Seven horticultural leaders join the jury for the prestigious AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards 2026, an event that celebrates excellence and innovation in the global ornamental horticulture industry. Each year, the event brings together industry leaders, growers, and innovators from around the world.
Initiated by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) and Founding Partner FloraCulture International (FCI), the Awards recognise outstanding achievement across four categories: Finished Plants & Trees, Young Plants, Cut Flowers & Bulbs, and Sustainability. From among these categories, only one winner will be crowned the ‘AIPH International Grower of the Year 2026’ and receive the ‘Gold Rose’ – the industry’s most coveted prize.
This year’s Jury comprises leading experts and professionals whose knowledge and experience span horticulture, sustainability, design, trade, and innovation. The panel will evaluate entries with careful consideration to ensure the highest standards of fairness, transparency, and integrity.
Members of the Jury are:
- Mr. Jack Goossens, Vice-President, AIPH (Netherlands)
- Prof. Charlie Hall, Professor at Texas A&M University (USA)
- Prof. KiByung Lim, Department of Horticultural Science, Kyungpook National University (Republic of Korea)
- Mr. Pablo Bazzani, General Manager, Plazoleta Flowers and Young International Grower of the Year 2022 (Colombia)
- Mr. Jeff Olsen, CEO, Brookdale Treeland Nurseries Ltd. and Gold Rose Winner 2023 (Canada)
- Ms. Melanie Asker, General Manager, Greenwood Plants and Gold Rose Winner 2024 (UK)
- Ms. Luka Snels, Managing Director, Plant Select and Young Plants Winner 2025 (Belgium)
The Jury will access the entrants on five key criteria; economic performance, innovation, market insight, sustainability, and human resources policy.
The winners will be announced at the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards 2026 ceremony, taking place on Tuesday 27th January 2026 at IPM Essen, Germany. The event is expected to bring together key players in the industry to celebrate those who are pushing the boundaries of excellence and sustainability in horticulture.
For more information about the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards, please visit the IGOTY Website.
AIPH thanks Headline Sponsor MPS, Category Sponsors Chrysal and GLOBALG.A.P., Founding Partner FloraCulture International, and Media Partners FloralDaily, Guíaverde, and Thursd.
