Tuesday 30 September 2014

AIPH 2014 International Grower of the Year

Monday, 22 September 2014

Schoneveld Breeding, The Netherlands, is the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) International Grower of the Year (IGOTY)Golden Rose winner for 2014.

The coveted prize was announced at the 66th AIPH Annual Congress gala dinner in Qingdao, China, on 17 September 2014, during which the golden rose trophy was presented by AIPH President, Vic Krahn and China Flower Association Secretary General, Liu Hong.

From left to right: Liu Hong, Secretary General, China Flower Association, Mr Peter van de Pol and Mrs Danielle van de Pol, Schoneveld Breeding and Mr. Vic Krahn, President AIPH.

Other winners of the IGOTY awards, partnered by FloraCulture International, include:


  • Silver rose - Fujian Liancheng Orchid Corporation, China
  • Bronze rose - Queen / Knud Jepsen, Denmark
  • Fourth place – Winkelmolen Nursery Ltd, Canada


Golden Rose:
Schoneveld Breeding, The Netherlands

Growing flowering pot plants since 1930, starting with Cyclamen and later introducing Primula, Ranunculus and Campanula, today Schoneveld Breeding has a substantial share of the cyclamen market and owns a number of the leading brands in its sector.

The company has several research programmes and uses its own laboratory for research into seed technology as well as its own genetic material. Schoneveld Breeding also provides growers with the necessary support to enable them to produce high-quality plants through growing recommendations for young plants and finished products.

The jury was impressed by the business and their marketing theme, ‘connecting the chain’ which seeks to add value throughout the supply chain.

Peter and Danielle van de Pol were present to receive their golden rose. Commenting on their win Peter van de Pol said “I am very proud to win this prize.  We work with all parts in the supply chain to add quality and value.  This is our focus and receiving this award proves that we are on the right track”.

Commenting on the results AIPH President, Vic Krahn said, “This has been an incredibly exciting evening, there was electricity in air.  The winners are all extraordinarily happy, and so they should be because the entrants were really top quality.  The judges had a difficult job, with a large pool to pick from.  They had very difficult decisions to make and they have done a great job.  This award promotes the best of the best in the world; I congratulate all four winners tonight and especially our gold rose winner, Schoneveld Breeding.”

Other winners in the awards were:

Silver Rose
Orchid breeder, Fujian Liancheng Orchid Corp.Ltd, China
Founded in 2000, Fujian Liancheng Orchid Corp. cultivates orchids for 37 franchised stores nationwide, and ranks top in the domestic orchid industry producing more than 11 million orchids of over 260 varieties from seven species a year.

The company strives to develop high-quality Chinese Orchid products that embody the culture and spirit surrounding the Chinese Orchids.

The jury admired the way the company has added value by developing multi-purpose orchids which can also be included in food, drinks, cosmetics and perfume.  The business has 12% of the Chinese Orchid market in China.  It has shown considerable growth over a short time period and has a bright future ahead.

Bronze Rose:
Kalanchoë producer, Knud Jepsen A/S, Queen®, Denmark
Founded in 1963, Queen is a leading grower producing approximately 25 million kalanchoë plants and 50 million kalanchoë cuttings in a 120,000 sqm area.

With a strong focus on innovation, the company seeks to improve and modernise its production facilities in order to develop new and premium quality products that offer bright ‘on-trend’ colours, long-lasting blooms that look fresh for weeks and are easy to grow.

The jury praised the business for being active in breeding and commercialising their products through the use of eye-catching store displays, integrated in the trolley system; a QR code to access the latest tips and also through their participation in national promotion programs. The nursery produces plants to the highest quality, social and environmental standards.

Fourth Place:
Tree and shrub grower, Winkelmolen Nursery Ltd., Ontario, Canada
Established in 1979, Winkelmolen Nursery is situated on 600 acres of land producing high quality trees and shrubs for garden centres, cities, conservation areas and other nurseries, as well as growing many native trees that are propagated from local seed sources.

The Nursery consistently looks to develop new improved processes and automation using the latest technology, and is currently working with a company on creating a scanner to help modernise its grading and inventory process.

The jury was impressed with the way the company works with a research committee and government organizations, including universities and research stations to help in processes and automation in production and labour.


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