Ten ornamental horticulture growers from around the world have reached the finals for the AIPH International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) Awards 2026. Organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) in collaboration with headline sponsor MPS, the IGOTY Awards celebrate innovation, sustainable practices, and the outstanding expertise that drives excellence in the global horticultural industry.
The IGOTY Awards recognise excellence 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.
The IGOTY 2026 finalists are Chengdu Yimei Horticultural Technology Development Co., Ltd (China); Fitoralia (Spain); Flores El Capiro S.A. (Colombia); Herburg Roses Group (the Netherlands); Hillier Nurseries Ltd (UK); Jiuquan Lanxiang Horticultural Seedling Co., Ltd (China); Kisima Farm Ltd (Kenya); Kwekerij Dirk Mermans (Belgium); Longchi Mudan Industrial Co., Ltd (China); and Yunnan Holyflora Horticulture Co., Ltd (China).
An international jury of leading industry experts assessed the competition entries against specific criteria relating to economic performance, innovation, market insight, sustainability, and human resources. The jury included Mr. Jack Goossens, AIPH Vice-President (Netherlands); Prof. Charlie Hall, Texas A&M University (USA); Prof. KiByung Lim, Kyungpook National University (Republic of Korea); Mr. Pablo Bazzani, General Manager, Plazoleta Flowers (Colombia); Mr. Jeff Olsen, CEO, Brookdale Treeland Nurseries Ltd. (Canada); Ms. Melanie Asker, General Manager, Greenwood Plants (UK); and Ms. Luka Snels, Managing Director, Plant Select (Belgium).
© AIPH 2024 winners, Greenwood
Commenting on the finalists, AIPH Secretary General Tim Briercliffe said that the competition once again identified high-quality businesses from around the world that demonstrate the very best in the sector. He thanked the jury for their time and dedication in assessing each entry, noting that with such a high standard, it was not an easy task. Despite challenges in the industry, he said, it is a testament to the strength of these companies that such outstanding businesses can be celebrated.
Winners of the 2026 IGOTY Awards will be announced during a dedicated ceremony on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, at IPM Essen, Germany. The event will bring together the global horticultural community to honour innovation, dedication, and excellence in ornamental plant production. Finalists will join industry leaders, sponsors, and media partners in celebrating the people and businesses shaping the future of horticulture.
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