For over thirty years, MNP / Suntory has been a trusted name in the European ornamental plant industry, renowned for introducing innovative and successful bedding plants. Its collection of high-quality products, including Surfinia® trailing Petunia, Sundaville® Mandevilla (Dipladenia), Lofos® Lophospermum, Princettia® Euphorbia (Poinsettias), Grandaisy® Argyranthemum, Senetti® Pericallis, Beedance® Bidens, Soirée Sweet Besties, among others, has brought joy and beauty to countless gardens across Europe.
All this beauty does not just happen by chance. There is a whole team of specialists behind this who have been getting the best out of themselves for the perfect plant for years. A team that is proud to continue the legacy of excellence and looks forward to inspiring gardeners for many years.
In short, it is high time to get to know this team of plant pioneers in the run-up to this year's IPM in Essen.
The Plant Pioneers
At MNP / Suntory, it all begins with people, with a passionate team dedicated to introducing visitors to their enchanting universe. Imagine wandering through a garden of vibrant colors and fragrances, guided by experts who breathe life into the petals. Let's meet the stars of this green spectacle.
Jeroen Egtberts - The Visionary General Director. Jeroen is the Captain of this botanical ship and sets the course for MNP / Suntory. With a keen eye for innovation and a deep love for plants, he's the driving force behind MNP's journey into the hearts of plant enthusiasts worldwide.
Jeroen has been working at the company for over 35 years. Before working as the managing director, he used to run the marketing department. Over the years he got to know all the ins and outs of the industry. He can answer every question that comes to your mind. Thanks to him, amazing products such as Surfinia® exist on the market! His innovative mindset and industry knowledge have sealed the long-term collaboration with the Japanese company Suntory, of which MNP is a trusted partner for the European market.
Klaas Droog - The Mandevilla Maestro. Klaas is a living encyclopedia when it comes to these captivating blooms. If you've got questions about Mandevilla, he's the go-to guy. His knowledge is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
Klaas started working at MNP as a license controller of Suntory in 2005. Over the years his function has grown to the license sales and promotion of our European brands. Mainly the Mandevilla brand Sundaville®. Klaas spent his time traveling through Europe to visit our customers and partners. During the summer, Klaas is in charge of managing the same business for MNP’s stakeholder Mailland International.
Erwin Giezen - The Creative Mind. Erwin the Head of Marketing, Communication & Trade, is the creative genius behind MNP / Suntory's branding and communication. His imagination knows no bounds, and he's constantly concocting innovative ways to showcase their floral wonders.
When Erwin arrived at MNP in 2013, the company started to change its appearance. A new logo, a new slogan, right up to the look we can see now. Erwin is a creative par excellence, always inspired by his surroundings and his family, which always gives him new stimuli and original food for thought. His mind never stops, he is always full of new ideas to implement as Head of Marketing, Communication & Trade.
Francesca Lanzillotta - The Communication Virtuoso. Francesca, the Marketing & Communication Manager, is the voice that brings MNP / Suntory's story to life. Her expertise in communication ensures that their message resonates with plant lovers around the world.
Francesca is one of the latest pioneers who joined MNP / Suntory in 2022. As her name suggests, she came from Italy bringing positive vibes and a young perspective in her marketing and communication manager role. Although she has only been with the company for a relatively short time, she has had a taste of all the experiences one can have as an MNP, from writing content to potting some novelties to organizing an in-house trade fair hosting thousands of people. She loves spending time creating content by herself and doing little things in the greenhouse to know the crops better.
Paul Jackson - The UK Plant Ambassador. Paul, the UK Sales Representative and resident plant expert, is MNP / Suntory's envoy to the United Kingdom. With his deep knowledge of plants, he's the bridge connecting the British Isles to the botanical treasures of MNP.
Paul is the kind and enthusiastic ambassador who opens doors with his irresistible openness and vast knowledge of MNP / Suntory's product range. Besides being a skilled sales agent of MNP in the UK, Paul is a grower of infinite knowledge and experience; there is no question about our varieties that he cannot answer.
Cultivating Excellence
Now that we've met the dream team, let's continue through the heart of MNP / Suntory's philosophy. At the core of their mission is a commitment to excellence in every petal and leaf. Their innovative selection process is the secret behind their botanical masterpieces. MNP / Suntory's selection process is like a meticulous art form. It's not just about choosing the most beautiful blooms; it's about selecting those plants with the true potential to thrive and bring joy to every corner of the world. Their dedication to quality is unwavering.
Culture at MNP / Suntory is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of diversity and passion. Their team members come from all corners of the globe, each bringing their unique perspectives and love for plants. It's this cultural mosaic that enriches their creative thinking and product development.
The Bouquet of Products
The crown jewels of the MNP / Suntory team are their treasured products. With a dazzling array of plant varieties, they offer something for every floral enthusiast. From Sundaville® and Surdiva® to Surfinia®, and Soirée™, and Senetti®, and from Granvia® to Princettia®. All house brands of MNP / Suntory, all bursting with color; a testament to this breeder's commitment to innovation.
It will be clear by now that MNP / Suntory is more than just a botanical company; they are storytellers, innovators, and ambassadors of the floral realm. Their dedicated team, led by Jeroen Egtberts, continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of plants. Klaas Droog's absolute knowledge about 'his' Sundaville®, Erwin Giezen's creative spark, Francesca Lanzillotta's communication finesse, and Paul Jackson's plant expertise ensure that MNP / Suntory's message reaches far and wide, to gardens and cityscapes all across Europe.
Stop by at IPM Essen This Year
Remember the passionate souls behind it, and know that you're holding a piece of botanical artistry crafted with love and dedication. Cheers to MNP / Suntory and their ever-blooming journey into the hearts of florists and plant lovers around the world.
Are you visiting the IPM in Essen this year? Then be sure to visit the MNP / Suntory booth E47.1 in Hall 1 to meet the plant pioneers!
All photos and video courtesy of MNP / Suntory.
Contact MNP / Suntory for more information about their products and services.
