Seven horticultural leaders have joined the jury for the 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 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.
The Members of the Jury are Mr. Jack Goossens, Vice-President of AIPH (Netherlands); Prof. Charlie Hall, Professor at Texas A&M University (USA); Prof. KiByung Lim from the Department of Horticultural Science at Kyungpook National University (Republic of Korea); Mr. Pablo Bazzani, General Manager of Plazoleta Flowers and Young International Grower of the Year 2022 (Colombia); Mr. Jeff Olsen, CEO of Brookdale Treeland Nurseries Ltd. and Gold Rose Winner 2023 (Canada); Ms. Melanie Asker, General Manager of Greenwood Plants and Gold Rose Winner 2024 (UK); and Ms. Luka Snels, Managing Director of Plant Select and Young Plants Winner 2025 (Belgium).
© AIPH
The Jury will assess 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:
AIPH
[email protected]
www.aiph.org
