The winner Best Novelty is...
Agastache 'Agapk' (BEELICIOUS PINK)
Vitroflora Grupa
… from Dobrcz (Poland) has won the Green Retail Award in the Best Novelty category with its entry Agastache ‘Agapk’ (BEELICIOUS PINK). Agastache ‘Agapk’ (BEELICIOUS PINK) is a very richly flowering cultivar with large, pink flower spikes that contrast beautifully with the dark pink calyxes. They are beautiful, healthy full plants that are neatly presented, the judges said. Besides this best novelty, two more plants were awarded a gold medal: Hydrangea paniculata ‘LC NO21’ (GROUNDBREAKER BLUSH) submitted by Alex Schoemaker Living Creations BV from Boskoop and Weigela florida ‘Floraclar’ (BUBBLY WINE) submitted by Valkplant B.V. from Hazerswoude-Dorp. Furthermore, four plants were awarded a silver and 13 plants a bronze medal. The entries for Best Novelty were judged by the independent and expert jury of the Royal Association for Boskoop Cultures. Forty-two plants were entered for this judging; in the end, 35 plants were judged.
The winner Best Market Innovation is...
Naturosa®
van Meer Plant BV
In de categorie Beste Marktinnovatie was de Green Retail Award voor Naturosa® van Meer Plant BV uit Meer (België). De jury was zeer te spreken over alle inzendingen en unaniem over Naturosa®. “Dit concept heeft een goed verhaal dat scoort op vele domeinen: biodiversiteit, gebruiksgemak, veenarm en ziekteresistentie. Binnen het concept zijn meerdere sterke soorten beschikbaar en dit breidt zich nog uit. Een sterk punt is dat het POS materiaal in samenspraak kan worden ontwikkeld”, aldus de jury.
A total of 14 entries were judged. Second place was for CO2-Tree by Van Oploo Tuinplanten from Bavel. On this, the jury said, ‘Although the Paulownia is not a new product, the CO2 theme gives it another relevant message. The theme is topical, but the market for this niche product is limited.’ Third place was for Fargesia One Boo from Plant Select NV of Rijckevorsel (Belgium). ‘The One Boo concept highlights the different colour variations in the bamboo range. The POS material developed is clear and transparent and makes it clear to consumers for which application the product is suitable,’ the jury said.
The jury for Best Market Innovation consists of representatives of international retailers from Scandinavia, Austria, Germany, England, France and the Netherlands. The jury members are all responsible for purchasing outdoor greenery. The winning concept will be included in the assortment of Scandinavian retail organisation Plantagen in 2025.
The winner Visitor's Favorite is...
Catharanthus roseus SOIRÉE® Light Pink Dark Eye
MNP / Suntory
The Catharanthus roseus SOIRÉE® Light Pink Dark Eye by MNP / Suntory has won the prestigious Green Retail Award! After counting the votes of trade show visitors, this beautiful plant emerged as the favorite by a wide margin.
This honor goes to a plant that more than deserves to be put in the spotlight. The Soirée® collection, developed by Suntory Flowers Ltd and marketed by MNP / Suntory, is known for its compact growth, which is ideal for smaller spaces and pots ranging from 7 cm to 22 cm. Propagation via cuttings gives this Catharanthus roseus a robust structure, ensuring vigor, reliability and future resistance.
Soirée® Light Pink Dark Eye sparkles with beautiful pink flowers accented by a dark pink center. The glossy, durable foliage makes this plant a feast for the eyes, while its heat and drought resistance makes it low maintenance and perfect for summer. Designed with both novice gardeners and professionals in mind, this collection, called Soirée® Sweet Besties, pairs effortlessly with plants that require less water.
With its robust resilience and space-efficient growth, this cheerful bloomer is sure to capture many more hearts. Congratulations to MNP / Suntory for this wonderful recognition and of course for introducing this unique summer beauty!