Anthura BV, the Netherlands, wins AIPH International Grower
Anthura BV, The Netherlands has been awarded the accolade of International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) 2020 by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH).
Anthura won the coveted ‘Gold Rose’ award, presented by Royal Flora Holland CEO, Steven van Schilfgaarde, at the AIPH IGOTY Awards on Tuesday 28 January 2020 at IPM Essen, Germany.
The International Grower of the Year event is now in its 11th year, and it is an annual celebration of excellence and best practice in ornamentals production.
Anthura was also awarded Gold in the ‘Young Plants’ category, presented by jury member and AIPH Vice-President Tim Edwards. The breeder also won Gold again in the ‘Sustainability’ category, bestowed by a representative from Pöppelmann.
After winning the Young Plant Gold award, Marco van Herk, Commercial Director, at Anthura, says: “Winning International Grower of the Year, is a significant recognition. In horticulture, it means a lot.”
Anthura’s Director, Iwan van der Knaap, added, upon winning International Grower of the Year 2020: “We are very proud. Together we can make the whole world more beautiful and sustainable.”
This year’s overall winner Anthura is known as a worldwide specialist in anthuriums and orchids. As a breeder and propagator, this organization is continually working to develop new techniques, stimulate entrepreneurship and make the process chain more sustainable.
Anthura reached a unique milestone for horticulture when its research and development department sequenced and mapped the DNA of orchids and Anthuriums. The company has since invested in infrastructure, technology, and people to translate this breakthrough into more sustainable production of anthuriums and orchids.
Years of innovation and sustainable product development have resulted in an unlimited assortment of colorful varieties. Due to Anthura’s knowledge of genetics and its expert selection process, it offers customers vigorous plants in fabulous colors with long flowering periods. Antara stands for innovation, expertise, pragmatism, and entrepreneurship which its motto embodies: “Unlimited in varieties, offering unlimited possibilities”.
The AIPH IGOTY Jury is a panel of six internationally renowned horticulture experts. The following comment summarizes the judges’ review of this year’s winner: “Anthura is a role model for all of us. They have managed to be the leader within the entire palette; Innovation, R&D, New Tech, Sales & marketing, environment, and HR.”
Bernard Oosterom, President of AIPH, commented: “The 2020 IGOTY Awards provide an opportunity to put a spotlight on the best in our industry, showing the world the quality businesses that exist. This year’s event was another delightful occasion!” The awards are held alongside IPM Essen, each year, and attract a list of global industry players.
Headline sponsor Royal Flora Holland supported the AIPH IGOTY 2020 Awards, along with founding partner Flora Culture International, venue partner IPM Essen and further sponsors Pöppelmann, Expo 2021 Hatay, PERA, Format 2020, Genentech 2020, Dutch Flower Group and Flowers Expo Moscow 2020.