AIPH extends International Grower of the Year 2027 entry deadline

For more than 15 years, the IGOTY Awards have celebrated the businesses setting the benchmark for the global industry

Ornamental growers now have until 27 September to enter the global horticulture awards

Horticulture

23 September 2026

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) has extended the entry deadline for the International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) Awards 2027, giving ornamental horticultural businesses an additional opportunity to showcase their achievements on the international stage.

Entries for the 2027 awards will now close on Sunday, 27 September 2026.

The awards, which have been running for more than 15 years, recognise ornamental growers demonstrating achievements in areas including production, innovation, sustainability and business development.

Tim Briercliffe, secretary general of AIPH, said the awards recognise the commitment and innovation driving the global ornamental horticulture industry.

“Every grower has a story worth telling. Whether it’s investing in people, embracing new technology, improving sustainability, or building a resilient business, the International Grower of the Year Awards recognise the commitment and innovation that drive our industry forward,” he said.

The IGOTY 2027 awards are open across three production categories:

Finished plants and trees
Young plants
Cut flowers and bulbs

Growers can also enter for consideration for the Sustainability Award, while the overall winner will receive the Gold Rose as AIPH International Grower of the Year 2027.

AIPH said previous finalists and winners have included both established family-run nurseries and internationally recognised producers.

Entries are assessed by an international panel of industry experts against five criteria:

Economic performance
Innovation
Market orientation
Environmental standards
Human resource policy
International exposure for finalists

As well as recognition within the horticultural industry, finalists and winners receive international promotion through AIPH, FloraCulture International and supporting media partners.

Briercliffe encouraged growers who had been considering entering to use the extended deadline to highlight the progress and achievements of their businesses.

“Entering the awards is an opportunity to step back and recognise everything your business has achieved,” he said.

He added: “Every nursery has its own journey, and the judging process looks beyond commercial success to the innovation, sustainability, and people that make each business exceptional.”

Growers can find the eligibility requirements and online entry information through here.