Henil Vashi, a Horticultural Advisor at Robin Tacchi Plants in the UK, received the 'Young International Grower of the Year (YIGOTY) Award' at an International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) awards ceremony held on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, in Essen, Germany. Keep reading to know more about the event and celebration.
Celebrating Young Talent Driving the Industry Forward
This award is part of the AIPH International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) Awards 2026, which celebrates the best of the best in ornamentals production. The Young IGOTY category recognizes bright young professionals who will lead the industry into the future. Entrants were participants of Jungle Talks’ Pro Manager Mastercourse.
Henil Vashi
At Robin Tacchi Plants, Henil Vashi advises on large-scale ornamental plant production across multiple nursery sites, overseeing more than one million plants annually. His role spans crop production, propagation, and detailed crop monitoring, with a strong focus on integrated pest management, biosecurity, and staff development. Henil has played a key role in advancing sustainable production practices, including the successful introduction of peat-reduced and peat-free growing substrates, resulting in a 30% reduction in peat use and improved crop quality.
“I’m really happy to win this award. I’m incredibly thankful for everyone who has helped me throughout my journey to be here, especially to AIPH and Jungle Talks for this incredible recognition.”
Henil Vashi - An Outstanding Young Mind
Henil, along with the other finalists, presented his ideas to an international jury of horticultural professionals. The judges were: Leonardo Capitanio, President of AIPH and owner of Vivai Capitanio, Italy; David Marin, Past YIGOTY winner and a Director at Deliflor Americas S.A.S., Colombia; and Puck van Holsteijn, CEO of World Horti Center and CEO of HortiHeroes, Netherlands.
He said:
“Henil stood out for his energy, curiosity, and ambition. He is eager to keep learning, highly focused on what he wants to achieve, and ready to create meaningful impact. His international perspective and innovative mindset show a clear understanding of where our industry is heading.”
For more information about the winner and the finalists, take a look at the digital Winners Brochure.
AIPH thanks Headline Sponsor MPS Group, Host Partner IPM Essen, Category Sponsors Chrysal and Agraya, Support Sponsor MyPlant&Garden, Flower Sponsors Floritec and VitroPlus, Founding Partner FloraCulture International, and Media Partners HortWeek and Thursd. for the support.
More About the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH)
Since 1948, AIPH has united horticultural producers in an international community that thrives to this day. Much has changed in that time. Technologies advanced, cities rose from the ground, and they have become more connected than ever. As a result, their essential bond with nature has been weakened. AIPH strives to reignite and uphold an appreciation of plants that is a basic human instinct. They support the work of grower associations globally. Together, they champion a prosperous industry, growing plants that enhance lives, advance societies, and sustain the planet for this generation and the next.
