Greenwood Plants: Blooming on Top – AIPH International Grower of the Year 2024
FloraCulture International
The horticulture industry’s leading B2B publication.
Greenwood Plants Ltd achieved outstanding success at the AIPH International Grower of the Year 2024 Award Ceremony, held at IPM ESSEN , sweeping the board with their exceptional achievements. Here, Greenwood Plants looks back on an incredible year as they continue to thrive while wearing the crown of industry excellence.
Greenwood Plants is a leading producer of landscape-ready plants, operating six nursery sites across the UK with a production capacity exceeding 100 acres. Supplying approximately six million plants annually, the company has built a strong reputation for its proactive marketing, sound business strategy, and commitment to environmental sustainability. Supported by a team of over 120 dedicated employees, Greenwood is recognised as a fully peat-free operation striving towards net zero, setting benchmarks for excellence in the horticultural industry. Their client-focused approach, efficient international supply chain, and fast, flexible nationwide deliveries further cement their position as a leader in the field.
Greenwood Plants’ commitment to innovation, leadership, and sustainability earned them the prestigious 2024 AIPH International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) title. The jury unanimously awarded Greenwood the overall IGOTY Gold Rose, Gold for Finished Trees and Plants, and Gold for Sustainability, commending their significant contribution to the industry. The jury described Greenwood as an exemplary business and highlighted its alignment with client needs while championing sustainable practices. AIPH magazine FloraCulture International caught up with Managing Director Melanie Asker to reflect on Greenwood’s journey since receiving this esteemed recognition.
How did winning AIPH IGOTY 2024 showcase Greenwood Plant’s success?
Melanie Asker: “We were absolutely delighted to have won these awards and receive recognition on this international platform. The experience was wonderful, from the excellent awards ceremony to the communications we received for weeks afterwards as we were inundated with congratulations from our colleagues across the industry. IGOTY24 offered us a unique opportunity to represent the UK horticultural industry and celebrate its success on a global scale.”
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Any other major milestones that happened this year?
“We became Plant Healthy certified. This is a huge achievement for us and something we believe to be very important. The UK horticultural industry has had a lot to deal with in recent years with the post-Brexit import changes, and ensuring we achieve biosecurity is at the heart of that. Certification has enhanced our processes and elevated our quality standards and sustainability efforts.
“We also began delivering on a contract to grow three million trees over five years for the National Highway Tree Council. The first deliveries, which began in late 2024, marked a significant milestone. This project has been a learning experience that has allowed us to grow both literally and figuratively.
“In June 2024, we acquired Pigeon House Farm in Sussex. This was a bold step in Greenwood’s long-term strategy to increase tree production. The 160-acre site is now our flagship growing location, producing shrubs, hardy perennials, and trees tailored for urban planting schemes.
“We also embarked on collaborations with councils in Essex and Ipswich on infrastructure projects. These partnerships focus on biodiversity enhancement and climate change mitigation, aligning with our Net Zero ambitions. Working with these clients to deliver projects that tackle climate change, enhance biodiversity, and provide sustainable urban planting solutions is an important part of our long-term strategy.”
How has being an AIPH IGOTY 2024 winner boosted Greenwood Plants?
“Winning IGOTY24 has given us the confidence to position and talk about ourselves as an industry leader, particularly in terms of sustainability and ESG, and this has been a really useful tool. We’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to both the AIPH and the HTA for the support they have given us. We look forward to learning who will take home the AIPH IGOTY25 award at IPM Essen!”