International Grower of the Year Awards 2026

Congratulations to all the winners of the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards 2026!

On 27th January 2026, the horticultural industry gathered in IPM Essen for the prestigious IGOTY Awards. Of the ten Finalists, three took home trophies signifying their excellence in the sector.

Gold Rose Winner

Hillier Nurseries LTD, a UK-based producer of shrubs and trees, was been awarded the title of International Grower of the Year 2026. The coveted ‘Gold Rose’ award was presented by Linda Hoogendoorn-Veelenturf, CEO of MPS Group – Headline Sponsor of the Awards.

Hillier Nurseries’ success is rooted in blending traditional craftsmanship with scientific precision. More than 20,000 trees are hand-budded and grafted each year by multi-generational growers, ensuring exceptional quality and resilience. At the same time, Hillier invests in advanced technology, including a climate-controlled growing house with sensor-led irrigation and DEFRA-funded water management projects, improving crop consistency while reducing water and energy use.

“This is a remarkable moment,” said Adam Dunnett, Production and Amenity Director at Hillier Nurseries. “I’m very proud of the team and I’m delighted that they’ve been recognised. Thank you to the jury and the other finalists. We’ve got a fantastic sector across the world. I’m proud to be part of this amazing industry.”

In addition to the Gold Rose Award, Hillier Nurseries also won the Finished Plants and Trees category, presented by Jack Goossens, AIPH Vice-President, and the Sustainability category, presented by Alison Jobic, Key Account Manager for Agraya.

Category Winners

Young International Grower of the Year

• Winner: Henil Vashi, Horticultural Advisor, Robin Tacchi Plants, UK
• Finalist: Tatiana de German Ribon, CEO, Flores La Conchita, Colombia
• Finalist: Cauê Gomes Fogagnoli, Technical Director and Partner, Sítio Kolibri, Brazil

Finished Plants and Trees

• Winner: Hillier Nurseries LTD, UK
• Finalist: Fitoralia, Spain
• Finalist: Kwekerij Dirk Mermans, Belgium

Young Plants

• Winner: Longchi Mudan Industrial Co., LTD, China
• Finalist: Chengdu Yimei Horticultural Technology Development Co., LTD, China
• Finalist: Jiuquan Lanxiang Horticultural Seedling Co., LTD, China

Cut Flowers and Bulbs

• Winner: Yunnan Holyflora Horticulture Co., LTD, China
• Finalist: Flores El Capiro S.A., Colombia
• Finalist: Herburg Roses Group, Netherlands

Sustainability

• Winner: Hillier Nurseries LTD, UK
• Finalist: Flores El Capiro S.A., Colombia
• Finalist: Herburg Roses Group, Netherlands
• Finalist: Kisima Farm LTD, Kenya
• Finalist: Yunnan Holyflora Horticulture Co., LTD, China

Certificates of Merit

In addition to the category winners, AIPH recognised the efforts of two producers with Certificates of Merit. Although these entries did not reach the finals in their chosen category, their commitment to the industry is worthy of acknowledgement.

• Beijing Green Garden Group Co., LTD, China (Finished Plants & Trees category)
• Kisima Farm LTD, Kenya (Cut Flowers & Bulbs category)

Gold Rose / Finished Plants & Trees / Sustainability

Hillier Nurseries Ltd, UK

Hillier Nurseries combines 160 years of horticultural heritage with cutting-edge innovation to produce over one million peat-free plants and 250,000 trees annually. Renowned for shaping landscapes and promoting sustainable growing practices, Hillier’s influence extends far beyond the UK.

The company’s success is rooted in blending traditional craftsmanship with scientific precision. More than 20,000 trees are hand-budded and grafted each year by multi-generational growers, ensuring exceptional quality and resilience.

Hillier’s people-first culture includes apprenticeships, leadership programs, and the interactive ‘Reelyze’ Learning Hub, earning recognition as the HTA “Blooming Marvellous Employer” 2025.

Young Plants

Longchi Mudan Industrial Co., Ltd, China

Founded in 2018, Longchi Mudan Industrial Co., Ltd. is at the forefront of Chinese peony cultivation. Guided by the mission of “bringing Chinese peonies to the world,” the company emphasises modernisation, standardisation, and containerised production to meet global horticultural standards.

Operations incorporate automated water-saving irrigation, mechanised processes, bio-organic fertilisers, field waste recycling, and physical pest control technologies, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable and efficient production. The company also invests in its workforce by providing competitive career opportunities and salary guarantees, supporting long-term growth and expertise in the industry.

Cut Flowers

Yunnan Holyflora Horticulture Co., Ltd, China

Sustainability Finalist

Holyflora is a floriculture group headquartered in Yunnan, China, combining premium rose production, in-house young-plant propagation, and a proprietary SaaS platform to set benchmarks in quality, traceability, and sustainability across Asia.

Innovation is continuous, with 3% of revenue invested in R&D, including tissue culture, cultivar trials, and AI pest-detection systems. Sustainability is embedded throughout: 70% rainwater irrigation, full composting of 1,200 tonnes of waste, and a 0.26 kg CO₂e/stem footprint.

Finished Plants & Trees

Fitoralia, Spain

Fitoralia, based in Spain, is a horticultural company dedicated to transforming everyday edible plants into products that inspire curiosity and delight. Instead of treating tomatoes, strawberries, or peach trees as ordinary crops, the company elevates them into attractive, high-value items at the point of sale. This approach is driven by creativity, design, and a strong culture of innovation.

Fitoralia continually reimagines formats and introduces new varieties tailored for home gardeners. Its signature “Patio Veggies” collection supports urban gardening, while additional ranges feature ginger, turmeric, tea, coffee plants, exclusive Japanese wasabi, and high-performance VIP and Grafted lines known for vigour and disease resistance.

Kwekerij Dirk Mermans, Belgium

Kwekerij Dirk Mermans company produces premium-quality finished plants by blending decades of horticultural expertise with a continual drive for innovation. From the very beginning, high-quality plant material is carefully nurtured and every stage of cultivation is meticulously managed. Soil, water, light, and climate are monitored with precision to ensure each plant develops into a strong, healthy specimen that thrives long after leaving the greenhouse.

Specialising in both large statement plants and exclusive varieties, the nursery offers collections including Schefflera amate, Ficus Bambino, Monstera variegata, and an expanding range of unique Philodendron species.

Young Plants

Chengdu Yimei Horticultural Technology Development Co., Ltd, China

Chengdu Yimei Horticultural Technology Development Co., Ltd. is a China-based company focused on advancing modern horticulture through innovation and practical expertise. Its research and development work spans a wide range of specialty plants and production methods. Key achievements include the domestication and potted cultivation of native Ligustrum chinense, the creation of new colour varieties of Viola tricolor, and the use of low-temperature storage techniques to encourage earlier blooming in hydrangeas. The company also develops off-season propagation methods for lily bulbs and provides seasonal cultivation solutions for dahlias and hydrangeas.

Jiuquan Lanxiang Horticultural Seedling Co., Ltd, China

Established in 2006, Jiuquan Lanxiang Horticultural Seedling Co., Ltd. has 20 years of experience in flower seed and seedling production. The company offers a diverse portfolio of more than 3,700 herbaceous flower varieties, spanning perennials, annuals, biennials, and aromatic plants. It continues to innovate by cultivating varieties with independent property rights, strengthening its position as a leader in China’s flower seed industry.

It operates across 666 hectares of production area, featuring state-of-the-art facilities including intelligent temperature-controlled greenhouses and automated seed processing lines.

Cut Flowers & Bulbs

Flores El Capiro S.A., Colombia

Flores El Capiro S.A., based in Colombia, brings over 40 years of expertise in cultivating and exporting premium chrysanthemums. With a portfolio of more than 80 varieties and exceptional vase life, the company has become a trusted supplier for customers worldwide.

What distinguishes Flores El Capiro is its dedication to innovation, sustainability, and people. The company is a pioneer in using sea transport for flower exports, combining global reach with a significantly reduced carbon footprint. This approach ensures that flowers arrive fresh and vibrant, even after long-distance shipments.

Herburg Roses Group, the Netherlands

Herburg Roses PLC and Nini are recognised as innovative and responsible leaders in the production and export of retail cut roses. Pioneers in sea freight shipping, the company has reduced CO₂ emissions by over 85% compared to air transport while consistently delivering the high-quality roses customers expect.

Innovation drives their commitment to sustainable cultivation, including trials for chemical-free growing methods to protect the environment and enhance plant health. In partnership with Dutch Flower Group, Herburg Roses aligns with Science Based Targets, ensuring its environmental goals follow climate science for effective emission reductions.

Sustainability

Kisima Farm Ltd, Kenya

Kisima Farm is a leading example of innovation and environmental stewardship, recognised as one of only three farms in Kenya to achieve the prestigious KFC Gold Certification – the country’s highest standard for sustainable farming excellence.

Water stewardship is a hallmark of Kisima’s operations. A sophisticated rainwater harvesting system collects precipitation from greenhouse structures into dedicated reservoirs, reducing reliance on external sources. Advanced hydroponic irrigation ensures water efficiency and minimal waste.

The Young International Grower of the Year Award spotlights exceptional young professionals who are redefining what leadership looks like in modern ornamental horticulture. Spanning nursery production, floriculture, and high-tech greenhouse systems, these Finalists reflect the innovation and ambition shaping the next chapter of the industry.

Winner

Henil Vashi

Horticultural Advisor, Robin Tacchi Plants — United Kingdom

At Robin Tacchi Plants, Henil Vashi advises on large-scale ornamental plant production across multiple nursery sites, overseeing more than one million plants annually. His role spans crop production, propagation, and detailed crop monitoring, with a strong focus on integrated pest management, biosecurity, and staff development.

Henil has played a key role in advancing sustainable production practices, including the successful introduction of peat-reduced and peat-free growing substrates, achieving a 30% reduction in peat use while improving crop quality. With an academic background in plant genetics and crop improvement, he brings scientific rigour to practical nursery operations and is actively involved in mentoring teams and promoting innovation across the business.

Puck van Holsteijn, CEO of World Horti Center and member of the YIGOTY Jury, commented: “Henil stood out for his energy, curiosity, and ambition. He is eager to keep learning, highly focused on what he wants to achieve, and ready to create meaningful impact. His international perspective and innovative mindset show a clear understanding of where our industry is heading.”

Finalists

Tatiana de German Ribon

Chief Executive Officer, Flores La Conchita — Colombia

Tatiana is Chief Executive Officer of Flores La Conchita, where she directs company strategy across production, logistics, sustainability, sales, and international market development. With more than a decade of international leadership experience, she has guided the business through growth in highly competitive global markets.

Her work includes embedding sustainable practices, building strategic international partnerships, and enhancing brand competitiveness in key flower markets. Tatiana’s career combines executive leadership with public-sector and advisory experience, reflecting a broad, strategic approach to horticultural business development and industry engagement.

Cauê Gomes Fogagnoli

Technical Director and Partner, Sítio Kolibri — Brazil

Starting his career with Sítio Kolibri in Brazil as an intern, Cauê has been central to the transformation of the company into a high-tech greenhouse business producing around 50,000 plants per week.

His work focuses on climate control, automation, fertigation, and data-driven decision-making, integrating advanced systems to improve efficiency, consistency, and sustainability. Cauê brings international experience from the USA and places strong emphasis on people development, teamwork, and continuous learning. He has also contributed to innovations that previously earned Sítio Kolibri recognition in the Sustainability category of the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards in 2022.

International Grower of the Year Jury

Jack Goossens

Dutch floral entrepreneur Jack Goossens brings extensive experience in the global horticulture sector, where his leadership and commitment to sustainable ornamental production have made a significant impact. For close to 30 years, Goossens has served as the Co-Owner of Gova BV, a family-run nursery that specialises in Laurus nobilis, alongside his brother. His practical experience as a third-generation grower is complemented by international managerial skills due to his time spent as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board for Royal FloraHolland.

Prof Charlie Hall

A native of North Carolina, Dr. Charlie Hall received a B.S. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Tennessee in 1984, a Master’s Degree in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design from the University of Tennessee in 1986, and his Ph.D. from Mississippi State University. He began his academic career at Texas A&M University in 1988, where he spent 13 years on the faculty before joining the faculty at the University of Tennessee in 2002. In August 2007, Dr. Hall returned to Texas A&M University as Professor and Ellison Chair in International Floriculture.

Professor Ki-Byung Lim

Professor Ki-Byung Lim received his Ph.D. in plant breeding from Wageningen University in the Netherlands, worked as a researcher at the Rural Development Administration, and is currently a professor in the Department of Horticultural Science at Kyungpook National University. He worked for various seed companies for 10 years from 1985, and contributed to the Korean Plug Seedling industry based on the order-to-production method by developing and disseminating process nursery technology that brought about innovation in the Korean Plug Production industry. He also served as the head of the flowerbulb section under the ornamental plant division of the International Society for Horticultural Science(ISHS).

Pablo Bazzani

Pablo Bazzani is General Manager of Plazoleta Flowers, Colombia, where he is responsible for leading and supervising financial, production, sales, and logistics procedures and results. Prior to this role, he gained experience as a Marketing Assistant and Marketing Manager for Perfection® Group, Colombia. In 2022, Pablo won the inaugural AIPH Young International Grower of the Year Award.

Jeff Olsen

Jeff Olsen is the CEO of Brookdale Treeland Nurseries Ltd, winner of the International Grower of the Year 2023. Brookdale Treeland Nurseries Limited was established in 1977 and is one of Canada’s largest and most respected growers of trees, shrubs, and garden plants. It has four farms in Ontario and one in British Columbia, collectively making up a land base of more than 800 acres.

Melanie Asker

Melanie Asker is the Managing Director of award-winning sustainable landscape supply nursery, Greenwood Plants. From being 100% peat free, 90% water self-sufficient, and partnering with the Royal Horticultural Society and Sheffield University on pioneering carbon research, Greenwood is committed to growing responsibly and help drive environmental change within the industry. Greenwood was delighted to win the AIPH’s International Grower of the Year, Finished trees and plants, and Sustainability awards in 2024. Melanie is a sustainability advocate, and passionate about creating sustainable future landscapes. She is currently shortlisted for Business Green’s Leader of the year award 2025.

Luka Snels

Luka Snels is the Managing Director of Plant Select, which won the Young Plants category of the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards 2025. Her past experience at Coca-Cola has helped her bring greater transparency to Plant Select’s sustainable activities, such as creating labels from organic bamboo fibres.

Young International Grower of the Year Jury

Leonardo Capitanio

An Italian ornamental plant grower, Leonardo Capitanio, has always been involved in horticulture. He grew up on his father’s farm in Monopoli, Italy, and took over the nursery at the age of eighteen. From 2018 to 2022, he served as the President of ANVE, Italy’s association of ornamental plant exporters. In 2022, he was elected as President of AIPH and has since facilitated the association’s growth.

David Marin

David is a Director at Deliflor, Colombia. During his time with the company, David has been involved in implementing horticultural practices to optimise resource usage and minimise environmental impact. These practices include efficient water management and plant nutrition, as well as the incorporation of technologies that facilitate real-time monitoring. In 2025, David won the Young International Grower of the Year Award.

Puck van Holsteijn

Puck van Holsteijn is the CEO of World Horti Center and CEO of HortiHeroes in the Netherlands. In her role she strives towards a greener world with a sustainable food supply, for everyone.