8 MAY, DE KWAKEL, THE NETHERLANDS – Murara Plants, subsidiary of HilverdaFlorist, won the annual DOSH Awards in the Agricultural sector in Kenya. The DOSH Awards is an annual event organised by the Ministry of Labour under the Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety.

This year’s theme was ‘A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and right at work’. In order to embrace a future of work that prioritizes human needs and adapts to the constantly evolving world, it is imperative to recognize that occupational safety and health (OSH) can no longer be viewed as an optional extra.

About Murara Plants Ltd

Located in Kericho in the highlands to the west of the Kenya’s Great Rift Valley at an altitude of approximately 2,100 meters above the sea level, Murara Plants Kenya is situated against the edge of The Mau Forest and surrounded by tea plantations.

Worker’s welfare and Corporate Social Responsibility/Community Projects are highly valued at Murara Plants. These include, among others:

• Periodic trainings for staff (on policies, Safety and Health procedures, hygiene, HIV/AIDS and wellness, Covid-19, and financial management, among others).
• Provision of housing, individual kitchen gardens to promote growing vegetables and sufficient supply of clean water free of charge.
• The provision of a well-equipped integrated crèche facility where employees’ kids are taken care of between the age of 6 months to 3 years.
• A Nursery school at the proximity of the workplace with a serene environment where employees kids between the ages of 4 – 5 are schooled for pre-establishment before proceeding to primary school.

Read more about Murara Plants Ltd’s values at muraraplants.com.

14 APRIL 2023, DE KWAKEL, THE NETHERLANDS – HilverdaFlorist now offers a digital knowledge base, aimed at providing a wealth of information and expertise to the entire market. The knowledge base, which is accessible via the HilverdaFlorist website, is a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in the horticultural industry.

The knowledge base covers a wide range of topics, including cultural research, product information, the HilverdaFlorist team, industry trends, sustainability, innovation, and more. Launching this source of information is in line with the commitment to providing the best possible support and service to customers, partners and other stakeholders within the industry.

By making this content easily accessible, HilverdaFlorist strives to empower them with both inspiring and informative articles. It is expected to be a valuable resource for growers, florists, and other industry professionals, as well as for anyone interested in learning more about the world of flowers and plants.

From now on, various articles will be added to the knowledge base to keep expanding it. Visit the knowledge base here and stay tuned for flourishing content!

Are you looking for specific information about our assortment or other topics within the knowledge base? Please contact marketing@hilverdaflorist.com

From March 29 to April 1st, the HilverdaFlorist team was present at the American Takii location during CAST 2023. The USA team of HilverdaFlorist had a great time presenting the brand new Pot, Patio & Garden varieties to all our visitors. Here’s a look back at a great week.

During CAST we presented our newest genetics in, among others, Garvinea® Sweet, Patio Gerbera, Echinacea MOOODZ®, Alstroemeria Inticancha, Alstroemeria Summer Paradise® and Dianthus Flow®. If you weren’t able to visit our showing, or just in case you want to experience this all again be sure to check out our video presentation by Mazanne & Stef:

New: USA brochures 2024

During CAST our new Pot, Patio & Garden brochures for 2024 were released! These brand-new documents are packed with our assortment and cultural guidelines for all of our series. Head over to our Downloads page now and get one yourself.

Upcoming USA events

Our team is always looking forward to meeting you in our travels around the world. Annually we participate in many shows and events. Next up for the USA is Cultivate (Ohio) from July 15 – 18. Visit our booth 3531 and learn everything about our Pot, Patio and Garden varieties that will surely suit you and your market best. Be inspired by, among others, Echineacea MOOODZ®, Gerbera Garvinea®, Patio Gerbera and various Alstroemeria series.

Check out all our events worldwide:

Always wanted to take a look behind the scenes in the horticultural world? During Kom in de Kas on Saturday 1 April 2023, various businesses in (the surroundings of) Aalsmeer will open their doors! Visit HilverdaFlorist and discover all about the breeding of new flower and plant varieties and the production of young plant materials. After all, these are the first steps of your bouquet of flowers or colourful garden!

Discover the latest technologies

From a new production location packed with innovative technologies, HilverdaFlorist develops high-quality young plant materials that are supplied to growers worldwide. Cuttings and seeds, for example. During Kom in de Kas we will tell you all about the cultivation of our young plants, sorting, robotics we use for this and the breeding of new flower and plant varieties.

Flowers and plants are developed from a strong drive and focus on innovation. The HilverdaFlorist team in the Netherlands consists of around 150 employees spread over 6.5 hectares. During Kom in de Kas, the new location of 2.2 hectares will be open to the public.

Buy a plant and support educational projects of the HilverdaFoundation

We are happy to introduce you to the HilverdaFoundation during ‘Kom in de Kas’! The HilverdaFoundation was founded in 2009, in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Royal Hilverda Group. This foundation wants to contribute to the countries in which the group has established its business. Since its establishment, the HilverdaFoundation has entered into several collaborations with local foundations in Kenya and Colombia. Currently, the Foundation is additionally engaged in projects in the Netherlands and India.

All the projects we support to make education possible for underprivileged children who do not (or no longer) have access to (adequate) schooling due to their living conditions. With an appropriate education, they can later not only take good care of themselves but also offer support and help to their loved ones. During ‘Kom in de Kas’ we sell plants, the revenues of which go to the HilverdaFoundation.

Assortment of HilverdaFlorist

HilverdaFlorist’s product range includes cut flowers in Alstroemeria, Dianthus, Gerbera, Gypsophila, Helleborus, Limonium and Scabiosa. In terms of pot and garden plants, HilverdaFlorist focuses on Alstroemeria, Dianthus, Echinacea, Gerbera, Helleborus and Salvia. A feast for the eyes and insects such as butterflies and bees!

We warmly invite you to take a look at our production location on the Achterweg nr. 62 in De Kwakel. Discover the latest technology, learn all about the development of new flower and plant varieties and get inspired by the colourful assortment. Also visit other participating companies: Zuurbier & Co International, Ubink Cactus & Succulent, Van Klaveren Plant, Hartog Palmen & Olij Trading BV.

31 JANUARY 2023, DE KWAKEL, THE NETHERLANDS – After two years of absence, the team of HilverdaFlorist was happy to be back at IPM Essen: the world’s leading trade fair for horticulture. Exhibitors from all over the world present their innovative products and services in the fields of plants, technology, floristry and garden features. No other fair offers so much plant diversity and so many plant innovations. 

During IPM, HilverdaFlorist presented both exciting novelties and highlights from the Pot, Patio & Garden assortment. Visitors were inspired by, among others, (patio) Alstroemeria Inticancha®, Garvinea® and Salvia Salgoon®. Scroll down and relive IPM Essen!

Alstroemeria

In Alstroemeria HilverdaFlorist presented Inticancha® varieties, which are the most heat tolerant varieties. Inticancha is a gorgeous Alstroemeria with intense coloured large flowers that will be the eye-catcher of many patios.

Besides Inticancha® the Summer Paradise Summer Series® and Valley Series® were present. Where the Summer Series® contains tall and vigorous varieties, the Valley Series® brings compact varieties. Both have beautiful flowers continuously from spring until frost.

Dianthus

Dianthus Beauties® is an amazing Dianthus series with remarkable vigour, sturdy and bright coloured flowers. These are continuously flowering and are true must-haves for the balcony or garden.

Also present were Dianthus Flow® and Sunflor®. Sunflor® is a versatile Dianthus series, because this Dianthus can be used indoors and outdoors. The extensive range consists of many strong colours. In the flower form there is also a lot to choose from; single, double or semi double. This Dianthus has compact growth characteristics and a short cultivation period. Sunflor® has a flowering period from spring to early winter. Flow® is most similar do the classic Dianthus, but modern and trendy because of the spectacular colours and large flowers. The large elegant double flowers make Flow® a truly premium product. The Flow® varieties are easy to grow and perfect to place indoors or on a balcony or terrace.

Gerbera

Various Gerbera brands were highlighted during IPM 2023. Let’s start with Garvinea®; the one and only true garden Gerbera series on the market! No other Gerbera can match the vigor and flowering power displayed by the Garvinea® Series from early spring until the first frost. Discover Sweet, Cheeky and Majestic.

Also present were the stunning Patio Gerbera varieties. Patio Gerberas are unique voluminous plants with large flowers. Patio Gerberas are available in a wide range of varieties, from solid colours to beautiful bicolours. Clustered in large containers Patio Gerberas offer a great burst of beauty. The long-lasting, successive flowers will hold their colours for months.

Pot Gerbera Royal is a hybrid, proven Gerbera series for larger pot sizes. Highly uniform germination; vigorous plants produce a never ending supply of flowers with blooms held just above the foliage. Royal is a globally proven series for larger pot sizes and is ideal for bench run programs.

Last but not least are Flori Line® and Sundayz®. Flori Line^® has the most extensive range of its kind: from Giant to Micro, from big to small, there is a size for all! The varieties consist of the most vivid colors and surprising two-tones. Sundayz® offers long-lasting double flowers for brightly coloured displays. The double flowers have less pollen, which causes the individual flowers to look fresh much longer than the single flowered Gerbera.

Helleborus

The Helleborus JWLS® varieties were true eyecatchers during IPM Essen. The Helleborus varieties are displaying unique characteristics and show gorgeous colours and various flower shapes. New to our 2023 assortment are Helleborus JWLS® Endless and Diamonfire. Both are extreme heat and cold tolerant and have magical long-lasting flowers.

When will we see you again?

The HilverdaFlorist team cannot wait to see you again. Head over to our event calendar and schedule your visit during our upcoming events.

HilverdaFlorist focuses on breeding, propagation and development of an extensive range of cut flowers, pot and garden plants. With a trusted, global network of subsidiaries, distribution partners and production locations, HilverdaFlorist provides local support and premium young plant material, suitable for every climate and evolving cultivation requirements. To learn more about HilverdaFlorist, please visit www.hilverdaflorist.com.

HilverdaFlorist looks back on a great week being present on no less than three horticultural events. After months of preparations our team could not wait to meet industry colleagues from all over the world again, to show them exciting novelties in cut flowers. During this week the first edition of Novelty Days took place at HilverdaFlorist (De Kwakel, the Netherlands). Besides this in-house fair, the Trade Fair Aalsmeer and IFTF Vijfhuizen were part of the promising programme.

26 SEPTEMBER 2022, DE KWAKEL, THE NETHERLANDS – Together with colleagues, partners and clients, HilverdaFlorist officially opened its new production location at Achterweg 62 in De Kwakel with the Future is HERE event on Thursday 22 September. During the diverse afternoon programme, which included a speech by Arthur Koekkoek (Director Operations, R&D and Supply Chain) and guided site tours, visitors where informed about the new greenhouse facilities.

The future-proof production location of an additional 3 hectares, features the latest techniques in smart growing, with a clear focus on durability, efficiency, hygiene and energy reduction. Young plants are processed in the fully automated location. After planting them, they are mechanically transported to the greenhouse with the Automated 2D shuttle system. A promising step towards efficient production. With this new production location, HilverdaFlorist is ready for the future and able to respond better to the changing market conditions and customer demand.

Official opening
After a period of design and realisation, the new production location was officially opened by councillor Jan Hazen of Uithoorn and Arthur Koekkoek. A large turnout of colleagues and invitees witnessed the spectacular opening. Arthur Koekkoek: “The future is built by our expectations and possibilities to take on challenges. In times like these, with lots of uncertainties it is important to keep in touch. In addition to our individual responsibilities, we should look at how we can make each other stronger by working together. The choice to get together today was therefore quickly made. We, as HilverdaFlorist, with our new buildings and strong partnerships, are confident to be successful. The “Future is HERE” also refers to your presence. To have all our colleagues, clients, partners and suppliers gathered together, especially now, we can proudly say: The Future is HERE!”

Building the future together
Various partners who contributed to the realisation of the facility were present during the afternoon to inform visitors about their business activities. From innovative lighting products by Dutch Lightning Innovations to crop protection solutions by Koppert. Also present were Bosman van Zaal, Robur, Maangroup, Klasmann, Stolze, Royal Brinkman and the Hilverda Foundation. During a “Meet & Greet” session, the visitors had the chance to catch up with colleagues from the sector over a drink and a snack.

The next occasion to visit HilverdaFlorist is during their Novelty Days in week 45. From 7 to 11 November HilverdaFlorist showcases its cut flower novelties at their location at Dwarsweg 15 in De Kwakel. In the same week the company presents at the Trade Fair Aalsmeer and subsidiaries HilverdaFlorist Colombia and Murara Plants (Kenya) will take part in the International Floriculture Trade Fair (IFTF) in Vijfhuizen.

HilverdaFlorist focuses on breeding, propagation and development of an extensive range of cut flowers, pot and garden plants. With a trusted, global network of subsidiaries, distribution partners and production locations, HilverdaFlorist provides local support and premium young plant material, suitable for every climate and evolving cultivation requirements. To learn more about HilverdaFlorist, please visit www.hilverdaflorist.com.

12 SEPTEMBER 2022, DE KWAKEL, THE NETHERLANDS – HilverdaFlorist announces the release of two new catalogues this year; one featuring the commercial assortment of Gerberas and one with all other Cut Flowers for 2023. With these new catalogue editions, HilverdaFlorist introduces over 60 new varieties, offering the latest in product development and innovation. Both catalogues display lots of new colour additions, enhanced key features, surprising versatility and background information presented by HilverdaFlorist’s assortment managers, marketing and R&D managers, breeders and managing directors of its subsidiaries.

The Gerbera Catalogue 2023 provides a detailed overview of new varieties and proven performers in Standard, Mini, Pomponi®, Piccolini® and FireworX® Gerberas. This year HilverdaFlorist has chosen to bundle all other cut flower product groups in one comprehensive catalogue, aiming to inspire their clients and give them plenty of interesting options to diversify their product ranges. The Cut Flower Catalogue 2023 covers the full line-up of Alstroemeria, Dianthus, Gypsophila, Helleborus, Limonium and Scabiosa. Both catalogues are available in print and digitally on www.hilverdaflorist.com.

Novelties in bloom

Around the same time as the launch of the new catalogue, the varieties in the Gerbera show greenhouse in De Kwakel (NL) start to flower. The first occasion to see all the new season introductions in bloom, will be week 45 in the Netherlands. From 9 to 11 November HilverdaFlorist showcases its novelties during the Royal FloraHolland Trade Fair in Aalsmeer. Subsidiaries HilverdaFlorist Colombia and Murara Plants (Kenia) will be present at the International Floriculture Trade Fair (IFTF) in Vijfhuizen. Moreover, in the same week from 7 to 11 November HilverdaFlorist welcomes its visitors during the HilverdaFlorist Novelty Days at Dwarsweg 15 in De Kwakel. With bold show presentations and the company’s team of area sales managers, sales support, crop advisors, breeders and marketeers present, this is the best place to get an in-depth overview of the wide cut flower product range and all its possibilities for the future.

HilverdaFlorist focuses on breeding, propagation and development of an extensive range of cut flowers, pot and garden plants. With a trusted, global network of subsidiaries, distribution partners and production locations, HilverdaFlorist provides local support and premium young plant material, suitable for every climate and evolving cultivation requirements. To learn more about HilverdaFlorist and to download the new catalogues, please visit www.hilverdaflorist.com.

The ultimate combination of show, great conversations, inspiration, awesome plants and exciting novelties, that’s FlowerTrials® at HilverdaFlorist in a nutshell! Seize your opportunity to see a vast majority of our high-end product range in full bloom. Our stunning Pot, Patio & Garden varieties will show their unique and interesting features in indoor and outdoor presentations. Get inspired and get into detail with our team members. Not signed up or scheduled an appointment yet? Make sure to do so, for easy entry and plenty of time from our team members.

HilverdaFlorist is pleased to announce the acquisition of the gerbera Royal F1 series from Takii. Since 2021 both parties have collaborated to accelerate pot gerbera breeding and seed production. This successful partnership has resulted in a strategic step for both companies; the acquisition of the complete gerbera Royal series by HilverdaFlorist.

HilverdaFlorist will continue with the breeding activities and seed production as initiated last year, and in addition will take over the sales starting of November 1st 2022.

The hybrid Royal series is a perfect addition to the strong Pot Gerbera assortment of HilverdaFlorist. Royal is an established brand with a long successful history. It’s known for its high uniformity, strong colors and suitability for larger pot sizes. Combined with the current assortment of FloriLine and Sundayz, HilverdaFlorist confirms to have the strongest assortment in uniformity, genetics and diverse pot sizes to meet any customer demand.

Both family businesses have a long shared history and have collaborated strategically in many areas for years. Royal’s new fit with HilverdaFlorist helps the gerbera specialist to maintain a strong position in a rapidly changing pot gerbera market and allows Takii to develop in other emerging pot- and bedding segments. Takii and HilverdaFlorist work closely together to ensure a smooth transition that safeguards the delivery of excellent quality material.