Anthura wins highest accolade in Dutch horticulture

Anthura won the award in 2019.

LISSE, the Netherlands: Chairman Michiel van Ginkel presented the 2019 Dutch Horticultural Entrepreneur Award to Anthura. The Anthurium and Phalaenopsis breeder and propagator from Bleiswijk won the award on Wednesday January 9th at Keukenhof in Lisse, the Netherlands.

Now in its 33^rd year, the award recognises progressive growers who embrace technology, modern and sustainable production practices, market innovation, strong customer service and demonstrate their position as an industry leader.

The jury stated: “The award was given to Anthura, partly because of its pioneering work which has given it such a strong international position. The company’s three directors strive for a healthy business and are also heavily engaged in projects that do not always have a commercial goal. The concept of ‘sustainability’ runs throughout the company’s operational processes. Well-trained employees are given opportunities to develop which provides the company with a lot of inhouse expertise and craftsmanship. This makes Anthura a worthy addition to the list of Horticultural Entrepreneur Award winners.”

The coveted award was presented to the company’s three directors, Marco van Herk, Iwan van der Knaap and Mark van der Knaap who stressed how ‘extremely proud and delighted’ they were that their company has won the highest accolade in Dutch horticulture. “Last year marked Anthura’s 80^th anniversary and 2019 couldn’t be off to a better start. This recognition underscores the hard work of all our employees and we give a special mention to our parents and second generation Nic and Jeanette.”

The guest speaker for this year’s awards was TV weatherman, climate scientist and meteorologist Peter  Kuipers Munneke who touched on the causes and effects of global warming and the challenge climate change poses for horticultural entrepreneurs.