The evening event, held on Tuesday 28 January 2020 at IPM Essen, Germany, is now in its 11th year. It is organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) to celebrate excellence and best practice in ornamentals production.

LVG Plants was awarded Bronze in the ‘Finished Plants & Trees’ category, presented by the Mayor of Hatay, Dr Lutfu Savas, and Bronze again in the ‘Sustainability’ category, bestowed by a representative of Pöppelmann.

Lourens van Geest established LVG in 1995. Today, his three sons run the South African farm which encompasses 50 hectares of production including 11 hectares of fully-automated greenhouses.

LVG Plants offers an integrated value chain, from growing indoor plants through to marketing and sales. The company aims to bring quality products to the market cost-effectively and sustainably to get maximum shelf life and value for both the retailer and end-user.

The AIPH IGOTY Jury is a panel of six internationally renowned horticulture experts chaired by AIPH Vice-President Tim Edwards. The following comment summarises the judges’ review of this year’s winner: “LVG Plants is a dynamic company and the judges praise their reputation as being a great industry representative and leader in ornamental and indoor plants on the African continent and South Africa.

“LVG Plants focus on quality, technique, staff, sustainability, strategy and close cooperation with retailers towards consumers. The judges especially commend LVG Plants for its environmentally friendly approach and market share of 60% – which is impressive in any country.”