The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) members consist of thousands of growers of flowers and ornamental plants around the world who are together united by one essential goal – promoting the place of plants in people’s lives.
AIPH hosts several conferences, webinars and events such as the International Grower of the Year award throughout the year. Read about these along with the latest news about the association’s activities.
AIPH’s key aim is to stimulate demand for ornamental trees, plants and flowers worldwide. We are committed to supporting growers in achieving this by protecting and promoting the interests of the industry.
It is important to look to the future within the ornamental horticultural industry, which is why AIPH partnered with Jungle Talks to identify the Young International Grower of the Year.
This award celebrates young entrepreneurial professionals between the ages of 25 up to 40 years old that are participating in the Pro Manager Mastercourse organised by Jungle Talks.
The Pro Manager Mastercourse is a fortnight programme that includes educational farm tours, meetings and inspirational sessions from lead strategic partners, including Koppert Biological Systems, Dümmen Orange, Ridder, Hortilux Schrèder, Logiqs, Horticoop, Lets Grow, HortiXS, Van Krimpen and Van der Valk Systems.
These partnerships guarantee a high-level visit program and give participants ample opportunity to network with horticultural leaders at the CEO level. In addition, participants will need to work out their vision on the future of horticulture and the role of their own company during this course. Based on the visits, meetings, inspirational sessions and feedback of peers and leading floricultural CEO’s, they return to their own country and company, ready to make a difference.
After being selected for the Mastercourse, participants have the chance to pitch their business ideas to the YIGOTY Jury prior to the International Grower of the Year event. Of the three Finalists selected, one will be named Young International Grower of the Year.
David Marin, a Director at Deliflor Americas S.A.S., Colombia, received the Young International Grower of the Year Award 2025
David joined Deliflor in 2019. 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.
“It’s a symbol of hard work, teamwork, and passionate work,” David said. “This award will inspire the company and the team, it will let them know that everything is possible.”
David, along with the other finalists, presented his ideas to an international jury of horticultural professionals. The judges were: Leonardo Capitanio, President of AIPH and owner of Vivai Capitanio, Italy; Colin Fernandes, Past YIGOTY winner and Trial Site Coordinator for Marginpar, Kenya; and Puck van Holsteijn, CEO of World Horti Center and CEO of HortiHeroes, Netherlands.
Leonardo Capitanio commented: “David stands out as an exceptional example of balance and expertise in the floriculture industry. The jury was particularly impressed by his ability to merge innovation with a broad understanding of the sector.
“David’s ambition to develop sustainable markets, alongside his focus on commercial expansion and enhancing customer experiences, highlights his technical and commercial expertise. His ability to build high-performing teams and foster balanced growth demonstrates a rare long-term vision, making him a truly inspiring leader and a deserving winner of this prestigious award.”
Colin Fernandes, Trial Site Coordinator for Marginpar, Kenya, received the Young International Grower of the Year Award at an International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) awards ceremony held on Tuesday 23 January 2024 in Essen, Germany.
Before Colin joined Marginpar, there was no trial site in Kenya. Colin was responsible for setting the location up and its subsequent management. After just four years, the location has become a productive trial site under the cohesive work of Colin and his team. One achievement of Colin’s of note is the introduction of Sanguisorba – Red Dream to the market. This is the first time this variety has been commercially grown in Africa.
“It feels absolutely amazing to have won this award,” Colin said. “I couldn’t have done it without my team. It’s a great stepping stone that will help me in the future to come. The Mastercourse has been one of the best experiences I’ve had so far. A two-week intensive course with some really inspirational people, it’s been amazing.”
Colin, along with the other finalists, presented his ideas to an international jury of horticultural professionals. The judges were: Leonardo Capitanio, President of AIPH and owner of Vivai Capitanio, Italy; Eliot Barden, Past YIGOTY winner and Aftercare, Apprenticeship and Training Director for Majestic Trees, UK; and Puck van Holsteijn, CEO of World Horti Center and CEO of HortiHeroes, Netherlands.
Leonardo Capitanio commented: “Colin has rapidly achieved an important role in Marginpar. He has a good eye for the future, developing product and people; effectively managing teams in different countries. This, alongside his valuable international experience makes him an inspirational manager and grower and a worthy winner.”
Eliot Barden and Leonardo Capitanio
Eliot Barden, Production and Education Manager for Majestic Trees, UK, received the Young International Grower of the Year Award 2023 on Tuesday 24 January 2023 in Essen, Germany.
Eliot had an interest in horticulture from an early age and began his education in the subject via a Royal Horticultural Society evening class at the age of 15. He subsequently studied at the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens before joining Majestic Trees in 2018.
Eliot commented: “It means a lot. Thanks to Jungle Talks I’ve seen a lot of production in Holland, in various different sectors, and winning the award is the cherry on the cake. The award is a great recognition.”
Eliot, along with the other finalists, presented his ideas to an international jury of horticultural professionals. The judges were: Leonardo Capitanio, President of AIPH and Vivai Capitanio, Italy; Pablo Bazzani, General Manager for Plazoleta Flowers, Colombia, and Winner of Young International Grower of the Year 2022; Karolien Tesselaar van Tilburg, Tesselaar Alstromeria, the Netherlands; and Wouter Duijvesteijn, Owner of Beyond Chrysant, the Netherlands.
“There are two reasons why we have chosen Eliot Barden the Young IGOTY winner,” said Leonardo Capitanio. “Firstly, he demonstrated accurate technical and professional expertise. Secondly, Eliot continuously invests in the growth and development of his skills in order to reach his highest potential.
“We believe that ‘improving more and more’ is the best solution to be excellent at work as well as in life. We hope that this award will bring Eliot Barden great value and a richly deserved international visibility. Good luck Eliot!”
Pablo Bazzani with Leonardo Capitanio
Horticultural professional Pablo Bazzani won the inaugural Young International Grower of the Year Award at a ceremony held on Tuesday 14 June 2022 at GreenTech Amsterdam.
Pablo 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.
Alongside the other finalists, Pablo presented his business ideas to the jury of three expert horticultural entrepreneurs. The judges were: Leonardo Capitanio, AIPH Vice-President and CEO of Vivai Capitanio (Italy); Wouter Duijvestejn, Owner of Beyond Chrysant (The Netherlands); and Stephanie Berkhout, Lead Grower at Qualitree (Canada).
Jury member Leonardo Capitanio, who presented Pablo with the award, commented: “Pablo is a young leader in our industry who shows focus and vision to achieve great things. He works hard to develop the potential in others in his company and the wider industry. He is exceptionally knowledgeable and an outstanding ambassador for our industry.”
AIPH celebrates international cooperation and strengthens ties with Korean horticultural leaders at International Horticulture Goyang Korea 2025.For more than 30…
