| | | | From IPM Essen to Sydney 2026 | | | | | | | |
Delivering Excellence and Industry Leadership | | | | | January began with AIPH at the heart of IPM Essen 2026, one of the ornamental horticulture sector’s most influential international trade fairs.
At the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards, Hillier Nurseries (UK) received the Gold Rose as International Grower of the Year 2026, recognised for its long-term commitment to quality and stewardship. Henil Vashi, a Horticultural Advisor at Robin Tacchi Plants in the UK, was named Young International Grower of the Year, highlighting the strength of emerging leadership in the global production community.
Throughout the exhibition, AIPH Members demonstrated innovation and international collaboration, reinforcing the association’s role as a global connector in the sector.
Alongside the celebrations, AIPH engaged in discussions with leading industry associations to exchange perspectives on developments in the cut flower market.
Conversations focused on trade flows, regulatory environments, and long-term competitiveness, themes central to industry strategy in 2026.
The publication of the latest volume of the International Statistical Yearbook 2025 further strengthened this knowledge base, providing consolidated global data to support evidence-based decision-making across production and trade.
These early 2026 milestones combine recognition with practical industry exchange. | | | | | | | | | | International Engagement and Global Recognition | | | | | | |
At the turn of the year, AIPH participated in a series of high-level international events in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, including the C40 World Mayors Summit, the COP30 Local Leaders Forum, and the World Bank’s Global Platform for Sustainable Cities (GPSC) Mayors Round Table and Urban Nature Forum.
At the World Bank Urban Nature Forum, AIPH introduced the Green City Standard as a governance-based, plant-centric benchmark designed to help cities translate ambition into measurable progress.
Preparations also continue for the AIPH World Green City Awards 2026, which recognise cities demonstrating measurable impact through the integration of plants and green infrastructure.
The Awards programme highlights innovation, governance, and cross-sector collaboration at the municipal level.
Together, the AIPH Green City Standard and AIPH World Green City Awards support cities in integrating plants into long-term urban planning. | | | | | | | | | | Oversight and Progress Across the Global Expo Programme
| | | | | In parallel, the AIPH Site Inspection Team conducted official inspections across Asia, reviewing progress on several AIPH-approved International Horticultural Expos at varying stages of development.
These inspections are a key part of how AIPH ensures that approved Expos remain on track and aligned with agreed standards.
Working closely with host cities and organisers, AIPH helps ensure quality delivery and maintains the credibility of its global Expo programme. | | | | | | | | | | The Next Strategic Milestone | | | | | With less than one month to go, the AIPH Meeting Sydney 2026 moves from anticipation to action.
Taking place from 8–12 March 2026, the Meeting will bring together AIPH Members, policymakers, industry leaders, and Expo organisers at a time when climate variability, regulatory change, and shifting market conditions are influencing production and investment decisions across ornamental horticulture.
The AIPH Horticultural Industry Conference will examine how climate variability, water stewardship, biosecurity preparedness, and applied research are shaping production systems and market resilience. Speakers from climate policy, water management, research, and commercial production will offer insight grounded in current realities.
The AIPH International Horticultural Expo Conference will bring together experienced organisers and emerging host cities to share practical insight on planning, delivery, and legacy.
As 2026 gathers pace, Sydney offers a timely opportunity to engage directly in the conversations shaping the sector’s next phase.
Registration remains open, and members and industry partners are encouraged to secure their place. | | | | | | | | | | Strengthening the Global Network | | | The AIPH community also marks an important leadership transition as Augusto Solano concludes a distinguished chapter in global floriculture.
As President of Asocolflores, AIPH's member association in Colombia, he has played a significant role in strengthening international cooperation | | | | and in representing one of the world’s leading cut-flower-producing regions within the global network.
His departure marks a change in leadership within one of AIPH’s key member associations, while the work of international collaboration continues. | | | | | | | | | | | | FloraCulture International has opened 2026 with its latest issue, The Race Against Time, examining global logistics, perishability, and supply chain pressure across the ornamental sector.
We explore how structural pressures are transforming cut flower logistics, from source preparation to gateway coordination, inspection processes, and changing regulations. And, highlight how system design and resilience are becoming central to trade performance. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | The first months of 2026 have combined celebration, oversight, data release, and international engagement.
As members prepare to meet in Sydney, the association’s work continues to connect production, markets, cities, and Expos in a shared global framework.
The year is already in motion, and the next phase begins in March.
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