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La Gaitana Farms wins AIPH International Grower of the Year award

La Gaitana Farms, a Colombian carnation grower, has been awarded the title of International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) 2025 by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH).

The 'Gold Rose' award was presented to La Gaitana Farms by Daan de Vries, CEO of Headline Sponsor MPS, at the AIPH IGOTY Awards Ceremony 2025 on Tuesday 28 January 2025 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.

La Gaitana Farms cultivate a wide variety of blooms with 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 of La Gaitana Farms said: "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."

In addition to the Gold Rose Award, La Gaitana Farms also won the Cut Flowers & Bulbs category, presented by Remko Muntinga, CEO of Chrysal, and the Sustainability category, presented by Sarah von Fintel, Key Account Manager for GlobalG.A.P. and G.G.N. Label.

The IGOTY 2025 Jury commented: "Growing in Colombia and distributing globally has pushed La Gaitana Farms to elite status in the production of Carnations. The company's focus on sustainable practices in everything they do will help lead them to a strong and successful future. La Gaitana Farms utilizes strong selection, implementation, and evaluation processes to ensure quality products. They continuously adopt new innovations in all areas and their efforts towards sustainability and adapting to climate change have borne results."

Young International Grower of the Year
David Marin, a Director at Deliflor Americas S.A.S., Colombia, received the Young International Grower of the Year Award.



David joined Deliflor in 2019. During his time with the company, David has been involved in implementing horticultural practices to optimise resource usage and minimise environmental impact. These practices include efficient water management and plant nutrition, as well as the incorporation of technologies that facilitate real-time monitoring.

"It's a symbol of hard work, teamwork, and passionate work," David said. "This award will inspire the company and the team, it will let them know that everything is possible."

David, 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; Colin Fernandes, Past YIGOTY winner and Trial Site Coordinator for Marginpar, Kenya; and Puck van Holsteijn, CEO of World Horti Center and CEO of HortiHeroes, Netherlands.

Leonardo Capitanio commented: "David stands out as an exceptional example of balance and expertise in the floriculture industry. The jury was particularly impressed by his ability to merge innovation with a broad understanding of the sector.

"David's ambition to develop sustainable markets, alongside his focus on commercial expansion and enhancing customer experiences, highlights his technical and commercial expertise. His ability to build high-performing teams and foster balanced growth demonstrates a rare long-term vision, making him a truly inspiring leader and a deserving winner of this prestigious award."

All winners per category
Young International Grower of the Year:
Winner: David Marin (Colombia)
Finalist: Thomas Reeves (Brazil)
Finalist: Stuart van Staalduinen (Canada)

Cut Flowers and Bulbs:
Winner: La Gaitana Farms (Colombia)
Finalist: Soex Flora PVT. LTD. (India)
Finalist: Yunnan Yuntianhua Huajiangpu Technology Co., Ltd (China)

Young Plants:
Winner: Plant Select (Belgium)
Finalist: Könst Alstroemeria B.V. (Netherlands)
Finalist: Qianxinan Green Edge Animal and Plant Technology Development Co., Ltd. (China)

Finished Plants and Trees:
Winner: VIVERCID (Spain)
Finalist: Taizhou Suzhong Horticulture Co., Ltd (China)
Finalist: Stolkbrothers (Netherlands)

Sustainability:
Winner: La Gaitana Farms (Colombia)
Finalist: Fitoralia (Spain)
Finalist: Yunnan Yuntianhua Huajiangpu Technology Co., Ltd (China)
Finalist: Taizhou Suzhong Horticulture Co., Ltd (China)

In addition to the category winners, AIPH recognized the efforts of three producers with Certificates of Merit. Although these entries did not reach the finals, their commitment to the industry is worthy of acknowledgement:
Chengdu Lvwo Agriculture Co., Ltd (China)
Javoy Plantes Pepinieres (France)
Kaset 32 Farms (Thailand)

For more information:
AIPH
www.aiph.org

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