AIPH releases nominee list for Young Grower of the Year award

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) announces the three young horticultural professionals who have been selected as finalists for the Young International Grower of the Year Award 2025.

For the fourth year in a row, AIPH is collaborating with Jungle Talks to present the Young International Grower of the Year category of the established International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) Awards. This category celebrates vibrant individuals, aged 25-40, who will lead the industry into the future.

Participants of Jungle Talks' Pro Manager Mastercourse who submitted an entry for the award have been assessed and three young professionals have reached the final.

The finalists were announced by Michael Perry, aka Mr Plant Geek, on the Decorum stand at Trade Fair Aalsmeer on 6th November 2024. They are:

David Marin, Colombia, is a Director at Deliflor Americas S.A.S. He has extensive experience in marketing, having earned qualifications in marketing, commercial management, and business administration at EAFIT University, Colombia.

Stuart van Staalduinen, Canada, began his journey with Bayview Flowers in 2009 as a Key Account Manager. In the past 15 years, he has committed to the growth of the company and has recently become Sales Director.

Thomas Reeves, Brazil, is the Ornamental Plant Production Director at Naturayo, a role he has held for over 13 years. He is responsible for commercial and strategic development, as well as increasing exports and national sales.

Left to right: Michael Perry aka Mr Plant Geek, Thomas Reeves, David Marin, Stuart van Staalduinen and AIPH president Leonardo Capitanio.

AIPH Secretary General, Tim Briercliffe, was involved in the process of selecting the finalists. He commented: "It is always inspiring to interview the candidates for this award. They bring dynamism, enthusiasm, and passion for their work and offer great hope for the future of our industry. I wish each of them well as they face the jury in the coming weeks."

The finalists will be interviewed by a distinguished international jury chaired by AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio and one will receive the title of Young International Grower of the Year 2025 at the IGOTY Awards Ceremony on 28th January 2025 at IPM Essen, Germany.

Tickets to attend the ceremony cost €120 and include a standing buffet dinner and post-award celebratory drinks. Groups of five are priced at €480, saving 20%, and groups of ten cost €840, saving 30%.