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.
La Gaitana Farms: A Journey of Passion, Perseverance, and Innovation
Forty years ago, La Gaitana Farms began as a small venture with big dreams. The challenges were plenty—limited water supply, the threat of fusarium, and only a few customers. But through resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, the family-owned company has grown into one of the top three Colombian carnation exporters to Central Europe, the heart of the flower industry.
Reflecting on this journey, Camilo Bleier, the company’s manager, shares: “It was a rough start, but we never gave up. Every obstacle pushed us to be better, to innovate, and to find new ways to grow. Today, we are not just growers—we are pioneers, sustainability leaders, and trusted partners in the global floriculture industry.”
This relentless pursuit of excellence has led La Gaitana Farms to its latest achievement—winning the prestigious International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) 2025 title, presented by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH). The coveted ‘Gold Rose’ award was presented to La Gaitana Farms by Daan de Vries, CEO of Headline Sponsor MPS, at the AIPH IGOTY Awards Ceremony 2025 on Tuesday, 28 January 2025, at an evening event during IPM Essen, Germany. In addition to this honour, La Gaitana Farms also secured top awards in two key categories, winning Gold in Cut Flowers & Bulbs, presented by Remko Muntinga, CEO of Chrysal, and Gold in Sustainability, presented by Sarah von Fintel, Key Account Manager for GlobalG.A.P. and G.N.N. Label.
Sustainability at the Core
La Gaitana Farms has always championed sustainable practices. “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do,” says Camilo. “Through innovations like rainwater collection, biodegradable packaging, and integrated pest management, we balance excellence with environmental responsibility. It’s about preserving resources for future generations.”
Their dedication to innovation goes hand in hand with sustainability. With a rigorous R&D programme evaluating over 80 carnation varieties annually and cutting-edge systems such as computerised drip irrigation and climate monitoring, the company ensures efficiency while minimising its ecological footprint.
“We are proud to collaborate with breeders like Dümmen Orange, Danziger, and Santamaria to develop exclusive varieties. This continuous innovation keeps us ahead of the curve, delivering differentiated products to our customers,” Camilo adds.
The Power of a Direct-to-Customer Model
La Gaitana Farms’ decision to establish a direct-to-customer distribution model 30 years ago has been a game-changer. “By delivering fresh flowers to 22 countries without intermediaries, we can offer competitive pricing and a superior customer experience,” Camilo explains. “This strategy has allowed us to build stable relationships and establish ourselves as a trusted supplier in the international market.”
Inspiring Industry Change
Beyond their operations, La Gaitana Farms is committed to uplifting the wider floriculture community. “We actively support small and medium-sized growers by sharing technical know-how, financing, and distribution channels,” Camilo notes. “We’re working to expand this initiative, helping others grow alongside us.”
Camilo also highlights their efforts to inspire future generations. “Through farm open days and student programmes, we aim to showcase the beauty and value of floriculture while encouraging new talent to join the industry.”
Celebrating Achievements and Looking Ahead
For Camilo and the team at La Gaitana Farms, winning the IGOTY award is a testament to their collective efforts and vision. “When we achieve milestones like this, we celebrate as a family. It’s about recognising the resilience and collaboration that define us,” he shares warmly. “This time, we’re planning a management team trip to Europe to reflect and recharge.”
Looking to the future, Camilo is optimistic yet grounded. “The next decade will bring both opportunities and challenges—climate change, market volatility, and labour shortages, but also the chance to embrace technology, expand into emerging markets, and meet growing demand for sustainable, wellness-focused products. We’re ready to lead with resilience and innovation.”
A Legacy of Excellence
As the proud winners of the IGOTY 2025 ‘Gold Rose’ award, along with Gold in Cut Flowers & Bulbs and Gold in Sustainability, La Gaitana Farms exemplifies how tradition and modernity can flourish together. “This award isn’t just about us—it’s about the positive change we hope to inspire in the global horticulture industry,” says Camilo. “By championing sustainability and innovation, we aim to leave a lasting impact, proving that floriculture can be both beautiful and responsible.”
The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) is pleased to approve GreenItaly, an international horticultural exhibition from 15 to 17…
