwight Skinner (pictured far left), vice president of sales at Foremost, used to describe Cultivate 2026. Skinner left the event only a few days ago, yet he is already reflecting on the insightful conversations and connections he made at the show.
On Monday, the booth was packed with both the Foremost team and eager customers, creating a lively energy that Skinner described as a major highlight of the event. The vibrant colors of Foremost’s spotlight collection stood out to attendees, with many telling Skinner that the team had truly outdone themselves.
Spotlighting Innovation and Connection
Having introduced a new sponsorship element to Foremost’s presence at Cultivate, Marketing Director Erika Santa designed a stunning Curcuma display to showcase the versatility of their line.
“When you walk up to the display, people’s eyes immediately go to the new product,” Skinner noted.
Foremost has officially collaborated with KP Holland to gain complete ownership of the Curcuma line. Because of this partnership, Cultivate proved to be the perfect, bustling stage to launch new promotions and spark conversations around the product.
Santa noted that Cultivate is a valuable space not just for reconnecting with current clients, but for welcoming new faces as well. “Cultivate gives us the opportunity to do much more than showcase plants. It allows us to listen, reconnect with longtime customers and begin conversations with people who are discovering Foremost for the first time,” Santa said. “Seeing the response to our Curcuma display and new varieties was especially rewarding because those reactions and conversations help us understand what the market is looking for and how we can continue creating programs that support our customers’ growth.”
A Decade of Evolution
For General Manager Ana Cortes, returning to the show floor after nearly a decade away brought the company’s growth and teamwork into sharp focus.
“Just walking the floor again brought back a lot of memories of why I got into this business in the first place,” Cortes said. “One of the highlights for me was seeing our sales team in action. It was great to watch newer team members with a new leader, Dwight, and those who have been with Foremost for decades come together, share ideas and support one another throughout the show.”
Cortes was also incredibly impressed by the evolution of the industry’s plant varieties on display. “The new product section blew me away,” she said. “It’s grown so much since I was last there, and it really shows how far our industry has come with all the new varieties and genetics. I noticed a lot of people were drawn to our booth because of the new Codiaeum and Aglaonema genetics, those two pulled some traffic.”
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, the feedback gathered in Columbus will shape how Foremost supports its partners. Streamlining product availabilities and keeping information fast and accessible is a top priority for the sales team as they follow up on the show’s momentum.
“It’s always moving, but I would say that stands out in my brain as to where we need to focus our energy,” Skinner said
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