Marco van Zijverden, CEO of Dutch Flower Group (DFG), announced the winners of the 2018 Dutch Flower Awards at the DFG stand during the RFH Trade Fair. “Sustainability” was the central theme of this year’s honours.
Dutch Flower Awards 2018
This is now the 17th time DFG has put its supply chain partners in the spotlight via the Dutch Flower Awards. These distinctions were awarded for the categories of Cut Flowers, Plants and Foreign Growers. Karel Bolbloemen was named winner of the Cut Flowers category. For Plants, the award went to Ammerlaan-Sosef from Honselersdijk. Leybaert (Belgium based in MoerbekeWaas), was announced winner of the Foreign Growers category.
Preferred Partner Recognition
Following the presentation of the Awards, CargoMaster from Colombia was declared as this year’s selection for the Preferred Partner Recognition.
Expectations for 2018 and the following year
In his speech, Marco van Zijverden reported that it is expected to see big steps in digitization within possible cooperation in the sector.
Sustainability, the theme of this year’s Dutch Flower Awards, has become a high priority within Dutch Flower Group and among many ranks of the horticultural sector. Reaching 90% sustainable sourcing is key to the DFG CSR policy. The FSI Basket of Standards, in which minimum standards for sustainability certification are determined, is being used as a basis for achieving this.
With 2018 turnover up by 3% on 2017, a total turnover of more than €1.5 billion will be achieved this year. Next year, in addition to extending digitalisation and programmes related to sustainability, DFG will be focussing on strengthening its international market position by intensifying customer relationships, forging closer cooperation with growers and suppliers and expanding in new market areas.
source: DFG