DFG to host its annual Dutch Flower Awards ceremony at Trade Fair Aalsmeer

AALSMEER, Netherlands: AALSMEER, Netherlands: The Dutch Flower Group (DFG) will host its annual Dutch Flower Awards ceremony at the Aalsmeer Trade Fair on Thursday 4 November, recognising all of the hard work of DFG’s suppliers.

Nine cut flower and ornamental plant growers will battle it out to win DFG’s prestigious Dutch Flower Award, which identifies successful and growing companies. Now in its 19th year (last year’s event cancelled due to Covid-19), the prestigious accolade recognises hardworking, outstanding horticultural entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, product quality, supply chain management and commitment to sustainability efforts. All candidates are suppliers with whom the Dutch Flower Group has a tried and tested relationship.

In the Cut Flower Category, the nominees are gerbera grower Holstein Flowers, VIP Roses and Qualily. Vying for the award in the Ornamental Plant Category are potted phalaenopsis grower OK Plant, Esperit Plant and dendrobium grower De Hoog Orchids. Xpression Flora Group from Kenya, grower’s cooperative Del Golfo from Italy and Killowen Orchards Ltd from Ireland are nominated for the International Grower Award 2021.

DFG will also present the Preferred Partner Award. This award was created in 2015 in addition to the Dutch Flower Awards. It recognises supply chain partners for the dedication and forward-looking perspective they use in working together with DFG. DFG boss Jan van Dam, who succeeded Marco van Zijverden on 1 January 2021, will present this coveted accolade.

The Dutch Flower Group (DFG) is a globally acting group of  30 trading companies. Together they lead the import, export, trade and market development of cut flowers, bouquets, cut foliage and plants. They supply to both specialist traders (florists) via wholesalers and multiple retailers (supermarkets, DIY stores and garden centres). Together with its 4.800 employees, Dutch Flower Group achieved a turnover of € 1.7 billion in 2020, exporting to 100 countries worldwide.

Pictured are the winners of the 2019 DFG Awards: Van der Lugt Lisianthus (category Flowers), Ter Laak Orchids (category Plants), Flores Silvestres from Colombia (category Foreign Supplier). The Preferred Partner Recognition went to Hans van der Meulen (not in the picture).