Hillier Nurseries LTD, a UK-based producer of shrubs and trees, has been awarded the title of International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) 2026 by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH).
Engineering Consistency Through Smart Growing Systems
The coveted ‘Gold Rose’ award was presented to Hillier Nurseries by Linda Hoogendoorn Veelenturf, CEO of MPS Group – Headline Sponsor of the Awards – at a ceremony held on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, at IPM Essen, Germany. Founded in 2009, the AIPH IGOTY Awards recognize best practice in horticulture by the top ornamental production nurseries from around the globe, celebrating the expertise and energy they give to horticulture.
Hillier Nurseries Making a Debut at the AIPH Awards
Hillier Nurseries’ success is based on blending traditional skills with scientific precision. More than 20,000 trees are hand-budded and grafted each year by multi-generational growers, ensuring exceptional quality and resilience. At the same time, Hillier invests in advanced technology, including a climate-controlled growing house with sensor-led irrigation and DEFRA-funded water management projects, improving crop consistency while reducing water and energy use.
Adam Dunnett, Production and Amenity Director at Hillier Nurseries, said:
“This is a remarkable moment. I’m very proud of the team, and I’m delighted that they’ve been recognized. Thank you to the jury and the other finalists. We’ve got a fantastic sector across the world. I’m proud to be part of this amazing industry.”
In addition to the Gold Rose Award, Hillier Nurseries also won the Finished Plants and Trees category, presented by Jack Goossens, AIPH Vice-President, and the Sustainability category, presented by Alison Jobic, Key Account Manager for Agraya.
The jury commented:
“Hillier Nurseries Ltd demonstrates outstanding leadership through its long-term commitment to plant quality, innovation, and sustainable nursery practices. Their influence on horticultural excellence and the wider landscape industry makes them a truly deserving IGOTY winner.”
Category Winners
Young International Grower of the Year:
- Winner: Henil Vashi, Horticultural Advisor, Robin Tacchi Plants, UK
- Finalist: Tatiana de German Ribon, CEO, Flores La Conchita, Colombia
- Finalist: Cauê Gomes Fogagnoli, Technical Director and Partner, Sítio Kolibri, Brazil, Finished Plants and Trees
- Winner: Hillier Nurseries LTD, UK
- Finalist: Fitoralia, Spain
- Finalist: Kwekerij Dirk Mermans, Belgium
Young Plants:
- Winner: Longchi Mudan Industrial Co., LTD, China
- Finalist: Chengdu Yimei Horticultural Technology Development Co., LTD, China
- Finalist: Jiuquan Lanxiang Horticultural Seedling Co., LTD, China
Cut Flowers and Bulbs:
- Winner: Yunnan Holyflora Horticulture Co., LTD, China
- Finalist: Flores El Capiro S.A., Colombia
- Finalist: Herburg Roses Group, Netherlands
Sustainability:
- Winner: Hillier Nurseries LTD, UK
- Finalist: Flores El Capiro S.A., Colombia
- Finalist: Herburg Roses Group, Netherlands
- Finalist: Kisima Farm LTD, Kenya
- Finalist: Yunnan Holyflora Horticulture Co., LTD, China
Certificates of Merit
In addition to the category winners, AIPH recognized the efforts of two producers with Certificates of Merit. Although these entries did not reach the finals in their chosen category, their commitment to the industry is worthy of acknowledgement.
- Beijing Green Garden Group Co., LTD, China (Finished Plants & Trees category)
- Kisima Farm LTD, Kenya (Cut Flowers & Bulbs category)
For more information about each of the winners, take a look at the digital Winners Brochure.
