AIPH has revealed the three Finalists for the Young International Grower of the Year Award, spotlighting exceptional young professionals who are redefining what leadership looks like in modern ornamental horticulture. Spanning nursery production, floriculture, and high-tech greenhouse systems, the Finalists reflect the innovation and ambition shaping the next chapter of the industry.

Part of the prestigious International Gower of the Year Awards organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), this Award celebrates the next generation of horticultural leaders. Candidates were members of Jungle Talks’ Floriculture Pro Manager Mastercourse, which connects the next generation with current industry leaders.

This year’s Finalists represent the breadth and strength of the global industry, working across nursery production, floriculture, and high-tech greenhouse systems.

The 2026 Finalists are:

Tatiana de German Ribon

Chief Executive Officer, Flores La Conchita — Colombia

Tatiana is Chief Executive Officer of Flores La Conchita, where she directs company strategy across production, logistics, sustainability, sales, and international market development. With more than a decade of international leadership experience, she has guided the business through growth in highly competitive global markets.

Her work includes embedding sustainable practices, building strategic international partnerships, and enhancing brand competitiveness in key flower markets. Tatiana’s career combines executive leadership with public-sector and advisory experience, reflecting a broad, strategic approach to horticultural business development and industry engagement. 

Cauê Gomes Fogagnoli

Technical Director and Partner, Sítio Kolibri — Brazil

Starting his career with Sítio Kolibri in Brazil as an intern, Cauê has been central to the transformation of the company into a high-tech greenhouse business producing around 50,000 plants per week.

His work focuses on climate control, automation, fertigation, and data-driven decision-making, integrating advanced systems to improve efficiency, consistency, and sustainability. Cauê brings international experience from the USA and places strong emphasis on people development, teamwork, and continuous learning. He has also contributed to innovations that previously earned Sítio Kolibri recognition in the Sustainability category of the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards in 2022.

Henil Vashi

Horticultural Advisor, Robin Tacchi Plants — United Kingdom

At Robin Tacchi Plants, Henil Vashi advises on large-scale ornamental plant production across multiple nursery sites, overseeing more than one million plants annually. His role spans crop production, propagation, and detailed crop monitoring, with a strong focus on integrated pest management, biosecurity, and staff development.

Henil has played a key role in advancing sustainable production practices, including the successful introduction of peat-reduced and peat-free growing substrates, achieving a 30% reduction in peat use while improving crop quality. With an academic background in plant genetics and crop improvement, he brings scientific rigour to practical nursery operations and is actively involved in mentoring teams and promoting innovation across the business.

The winner of the Young International Grower of the Year Award will be announced on 27th January 2026 at the IGOTY Awards Ceremony, which brings together growers, industry leaders, and partners from across the global horticultural community to celebrate excellence in ornamental plant production.

Registration is now open

Registration is open for the Awards Ceremony, which will be held at IPM Essen, Germany. The ceremony promises not only to recognise horticultural excellence, but to bring together industry peers, sponsors, and media partners for a night of networking, innovation, and inspiration. Attendance is free but spaces are limited, with priority given to finalists, sponsors, and media partners. AIPH encourages interested parties to register for tickets soon to secure their place at this prestigious event.

Further details and registration information are available via the AIPH website.