Tag: flowers news

Entries are open for the International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) Awards 2026, organized by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH).

Established in 2009 with the support of Founding Partner FloraCulture International (FCI), the awards celebrate best practices and recognize the ‘best of the best’ in the industry. Winners are ornamentals producers from around the world who demonstrate innovation and expertise.

The awards comprise 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.

In January 2025, La Gaitana Farms, Colombia, was announced as International Grower of the Year 2025 and presented the coveted Gold Rose by Daan de Vries, CEO of Headline Sponsor MPS. La Gaitana Farms cultivates a wide variety of blooms with the utmost respect for the environment and communities. The family-owned, independent company grows carnations and produces bouquets from its 43 hectares of cropping area. Their commitment to sustainable practices, technological innovation, and social responsibility has positioned them as a trusted supplier in international markets.

Camilo Bleier, General Manager for La Gaitana Farms commented: “It’s a big challenge to step into these shoes and keep improving every day, but we’ve done our homework. It’s a pleasure to be in this industry, it’s fun every day, and you can never grow tired of nature.”

Candidates can enter the IGOTY Awards 2026 online and entry closes on Sunday 6th July 2025. Judging will then take place by a panel of industry experts who will assess the entrants on five key criteria; economic performance, innovation, market insight, sustainability and human resources policy.

To find out more about the IGOTY Awards and to enter, visit the AIPH Website.

Thailand exported 5.43-billion-baht worth of orchids in the past two years, cementing its position as the world’s top exporter, the Department of Business Development (DBD) reported on Wednesday. Thai exports of decorative plants from 2023 to 2024 grew to 9.32 billion baht, more than half coming from orchids, Oramon Sapthaweetham, DBD director-general, said.

Major markets for Thai decorative plants include the United States, Vietnam, Japan and Malaysia. A total of 2,993 flower, decorative, and perennial plants businesses are registered with the department, with a combined registered capital of 17.6 billion baht.

These businesses reported a total revenue of 91.51 billion baht in 2023 and a profit of 2.47 billion baht, up from 1.84 billion baht in 2021.

“Technology and innovation are key growth drivers in this industry,” said Oramon, adding that modern technology such as smart farming is reducing costs and increasing efficiency, empowering Thai farmers to compete on the global stage. She called for further development of the workforce and farming technology to maintain Thailand’s edge over competitors.

Read more at The Nation

Royal FloraHolland (RFH), Plantion, and Veiling Rhein-Maas (VRM) have jointly decided to phase out the Electronic Delivery Note (EAB) in 2025 and to process all deliveries for clock and direct trade through Floriday. This will enhance trading opportunities for growers and buyers, making them greater and more flexible, and will help develop a future-proof floriculture sector.

RFH, Plantion, and VRM intend to make deliveries for clock and direct trade via Floriday and associated software packages. Currently, 50% of direct and clock deliveries from VRM and Plantion, as well as auction deliveries from RFH, are already processed through Floriday. Royal FloraHolland has stopped using Connect-EAB, and almost all direct deliveries are handled through Floriday. The next step is to have all clock deliveries take place through Floriday.

New trading opportunities for growers and buyers
If all deliveries go through Floriday instead of the EAB, new trading opportunities become possible for growers and buyers. This includes accessing the digital clock through Floriday, the ability to submit transport orders, and gaining insight into Track & Trace information and packaging notifications within Europe. Additionally, the marketplaces aim to eliminate duplicate infrastructure costs.

Splitting the commercial and logistics process
The current clock EAB activates two processes simultaneously: a commercial process for supply to the clock and the logistical registration of delivery vehicles to the hubs. Because both steps are included in one delivery message, the information can only be sent after the delivery has been prepared by the grower. This means that the sector is tied to an inflexible process, and, for example, auction pre-sales cannot start until the delivery has been processed by the grower.

Putting supply on the market early
Through Floriday, these processes are set up separately from each other, which offers more flexibility and opportunities for other forms of trading. RFH is developing a new way of day trading (Floriday Daytrade), where growers can put their supply on the market early in the day, and RFH’s logistics can handle the smaller orders.

What does this mean in practice?
Growers who already send their clock and direct delivery through Floriday create the delivery correctly. Growers using a software package will continue to create clock and direct delivery via their software package, but this will soon be done via the Floriday API link (instead of through the EAB). Depending on the software package used by growers, a new update will be made available. Some software vendors have yet to develop this; please check this status overview. Growers will be informed by the software supplier about the necessary steps and planned updates.

On Saturday, March 22, San Francisco’s sixth annual Tulip Day returns, turning Union Square into a massive, flower-filled garden where visitors can pick their own bouquet free of charge. But be warned — it’s an influencer magnet, and if previous years’ massive crowds are any indication, you’ll want to get there early.

Officially, the tulip-picking starts at 1 p.m. and runs until 4 p.m., but people typically start lining up hours beforehand. In 2023, over 35,000 people showed up, and lines stretched around the square well before the first tulip was plucked. Last year, the number grew to about 40,000, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Organizers recommend arriving as early as 9 a.m. to secure a good spot. Once in the plaza, each visitor can gather up to eight tulips to take home.

The event, inspired by Amsterdam’s National Tulip Day, is made possible through a partnership between the Union Square Alliance and the Consulate General of the Netherlands, which supplies the bulbs. The Netherlands exports over $120 million worth of tulip bulbs to the U.S. each year, per a press release from the Union Square Alliance.

Beyond the flowers, the day is a part of a larger push to bring more foot traffic back to Union Square. In a press release, Mayor Daniel Lurie said he is excited to show through Tulip Day and other events “what makes San Francisco so special.”

Read more at SF Gate

On Monday, March 17, the first reefer container with flowers was transported by rail in Kenya. This trial shipment is a milestone in the development of the Cool Logistics Corridor in Kenya and demonstrates the potential of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) for the transport of fresh produce to the port of Mombasa.

Kenyan and Dutch collaboration
The first trial shipment coincided with the State Visit of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima to Kenya. This trial shipment is the result of a collaboration between various parties in Kenya and the Netherlands, including Nini (flower grower), Dutch Flower Group (flower importer and exporter), Maersk (shipping line and integrated logistics provider), Kenya Railways Corporation (rail operator), and Kenya Ports Authority (terminal operator). The container departed on Monday, March 17, from the Naivasha Inland Container Depot, successfully arrived the same day at the port of Mombasa, and is destined for the port of Rotterdam. A sea freight container can hold about 320,000 to 400,000 roses, depending on the type of rose.

The trial shipment was supported by Invest International, the Flying Swans, and the Dutch Embassy, and is part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Kenyan and Dutch governments on developing a Cool Logistics Corridor. “This first trial shipment marks the strong collaboration between the Netherlands and Kenya in agro-logistics and showcases the efforts from companies in both countries to adopt transport via sea freight as an additional mode of transport to air freight,” says Henk Jan Bakker, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Kenya.

Potential of SGR to support the transportation of fresh produce by sea
Kenya exports a significant amount of horticultural produce to the Netherlands, including cut flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Most of the flowers are transported by air as this is a quicker form of transportation. However, sea freight as an alternative can decrease costs and reduce the environmental footprint.

“By transporting flowers by sea in containers, we are able to achieve a reduction of our CO2-equivalent emissions by 80 to 90% compared to air transport, depending on locations. This trial shipment gives us insight into the potential of rail transport in Kenya as a sustainable and efficient alternative, also for truck transport to the port of Mombasa,” says Jan van Dam, CEO of Dutch Flower Group.

Naivasha ICD location for first shipment
The Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Naivasha is about 572 km west of the port of Mombasa and 120 km from Nairobi on the Mombasa–Nairobi–Naivasha SGR route. It is a key location on the Northern Corridor as an interchange of the SGR and the Metre Gauge Railway (MGR), which connects further to Uganda. The ICD has been operating since December 2019 and is close to the Naivasha production areas for flowers, fruits, and vegetables. “Naivasha ICD is ready for facilitating the transport of reefer containers by rail, with reefer plug-in points being installed at the ICD, and all Kenyan authorities present to clear cargo already at Naivasha ICD instead of in the Mombasa Port,” says Capt. William Ruto, Managing Director of Kenya Ports Authority.

The Naivasha Consolidation Centre, which is being developed with funding from Invest International and the expertise of Flying Swans, is to be located at the Naivasha ICD. Given the need for consolidation of flowers, the consolidation center will be a catalyst for the transition to an integrated rail-and-sea freight system for perishable products. Flowers, fruit, and vegetables can be directly transported by SGR to the port of Mombasa without pre-transport of the reefer container by truck.

“We believe in the potential of sea freight for the competitiveness of Kenya’s fresh produce exports, and the Naivasha ICD is a unique location given its proximity to production regions and direct interface with the SGR,” says Marcel Biemond, Director at Flying Swans.

Creating a win-win situation for Kenya and the Netherlands
“Invest International is moving proactively towards the development of sustainable and inclusive international trade. This project will contribute to greening the supply chain in the flower and fruit & vegetable sector, creating jobs and increasing the income position of farmers, while creating opportunities for Dutch companies,” says Hans Docter, CEO at Invest International.

The Netherlands, being a global trade hub for flowers, makes the port of Rotterdam a key player in supporting the growing volume from Kenya to the Netherlands. More than 50% of cut flowers from Kenya are exported to the Netherlands, and these flowers will increasingly be transported by sea freight. For fruits and vegetables, like avocados from Kenya, the Netherlands is also the main destination. The Port of Rotterdam Authority is a proud partner in the Flying Swans consortium and is always willing to support this development. “As the main port for fresh produce imports into Europe, we are willing to make our services and our infrastructure available to advance sustainability within the logistics process and to optimize the cold chain logistics,” says Danny Levenswaard, Director of Breakbulk and Agrofood at the Port of Rotterdam Authority.

For more information:
Flying Swans
www.flyingswans.org/

The temperate region of India, with its rich biodiversity and favourable agro- climatic conditions, is ideally suited for floriculture. Its diverse flora, including a range of ornamental flowers, offers significant opportunities for entrepreneurs in both domestic and international markets. The increasing demand for ornamental plants presents a lucrative prospect. However, the sector faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited cold storage, and insufficient financial and technical resources. Overcoming these hurdles requires targeted government support, infrastructure improvements, and collaboration among entrepreneurs, researchers, and institutions. Enhancing market linkages and fostering innovation can drive the growth of temperate floriculture and bolster the socio-economic development.

Gupta, Dr & Pathania, Sabhya. (2024). Dynamics in temperate floriculture.

Source: Research Gate

The Society of American Florists (SAF) is now accepting submissions for its 31st Annual Marketer of the Year Contest, recognizing innovative and effective marketing campaigns that have helped floral businesses grow. SAF members across the industry—including retailers, wholesalers, importers, manufacturers, and growers—are invited to apply. The deadline to enter is May 31, 2025.

“The Marketer of the Year contest isn’t just about flashy visuals—it’s about strategy, execution, and measurable success,” says Melanie Spilbeler, marketing director of Choice Farms, LLC, and a 2024 contest judge. “Strong campaigns start with a deep understanding of the target audience, clearly defined strategic goals, and data-driven results that demonstrate real impact—whether it’s increased revenue, higher engagement, or customer growth.”

The winner of the award receives a cash prize of $5,000, sponsored by Design Master, a division of Smithers-Oasis, free registration to SAF’s Annual Convention, a cover story in the September/October 2025 issue of Floral Management magazine, highlighting their marketing achievement, and recognition during the SAF Annual Convention, where they will be honored in front of industry leaders.

Entry details
Eligibility: Contest is open to all businesses who have been in operation for at least two years and are in good standing with vendors.

Who Can Enter: SAF member businesses, including retailers, wholesalers, importers, manufacturers, and growers.

Campaign Criteria: Any successful marketing campaign from the last five years is eligible.

Judging: Entries are evaluated by a panel of floral industry professionals and at least one non-industry marketing expert, who judge campaigns based on originality and success.

The deadline to enter is May 31, 2025.

For more information:
SAF
[email protected]
safnow.org

The European Plant Support (EPS) Foundation has once again awarded financial contributions to projects in the tree nursery industry as part of its third funding round. During the board meeting on March 10, it was decided to support three initiatives that contribute to sustainability, innovation, and knowledge sharing within the industry. The projects will be featured at GrootGroenPlus 2025, and they will provide a tangible contribution to the further development of the tree nursery industry.

Three projects selected for support
As in previous rounds, careful consideration was given to selecting projects that would best benefit the industry. In total, three projects have been chosen.

Certification of Miscanthus as Sustainable Substrate Material
This project focuses on the certification of Miscanthus as an RHP-certified substrate material. With this certification, farmers will be able to grow a new, renewable crop, substrate producers will have access to locally sourced raw materials, and tree nurseries will find it easier to transition to peat-free substrates. This initiative contributes to CO₂ reduction and promotes a more sustainable supply chain. The certification process is expected to begin in early 2025 and continue until mid-2026. This project has been submitted by Miscanthus-Agri, which recognizes how this certification can benefit the entire supply chain. To achieve this, they will collaborate with RHP and other industry partners.

Garden Centre Event at GrootGroenPlus 2025
Following the success of the retail theme in 2024, EPS will support the organization of a special event for garden centers from the Netherlands and Belgium. This event will feature a seminar focused on sustainability. Additionally, a Green Climate Square will be set up for garden centers, highlighting four key topics: green roofs, water management in gardens, paving removal (what to replace it with?), and biodiversity. This initiative is already active in the Netherlands and is currently being rolled out in Belgium. The goal is to bring garden centers, governments, and nature organizations together to promote sustainable garden design. The event at the trade fair will mainly target participants from the Netherlands and Belgium, but simultaneous translation via headsets will make it accessible to international visitors. Various media partners will be involved in this event.

Targeted Content Creation and Information Provision via GGP.News
To improve information-sharing within the tree nursery industry and to enhance the visibility of GrootGroenPlus, much is invested in high-quality content creation for GGP.News. This platform will provide year-round updates for participants, visitors, and decision-makers in the industry, ensuring that GGP remains internationally relevant and well-positioned as the leading networking platform for the nursery stock industry. This project will mainly focus on reaching key audiences, including the international and Dutch nursery stock growers and traders as potential participants and visitors, decision-makers in the relevant industries who would benefit from participating in or attending GGP, and media and industry organizations that can help distribute the content further.

The Robinson Family Farm has grown around 200,000 Tulips for their spring showcase, but it didn’t come easy.

Severe weather continues to challenge Texas farmers, but Helen Robinson and her family refuse to back down. From tornadoes to an arctic blast, the Robinson’s have faced numerous obstacles in keeping their farm running.

Despite the extreme weather, the Robinson family grew and bloomed approximately 200,000 tulips this season.

“As pretty as they are and as full as they are, you will see some individuals that were knocked down by the wind or they died off,” Robinson said.

Read more at ABC 25

Hotel registration is now open for the 2025 Farwest Show. The show will be held August 20–22, 2025 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon.

“You need a home base for your high-energy, high-output Farwest Show experience — somewhere to rest and recharge,” said Allan Niemi, director of events for the Oregon Association of Nurseries. “Our four host hotels are right in the middle of the action. They give you easy access to the Tuesday tours, the Wednesday keynote, the expo and seminars Wednesday through Friday, and the signature social events in the evening, including Farwest Happy Hour and Farwest Pub Crawl.”

There are four host hotels this year, all located within an easy walk of the Oregon Convention Center. They are Hyatt Regency Portland, Courtyard by Marriott Portland Downtown Convention Center, Doubletree by Hilton Portland, and Hotel Eastlund. When booking through Farwest, attendees and staff receive reduced room rates and free WiFi when they check in at the hotel.

To secure a hotel room within the discounted hotel room block, visit the Farwest Show website at the link here and follow the reservation instructions provided by each hotel. Attendees may also call their hotel of choice to book a room or make their reservation online. The special, discounted room block rates will be available through July 31, 2025, or until that available room block is full.

Scam warning
The Farwest Show has not partnered with any travel agency for the 2025 show. Please be aware that there are companies contacting exhibitors directly claiming to have room blocks on behalf of the Farwest Show. They are not associated with the Farwest Show, and we have no control over booking and cancellation fees associated with their service. No housing coordinator for the Farwest Show will make outbound calls to solicit reservations. Visitors are urged to avoid scammers, and to not give credit card information to anyone calling and claiming to be a Farwest travel agent.