12 A sea of flowers at 2011 Pack Trials - Floraculture International

Editorial & Administration Offices
FloraCulture International B.V.
Vondelstraat 162, 1054 GV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
T (31) 20 618 2 666 F (31) 20 618 1 333
Circulation Administration: FBW Woerden P.O. Box 612,
3440 AP Woerden, the Netherlands
T (31) 34 84 31 393 F (31) 34 84 32 552 info@fbw-woerden.nl
Editors: Ron van der Ploeg (ron@floracultureinternational.com)
Editorial team: Chris Beytes, Lotte Bjarke, Arturo Croci, Helen Moody,
Marie-Françoise Petitjean, Leaora Policar, Jennifer White
Founding editor: Debbie Hamrick
Publisher: FloraCulture International B.V.
(jaap@floracultureinternational.com)
T (31) 20 61 82 666 F (31) 20 61 81 333
Printer: Habo DaCosta
Designer: Stadsdrukkerij Amsterdam, Aryen Bouwmeester
Copy correction and sub-editing: Alex Goodger
Cover photograph: Petterik Wiggers
Advertising Sales Offices
Europe, Africa, Asia/Pacific
International Accounts Management:
FloraCulture International, Vondelstraat 162,
1054 GV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Dennis Seriese (dennis@floracultureinternational.com) M (31) 62 21 65 220
Angie Duffree (angie@floracultureinternational.com)
Italy, Southern France:
Arturo Croci (arturo@floracultureinternational.com)
Scandinavia: Lotte Bjarke (lotte@floracultureinternational.com)
LB Text & Idé, Søndervej 10, 8350 Hundslund, Denmark T(45) 21 48 75 30
Spain: Dr Miguel Merino-Pacheco (miguel@floracultureinternational.com)
USA, Canada, Central America:
Paul Black (pblack@ballpublishing.com)
Ball Publishing, 622 Town Road,
PO Box 1660, West Chicago, IL 60186, United States
T(1)6 30 23 13 675 F(1)6 30 23 15 254
Miami: William Armellini(William@floracultureinternational.com)
Middle East: Eyal Policar (eyal@floracultureinternational.com)
T (972) 54 42 97 002 F (972) 86 58 19 07
China: Dr Sun Jing Xian (consultingflower@yahoo.com.cn)
Japan: Yutaka Shirakawa, Japan Flowers and Plants.
(floraculture@bloom-japan.net).
East Africa: Catherine Riungu (catherineriungu@yahoo.com)
South Africa: Cilla Lowen (cilla@floracultureinternational.com)
T (27) 22 4857058 F (27) 22 4857415
FloraCulture International (ISSN1051-9076) is published monthly.
Worldwide distribution. © 2011 FloraCulture International magazine.
All rights reserved. No portion of editorial may be reproduced in any
form without written permission of the publisher. Publisher is not liable
for advertisements using illegally obtained images. Send address changes
to FloraCulture International magazine, Vondelstraat 162, 1054 GV
Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
FloraCulture International (ISSN1051-9076) is published monthly.
Worldwide distribution. ©2011 FloraCulture International magazine.
All rights reserved. No portion of editorial may be reproduced in any
form without written permission of the publisher. Publisher is not
liable for advertisements using illegally obtained images. Send address changes
to FloraCulture International magazine, Vondelstraat 162, 1054 GV Amsterdam,
the Netherlands.
Editorial & Administration Offices
FloraCulture International B.V.
P.O.Box 82, 1850 AB Heiloo, the Netherlands
T (31) 72 53 23 522 F (31) 72 53 23 521
Circulation Administration: FBW Woerden P.O. Box 612,
3440 AP Woerden, the Netherlands
T (31) 34 84 31 393 F (31) 34 84 32 552 info@fbw-woerden.nl
Editors: Anabel Evans (anabel@floracultureinternational.com)
Ron van der Ploeg (ron@floracultureinternational.com)
Editorial team: Edward Bent, Chris Beytes, Lotte Bjarke, Arturo Croci,
Hans De Vries, David Gray, Kerry Herndon, Helen Moody,
Marie-Françoise Petitjean, Marta Pizano, Leaora Policar, Jennifer White
Founding editor: Debbie Hamrick
Cover: California Pack Trials
Publisher: FloraCulture International B.V.
(jaap@floracultureinternational.com)
T (31) 20 61 82 666 F (31) 20 61 81 333
Printer: Hollandia Printing, Heerhugowaard
Designer: Hollandia Media Productions
Cartoonist: Bas Kohler
Advertising Sales Offices
Europe, Africa, Asia/Pacific
International Accounts Management:
Dennis Seriese (dennis@floracultureinternational.com)
Angie Duffree (angie@floracultureinternational.com)
T(31)20 61 82 666 F (31)20 61 81 333 M(31) 62 21 65 220
Office Manager: Claudia Stokreef
(claudia@floracultureinternational.com)
FloraCulture International B.V.
P.O. Box 82, 1850 AB Heiloo, the Netherlands
T (31)72 53 23 522 F (31) 72 53 23 521 M (31) 63 03 99 450
Italy, Southern France:
Arturo Croci (arturo@floracultureinternational.com)
Scandinavia: Lotte Bjarke (lotte@floracultureinternational.com)
LB Text & Idé, Søndervej 10, 8350 Hundslund, Denmark T(45) 21 48 75 30
South America: Marta Pizano de Marquez (marta@floracultureinternational.com)
Horti Tecnia Ltda., Calle 85 No20-25 Of. 202B, Bogotá, Colombia
T (57) 15 30 20 36 F (57) 12 36 25 54 hortitec@unete.com
Miami: William Armellini(William@floracultureinternational.com)
USA, Canada, Central America:
Paul Black (pblack@ballpublishing.com) Lucas Nicholas
(lnicholas@ballpublishing.com) Ball Publishing, 622 Town Road,
PO Box 1660, West Chicago, IL 60186, United States
T(1)6 30 23 13 675 F(1)6 30 23 15 254
Middle East: Eyal Policar (eyal@floracultureinternational.com)
T (972) 54 42 97 002 F (972) 86 58 19 07
Japan: Eiji Yoshikawa (callems@world.odn.ne.jp)
EMS Inc., 2-22-8 Matsubara, Setagaya-ku,Tokyo 156-0043, Japan
T (81) 33 32 75 756 F (81) 33 32 27 933
East Africa: David Gray (gray@africaonline.co.ke)
South Africa: Cilla Lowen (cilla@floracultureinternational.com)
T (27) 22 4857058 F (27) 22 4857415
Colofon
FloraCulture International (ISSN1051-9076) is published monthly.Worldwide distribution.
© 2009 FloraCulture International magazine. All rights reserved. No portion of editorial may
be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. Publisher is not liable
for advertisements using illegally obtained images. Send address changes to FloraCulture
International magazine, P.O.Box 82, 1850 AB Heiloo, theNetherlands.
Ron van
der Ploeg
Dennis
Seriese
Claudia
Stokreef
Lotte
Bjarke
Marta Pizanode
Marquez
William
Armellini
Paul
Black
Lucas
Nicholas
Eyal
Policar
Arturo
Croci
Eiji
Yoshikawa
Cilla Lowen
FloraCulture International (ISSN1051-9076) is published monthly.
Worldwide distribution. ©2009 FloraCulture International magazine.
All rights reserved. No portion of editorial may be reproduced in any
form without written permission of the publisher. Publisher is not
liable for advertisements using illegally obtained images. Send address changes to
FloraCulture International magazine, P.O.Box 82,1850 AB Heiloo, the Netherlands.
In my opinion
With compliments
Quality, innovation, sustainability and logistics are words that
often appear in our editorial. This is a compliment to you, the
floriculture industry; the interviewees and contributors remain
focused on “what can be” rather than “what isn’t”. The cut flower
market is difficult, but a glimpse of relief is being experienced by
the pot and bedding plant growers with the spring sunshine having
made a well-timed appearance in Europe.
Working backwards in this issue; in East Africa, Ethiopia’s
explosive floriculture growth is being reined back, but in another
snippet of news received from David Gray it appears that
logistics in East Africa are receiving a boost. He writes that if
infrastructure, communications and transport are the key to the
development of horticulture and economies in general the news
of: new roads linking Addis Ababa with Nairobi; a proposed new
railway line on the Kenyan Coast from Addis Ababa to Lamu; a
new railway line from Tanzania to Uganda; Delta Airlines about
to start direct flights between Nairobi and Atlanta; a deal between
Kenya’s Astral Aviation and Etihad Crystal Cargo for the Nairobi-
Abu Dhabi route; should all have positive effects on the economic
development of East Africa in the medium to long term.
In Taiwan, the presidential opening of the International Orchid
Show is an indication in itself about the pride the nation takes in
its orchid innovations, in particular for their phalaenopsis exports.
The Breeder Open Days in the Netherlands for the number one in
cut flowers were, conversely, very low key; quality is the renowned
selling point, however, especially for those Dutch rose growers
whose existence is being threatened by current economic conditions.
Quality is also the overwhelming message of our substrates
special. The RHP Foundation is guiding the “will to improve” of
50 affi liated companies. And where substrates control of growth
is hidden from our sight, the crop protection series by Louise
Labuschagne focuses on sustainable programs to assist in optimum
control above the ground. Sustainability also goes hand in hand
with the vision and hard work of Meiny Prins, managing director
of Priva, whose accomplishments have been rewarded with the
Businesswoman of the Year award.
Sustainability crosses over into logistics under the subject of
eCommerce since the streamlining of shipments is a key outcome
resulting from using this tool. Auctions around the world also
facilitate direct sales and the virtual world is not leaving them
behind; FloraHolland persists in its ambition to strengthen the
marketplace for Europe, a continuation of the Dutch auctions’
long history of achievement.
To end at the beginning, in the Sunshine State of California, Chris
Beytes has a well-penned article bringing to life the
California Pack Trials, which, like the auctions,
are another institution that have a long history in
presenting innovative ideas and quality products.
Anabel Evans, Editor
Colofon
Ron van der Ploeg, editor
ron@floracultureinternational.com
In my opinion
Editorial & Administration Offices
FloraCulture International B.V.
P.O.Box 82, 1850 AB Heiloo, the Netherlands
T (31) 72 53 23 522 F (31) 72 53 23 521
Circulation Administration: FBW Woerden P.O. Box 612,
3440 AP Woerden, the Netherlands
T (31) 34 84 31 393 F (31) 34 84 32 552 info@fbw-woerden.nl
Editors: Anabel Evans (anabel@floracultureinternational.com)
Ron van der Ploeg (ron@floracultureinternational.com)
Editorial team: Edward Bent, Chris Beytes, Lotte Bjarke, Arturo Croci,
Hans De Vries, David Gray, Kerry Herndon, Helen Moody,
Marie-Françoise Petitjean, Marta Pizano, Leaora Policar, Jennifer White
Founding editor: Debbie Hamrick
Cover: California Pack Trials
Publisher: FloraCulture International B.V.
(jaap@floracultureinternational.com)
T (31) 20 61 82 666 F (31) 20 61 81 333
Printer: Hollandia Printing, Heerhugowaard
Designer: Hollandia Media Productions
Cartoonist: Bas Kohler
Advertising Sales Offices
Europe, Africa, Asia/Pacific
International Accounts Management:
Dennis Seriese (dennis@floracultureinternational.com)
Angie Duffree (angie@floracultureinternational.com)
T(31)20 61 82 666 F (31)20 61 81 333 M(31) 62 21 65 220
Office Manager: Claudia Stokreef
(claudia@floracultureinternational.com)
FloraCulture International B.V.
P.O. Box 82, 1850 AB Heiloo, the Netherlands
T (31)72 53 23 522 F (31) 72 53 23 521 M (31) 63 03 99 450
Italy, Southern France:
Arturo Croci (arturo@floracultureinternational.com)
Scandinavia: Lotte Bjarke (lotte@floracultureinternational.com)
LB Text & Idé, Søndervej 10, 8350 Hundslund, Denmark T(45) 21 48 75 30
South America: Marta Pizano de Marquez (marta@floracultureinternational.com)
Horti Tecnia Ltda., Calle 85 No20-25 Of. 202B, Bogotá, Colombia
T (57) 15 30 20 36 F (57) 12 36 25 54 hortitec@unete.com
Miami: William Armellini(William@floracultureinternational.com)
USA, Canada, Central America:
Paul Black (pblack@ballpublishing.com) Lucas Nicholas
(lnicholas@ballpublishing.com) Ball Publishing, 622 Town Road,
PO Box 1660, West Chicago, IL 60186, United States
T(1)6 30 23 13 675 F(1)6 30 23 15 254
Middle East: Eyal Policar (eyal@floracultureinternational.com)
T (972) 54 42 97 002 F (972) 86 58 19 07
Japan: Eiji Yoshikawa (callems@world.odn.ne.jp)
EMS Inc., 2-22-8 Matsubara, Setagaya-ku,Tokyo 156-0043, Japan
T (81) 33 32 75 756 F (81) 33 32 27 933
East Africa: David Gray (gray@africaonline.co.ke)
South Africa: Cilla Lowen (cilla@floracultureinternational.com)
T (27) 22 4857058 F (27) 22 4857415
© 2009 FloraCulture International magazine. All rights reserved. No portion of editorial may
be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. Publisher is not liable
for advertisements using illegally obtained images. Send address changes to FloraCulture
International magazine, P.O.Box 82, 1850 AB Heiloo, theNetherlands.
Ron van
der Ploeg
Dennis
Seriese
Claudia
Stokreef
Lotte
Bjarke
Marta Pizanode
Marquez
William
Armellini
Paul
Black
Lucas
Nicholas
Eyal
Policar
Arturo
Croci
Eiji
Yoshikawa
Cilla Lowen
FloraCulture International (ISSN1051-9076) is published monthly.
Worldwide distribution. ©2009 FloraCulture International magazine.
All rights reserved. No portion of editorial may be reproduced in any
form without written permission of the publisher. Publisher is not
liable for advertisements using illegally obtained images. Send address changes to
FloraCulture International magazine, P.O.Box 82,1850 AB Heiloo, the Netherlands.
With compliments
Quality, innovation, sustainability and logistics are words that
often appear in our editorial. This is a compliment to you, the
floriculture industry; the interviewees and contributors remain
focused on “what can be” rather than “what isn’t”. The cut flower
market is difficult, but a glimpse of relief is being experienced by
the pot and bedding plant growers with the spring sunshine having
made a well-timed appearance in Europe.
Working backwards in this issue; in East Africa, Ethiopia’s
explosive floriculture growth is being reined back, but in another
snippet of news received from David Gray it appears that
logistics in East Africa are receiving a boost. He writes that if
infrastructure, communications and transport are the key to the
development of horticulture and economies in general the news
of: new roads linking Addis Ababa with Nairobi; a proposed new
railway line on the Kenyan Coast from Addis Ababa to Lamu; a
new railway line from Tanzania to Uganda; Delta Airlines about
to start direct flights between Nairobi and Atlanta; a deal between
Kenya’s Astral Aviation and Etihad Crystal Cargo for the Nairobi-
Abu Dhabi route; should all have positive effects on the economic
development of East Africa in the medium to long term.
In Taiwan, the presidential opening of the International Orchid
Show is an indication in itself about the pride the nation takes in
its orchid innovations, in particular for their phalaenopsis exports.
The Breeder Open Days in the Netherlands for the number one in
cut flowers were, conversely, very low key; quality is the renowned
selling point, however, especially for those Dutch rose growers
whose existence is being threatened by current economic conditions.
Quality is also the overwhelming message of our substrates
special. The RHP Foundation is guiding the “will to improve” of
50 affi liated companies. And where substrates control of growth
is hidden from our sight, the crop protection series by Louise
Labuschagne focuses on sustainable programs to assist in optimum
control above the ground. Sustainability also goes hand in hand
with the vision and hard work of Meiny Prins, managing director
of Priva, whose accomplishments have been rewarded with the
Businesswoman of the Year award.
Sustainability crosses over into logistics under the subject of
eCommerce since the streamlining of shipments is a key outcome
resulting from using this tool. Auctions around the world also
facilitate direct sales and the virtual world is not leaving them
behind; FloraHolland persists in its ambition to strengthen the
marketplace for Europe, a continuation of the Dutch auctions’
long history of achievement.
To end at the beginning, in the Sunshine State of California, Chris
Beytes has a well-penned article bringing to life the
California Pack Trials, which, like the auctions,
are another institution that have a long history in
presenting innovative ideas and quality products.
Anabel Evans, Editor
6001554_06_Colofon.indd 6 27-04-2009 13:08:58
Editorial & Administration Offices
FloraCulture International B.V.
P.O.Box 82, 1850 AB Heiloo, the Netherlands
T (31) 72 53 23 522 F (31) 72 53 23 521
Circulation Administration: FBW Woerden P.O. Box 612,
3440 AP Woerden, the Netherlands
T (31) 34 84 31 393 F (31) 34 84 32 552 info@fbw-woerden.nl
Editors: Anabel Evans (anabel@floracultureinternational.com)
Ron van der Ploeg (ron@floracultureinternational.com)
Editorial team: Edward Bent, Chris Beytes, Lotte Bjarke, Arturo Croci,
Hans De Vries, David Gray, Kerry Herndon, Helen Moody,
Marie-Françoise Petitjean, Marta Pizano, Leaora Policar, Jennifer White
Founding editor: Debbie Hamrick
Cover: California Pack Trials
Publisher: FloraCulture International B.V.
(jaap@floracultureinternational.com)
T (31) 20 61 82 666 F (31) 20 61 81 333
Printer: Hollandia Printing, Heerhugowaard
Designer: Hollandia Media Productions
Cartoonist: Bas Kohler
Advertising Sales Offices
Europe, Africa, Asia/Pacific
International Accounts Management:
Dennis Seriese (dennis@floracultureinternational.com)
Angie Duffree (angie@floracultureinternational.com)
T(31)20 61 82 666 F (31)20 61 81 333 M(31) 62 21 65 220
Office Manager: Claudia Stokreef
(claudia@floracultureinternational.com)
FloraCulture International B.V.
P.O. Box 82, 1850 AB Heiloo, the Netherlands
T (31)72 53 23 522 F (31) 72 53 23 521 M (31) 63 03 99 450
Italy, Southern France:
Arturo Croci (arturo@floracultureinternational.com)
Scandinavia: Lotte Bjarke (lotte@floracultureinternational.com)
LB Text & Idé, Søndervej 10, 8350 Hundslund, Denmark T(45) 21 48 75 30
South America: Marta Pizano de Marquez (marta@floracultureinternational.com)
Horti Tecnia Ltda., Calle 85 No20-25 Of. 202B, Bogotá, Colombia
T (57) 15 30 20 36 F (57) 12 36 25 54 hortitec@unete.com
Miami: William Armellini(William@floracultureinternational.com)
USA, Canada, Central America:
Paul Black (pblack@ballpublishing.com) Lucas Nicholas
(lnicholas@ballpublishing.com) Ball Publishing, 622 Town Road,
PO Box 1660, West Chicago, IL 60186, United States
T(1)6 30 23 13 675 F(1)6 30 23 15 254
Middle East: Eyal Policar (eyal@floracultureinternational.com)
T (972) 54 42 97 002 F (972) 86 58 19 07
Japan: Eiji Yoshikawa (callems@world.odn.ne.jp)
EMS Inc., 2-22-8 Matsubara, Setagaya-ku,Tokyo 156-0043, Japan
T (81) 33 32 75 756 F (81) 33 32 27 933
East Africa: David Gray (gray@africaonline.co.ke)
South Africa: Cilla Lowen (cilla@floracultureinternational.com)
T (27) 22 4857058 F (27) 22 4857415
© 2009 FloraCulture International magazine. All rights reserved. No portion of editorial may
be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. Publisher is not liable
for advertisements using illegally obtained images. Send address changes to FloraCulture
International magazine, P.O.Box 82, 1850 AB Heiloo, theNetherlands.
Ron van
der Ploeg
Dennis
Seriese
Claudia
Stokreef
Lotte
Bjarke
Marta Pizanode
Marquez
William
Armellini
Paul
Black
Lucas
Nicholas
Eyal
Policar
Arturo
Croci
Eiji
Yoshikawa
Cilla Lowen
FloraCulture International (ISSN1051-9076) is published monthly.
Worldwide distribution. ©2009 FloraCulture International magazine.
All rights reserved. No portion of editorial may be reproduced in any
form without written permission of the publisher. Publisher is not
liable for advertisements using illegally obtained images. Send address changes to
FloraCulture International magazine, P.O.Box 82,1850 AB Heiloo, the Netherlands.
With compliments
Quality, innovation, sustainability and logistics are words that
often appear in our editorial. This is a compliment to you, the
floriculture industry; the interviewees and contributors remain
focused on “what can be” rather than “what isn’t”. The cut flower
market is difficult, but a glimpse of relief is being experienced by
the pot and bedding plant growers with the spring sunshine having
made a well-timed appearance in Europe.
Working backwards in this issue; in East Africa, Ethiopia’s
explosive floriculture growth is being reined back, but in another
snippet of news received from David Gray it appears that
logistics in East Africa are receiving a boost. He writes that if
infrastructure, communications and transport are the key to the
development of horticulture and economies in general the news
of: new roads linking Addis Ababa with Nairobi; a proposed new
railway line on the Kenyan Coast from Addis Ababa to Lamu; a
new railway line from Tanzania to Uganda; Delta Airlines about
to start direct flights between Nairobi and Atlanta; a deal between
Kenya’s Astral Aviation and Etihad Crystal Cargo for the Nairobi-
Abu Dhabi route; should all have positive effects on the economic
development of East Africa in the medium to long term.
In Taiwan, the presidential opening of the International Orchid
Show is an indication in itself about the pride the nation takes in
its orchid innovations, in particular for their phalaenopsis exports.
The Breeder Open Days in the Netherlands for the number one in
cut flowers were, conversely, very low key; quality is the renowned
selling point, however, especially for those Dutch rose growers
whose existence is being threatened by current economic conditions.
Quality is also the overwhelming message of our substrates
special. The RHP Foundation is guiding the “will to improve” of
50 affi liated companies. And where substrates control of growth
is hidden from our sight, the crop protection series by Louise
Labuschagne focuses on sustainable programs to assist in optimum
control above the ground. Sustainability also goes hand in hand
with the vision and hard work of Meiny Prins, managing director
of Priva, whose accomplishments have been rewarded with the
Businesswoman of the Year award.
Sustainability crosses over into logistics under the subject of
eCommerce since the streamlining of shipments is a key outcome
resulting from using this tool. Auctions around the world also
facilitate direct sales and the virtual world is not leaving them
behind; FloraHolland persists in its ambition to strengthen the
marketplace for Europe, a continuation of the Dutch auctions’
long history of achievement.
To end at the beginning, in the Sunshine State of California, Chris
Beytes has a well-penned article bringing to life the
California Pack Trials, which, like the auctions,
are another institution that have a long history in
presenting innovative ideas and quality products.
Anabel Evans, Editor
6001554_06_Colofon.indd 6 27-04-2009 13:08:58
Dr. Miguel
Merino-Pacheco
Angie
Duffree
Dr. Sun Jing
Xian
Editorial & Administration Offices
FloraCulture International B.V.
P.O.Box 82, 1850 AB Heiloo, the Netherlands
T (31) 72 53 23 522 F (31) 72 53 23 521
Circulation Administration: FBW Woerden P.O. Box 612,
3440 AP Woerden, the Netherlands
T (31) 34 84 31 393 F (31) 34 84 32 552 info@fbw-woerden.nl
Editors: Anabel Evans (anabel@floracultureinternational.com)
Ron van der Ploeg (ron@floracultureinternational.com)
Editorial team: Edward Bent, Chris Beytes, Lotte Bjarke, Arturo Croci,
Hans De Vries, David Gray, Kerry Herndon, Helen Moody,
Marie-Françoise Petitjean, Marta Pizano, Leaora Policar, Jennifer White
Founding editor: Debbie Hamrick
Cover: California Pack Trials
Publisher: FloraCulture International B.V.
(jaap@floracultureinternational.com)
T (31) 20 61 82 666 F (31) 20 61 81 333
Printer: Hollandia Printing, Heerhugowaard
Designer: Hollandia Media Productions
Cartoonist: Bas Kohler
Advertising Sales Offices
Europe, Africa, Asia/Pacific
International Accounts Management:
Dennis Seriese (dennis@floracultureinternational.com)
Angie Duffree (angie@floracultureinternational.com)
T(31)20 61 82 666 F (31)20 61 81 333 M(31) 62 21 65 220
Office Manager: Claudia Stokreef
(claudia@floracultureinternational.com)
FloraCulture International B.V.
P.O. Box 82, 1850 AB Heiloo, the Netherlands
T (31)72 53 23 522 F (31) 72 53 23 521 M (31) 63 03 99 450
Italy, Southern France:
Arturo Croci (arturo@floracultureinternational.com)
Scandinavia: Lotte Bjarke (lotte@floracultureinternational.com)
LB Text & Idé, Søndervej 10, 8350 Hundslund, Denmark T(45) 21 48 75 30
South America: Marta Pizano de Marquez (marta@floracultureinternational.com)
Horti Tecnia Ltda., Calle 85 No20-25 Of. 202B, Bogotá, Colombia
T (57) 15 30 20 36 F (57) 12 36 25 54 hortitec@unete.com
Miami: William Armellini(William@floracultureinternational.com)
USA, Canada, Central America:
Paul Black (pblack@ballpublishing.com) Lucas Nicholas
(lnicholas@ballpublishing.com) Ball Publishing, 622 Town Road,
PO Box 1660, West Chicago, IL 60186, United States
T(1)6 30 23 13 675 F(1)6 30 23 15 254
Middle East: Eyal Policar (eyal@floracultureinternational.com)
T (972) 54 42 97 002 F (972) 86 58 19 07
Japan: Eiji Yoshikawa (callems@world.odn.ne.jp)
EMS Inc., 2-22-8 Matsubara, Setagaya-ku,Tokyo 156-0043, Japan
T (81) 33 32 75 756 F (81) 33 32 27 933
East Africa: David Gray (gray@africaonline.co.ke)
South Africa: Cilla Lowen (cilla@floracultureinternational.com)
T (27) 22 4857058 F (27) 22 4857415
Ron van
der Ploeg
Dennis
Seriese
Claudia
Stokreef
Lotte
Bjarke
Marta Pizanode
Marquez
William
Armellini
Paul
Black
Lucas
Nicholas
Eyal
Policar
Arturo
Croci
Eiji
Yoshikawa
Cilla Lowen
FloraCulture International (ISSN1051-9076) is published monthly.
Worldwide distribution. ©2009 FloraCulture International magazine.
All rights reserved. No portion of editorial may be reproduced in any
form without written permission of the publisher. Publisher is not
liable for advertisements using illegally obtained images. Send address changes to
FloraCulture International magazine, P.O.Box 82,1850 AB Heiloo, the Netherlands.
floriculture industry; the interviewees and contributors remain
focused on “what can be” rather than “what isn’t”. The cut flower
market is difficult, but a glimpse of relief is being experienced by
the pot and bedding plant growers with the spring sunshine having
made a well-timed appearance in Europe.
Working backwards in this issue; in East Africa, Ethiopia’s
explosive floriculture growth is being reined back, but in another
snippet of news received from David Gray it appears that
logistics in East Africa are receiving a boost. He writes that if
infrastructure, communications and transport are the key to the
development of horticulture and economies in general the news
of: new roads linking Addis Ababa with Nairobi; a proposed new
railway line on the Kenyan Coast from Addis Ababa to Lamu; a
new railway line from Tanzania to Uganda; Delta Airlines about
to start direct flights between Nairobi and Atlanta; a deal between
Kenya’s Astral Aviation and Etihad Crystal Cargo for the Nairobi-
Abu Dhabi route; should all have positive effects on the economic
development of East Africa in the medium to long term.
In Taiwan, the presidential opening of the International Orchid
Show is an indication in itself about the pride the nation takes in
its orchid innovations, in particular for their phalaenopsis exports.
The Breeder Open Days in the Netherlands for the number one in
cut flowers were, conversely, very low key; quality is the renowned
selling point, however, especially for those Dutch rose growers
whose existence is being threatened by current economic conditions.
Quality is also the overwhelming message of our substrates
special. The RHP Foundation is guiding the “will to improve” of
50 affi liated companies. And where substrates control of growth
is hidden from our sight, the crop protection series by Louise
Labuschagne focuses on sustainable programs to assist in optimum
control above the ground. Sustainability also goes hand in hand
with the vision and hard work of Meiny Prins, managing director
of Priva, whose accomplishments have been rewarded with the
Businesswoman of the Year award.
Sustainability crosses over into logistics under the subject of
eCommerce since the streamlining of shipments is a key outcome
resulting from using this tool. Auctions around the world also
facilitate direct sales and the virtual world is not leaving them
behind; FloraHolland persists in its ambition to strengthen the
marketplace for Europe, a continuation of the Dutch auctions’
long history of achievement.
To end at the beginning, in the Sunshine State of California, Chris
Beytes has a well-penned article bringing to life the
California Pack Trials, which, like the auctions,
are another institution that have a long history in
presenting innovative ideas and quality products.
Anabel Evans, Editor
6001554_06_Colofon.indd 6 27-04-2009 13:08:58
Yutaka
Shirakawa
Catherine
Riungu
Editorial & Administration Offices
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Ron van der Ploeg (ron@floracultureinternational.com)
Editorial team: Edward Bent, Chris Beytes, Lotte Bjarke, Arturo Croci,
Hans De Vries, David Gray, Kerry Herndon, Helen Moody,
Marie-Françoise Petitjean, Marta Pizano, Leaora Policar, Jennifer White
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Cover: California Pack Trials
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© 2009 FloraCulture International magazine. All rights reserved. No portion of editorial may
be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. Publisher is not liable
for advertisements using illegally obtained images. Send address changes to FloraCulture
International magazine, P.O.Box 82, 1850 AB Heiloo, theNetherlands.
Ron van
der Ploeg
Dennis
Seriese
Claudia
Stokreef
Lotte
Bjarke
Marta Pizanode
Marquez
William
Armellini
Paul
Black
Lucas
Nicholas
Eyal
Policar
Arturo
Croci
Eiji
Yoshikawa
Cilla Lowen
FloraCulture International (ISSN1051-9076) is published monthly.
Worldwide distribution. ©2009 FloraCulture International magazine.
All rights reserved. No portion of editorial may be reproduced in any
form without written permission of the publisher. Publisher is not
liable for advertisements using illegally obtained images. Send address changes to
FloraCulture International magazine, P.O.Box 82,1850 AB Heiloo, the Netherlands.
With compliments
Quality, innovation, sustainability and logistics are words that
often appear in our editorial. This is a compliment to you, the
floriculture industry; the interviewees and contributors remain
focused on “what can be” rather than “what isn’t”. The cut flower
market is difficult, but a glimpse of relief is being experienced by
the pot and bedding plant growers with the spring sunshine having
made a well-timed appearance in Europe.
Working backwards in this issue; in East Africa, Ethiopia’s
explosive floriculture growth is being reined back, but in another
snippet of news received from David Gray it appears that
logistics in East Africa are receiving a boost. He writes that if
infrastructure, communications and transport are the key to the
development of horticulture and economies in general the news
of: new roads linking Addis Ababa with Nairobi; a proposed new
railway line on the Kenyan Coast from Addis Ababa to Lamu; a
new railway line from Tanzania to Uganda; Delta Airlines about
to start direct flights between Nairobi and Atlanta; a deal between
Kenya’s Astral Aviation and Etihad Crystal Cargo for the Nairobi-
Abu Dhabi route; should all have positive effects on the economic
development of East Africa in the medium to long term.
In Taiwan, the presidential opening of the International Orchid
Show is an indication in itself about the pride the nation takes in
its orchid innovations, in particular for their phalaenopsis exports.
The Breeder Open Days in the Netherlands for the number one in
cut flowers were, conversely, very low key; quality is the renowned
selling point, however, especially for those Dutch rose growers
whose existence is being threatened by current economic conditions.
Quality is also the overwhelming message of our substrates
special. The RHP Foundation is guiding the “will to improve” of
50 affi liated companies. And where substrates control of growth
is hidden from our sight, the crop protection series by Louise
Labuschagne focuses on sustainable programs to assist in optimum
control above the ground. Sustainability also goes hand in hand
with the vision and hard work of Meiny Prins, managing director
of Priva, whose accomplishments have been rewarded with the
Businesswoman of the Year award.
Sustainability crosses over into logistics under the subject of
eCommerce since the streamlining of shipments is a key outcome
resulting from using this tool. Auctions around the world also
facilitate direct sales and the virtual world is not leaving them
behind; FloraHolland persists in its ambition to strengthen the
marketplace for Europe, a continuation of the Dutch auctions’
long history of achievement.
To end at the beginning, in the Sunshine State of California, Chris
Beytes has a well-penned article bringing to life the
California Pack Trials, which, like the auctions,
are another institution that have a long history in
presenting innovative ideas and quality products.
Anabel Evans, Editor
6001554_06_Colofon.indd 6 27-04-2009 13:08:58
Keukenhof reached some kind of apotheosis last month as the
world’s most famous spring garden became the place to be for anyone
with an interest in lilies. During the opening of the Keukenhof Lily
Show, the largest lily event in the world, former German speed skater,
Anni Friesinger, named her own lily.
It was the grand finale of no less than fifteen indoor exhibitions,
where professional breeders and growers competed for the highest
scores at the VKC Quality Competition. This issue features a recap of
the most important award winning ceremonies at the 2011 Keukenhof,
which closed its doors on Friday May 20th in a truly festive
mood. Overall, the Dutch spring garden did exceptionally well this
year. “It’s probably one of our best seasons ever”, said Keukenhof’s
managing director Piet de Vries during a meeting with the press on
Tuesday May 24th. The ‘Germany; Land of Poets and Philosophers’
theme was a resounding success attracting an extra 40,000 German
visitors. De Vries especially praised the hard work of the bulb industry
that did its utmost to keep the event colourful until the end. A
daunting task, as most tulips had already finished flowering by May
due to the extremely hot spring weather.
The 2012 Keukenhof is set to take place from March 22th to May
20th. The 2012 theme will be ‘Poland: Home Country of Romantic
Chopin’, a tribute not only to the largest country within the European
Union - a growing export market for Dutch cut flowers and
bulbs - but also to its 38 million inhabitants of which an important
part work in the Dutch bulb industry.
Poland is also an extremely interesting market for Florimex, one of
the most important and influential floral wholesale companies in
history. Florimex underwent a complete makeover from a Germanybased
wholesaler in Nurnberg, to a Dutch wholesale company
with its headquarters in Aalsmeer. High time for an interview with
Winfried Falk, CFO of Florimex new style and sole survivor of an
impressive number of takeovers. The full interview can be read on
pages 20 to 24.
From Eastern Europe we go to Northern Italy where breeding company
and plug plant producer Andreas Psnenner reports outstanding
results in automation. Outstanding results - this time in the field of
auctioning of flowers and plants – also came in from Brazil where the
newly opened Veiling Holambra is enjoying an impressive growth.
The Holambra story can be found in our second part of Flower Auctions
from Around the World. This series includes company profiles
of the UCFLOR flower wholesale market in San Remo where the
newly appointed Cristina Banaudo faces the double challenge of taking
the market to its next stage of evolution while safeguarding the
critical mass of local flower growers.
To conclude, June is traditionally the month of the annual Flower
Trials in the Netherlands and Germany. The event is expected to be
bigger than ever with Sion, Morel, Lannes, Rijnplant and Volmary
exhibiting for the first time. From June 14th to 17th, breeders and
young plant distributors will open their doors to show professional
visitors the newest varieties in their ranges of flowering pot plants,
bedding plants, perennials and cut flowers. What better way to
celebrate summer’s arrival than by attending these invigorating Open
Days where you can gain a really good impression of each company’s
activitities