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 is responsible for approving the world’s most exceptional horticultural expos creating long lasting green legacies in cities across the globe.
AIPH Blooming Economies & Cities to Inspire The World 2.0. Up-to-date statistics from recent Expos hosted in Asia and Europe.
Learn moreAIPH 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.
The AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards celebrate the best of the best in ornamental horticulture
Learn moreAIPH’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.
The AIPH’s Global Industry Intelligence Centre (GIIC) is an international hub for industry information and knowledge exchange.
The report contains insights on production and consumption of the floriculture industry in Thailand, imports and exports, and business opportunities
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Leonardo Capitanio celebrates receiving the title of Cavaliere al Merito della Repubblica Italiana, one of Italy’s national distinctions.
Italian nursery leader and AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio has been honoured as a Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, one of Italy’s national distinctions recognising service and contribution to the country.
The honour, known in Italian as Cavaliere al Merito della Repubblica Italiana, marks a proud moment for Capitanio personally and for the Italian ornamental horticulture sector he represents internationally.
Capitanio is closely connected with Vivai Capitanio and ANVE, the Italian National Association of Nursery Exporters. His recognition comes at a notable moment for Italian horticulture, with Italy preparing to welcome the international AIPH community to Bari for the 78th AIPH Annual Congress in September 2026.
Leonardo Capitanio with his Cavaliere al Merito della Repubblica Italiana certificate following the presentation ceremony.
Following the announcement at the end of May, Capitanio shared a personal reflection in which he said that, as time passed, he realised the strongest emotion was not the title itself, but the responsibility that came with it.
“Certain accolades remind you that, willingly or reluctantly, every day you are setting an example to someone,” he wrote.
His response focused not on status, but on values. Capitanio spoke of respect, sacrifice, discipline, kindness, healthy ambition, and love for work and country, adding that the most important task remained “to be a good example.”
For professional growers and nursery producers, the recognition places a human face on the dedication, responsibility and long-term commitment behind the sector. It also highlights the role of Italian nursery production within the wider ornamental horticulture industry, at home and internationally.
FloraCulture International warmly congratulates Leonardo Capitanio on this honour.
