Kwekerij Bruinen BV wins first Royal FloraHolland Sustainability Award 2025

The very first Royal FloraHolland Sustainability Award was presented today to Handelskwekerij Bruinen BV during the annual Trade Fair Aalsmeer. With their spider system biological plant protection products, they convinced the jury by demonstrating impact, innovation and feasibility. Holla Roses BV/ Ziway Roses PLC and J&P ten Have finished in second and third place respectively with their inspiring circular and technological solutions for a more sustainable floriculture sector.

Small, lightning-fast spiders that build nests in crops, reproduce and combat pests such as thrips and aphids in a completely natural way. That is what earned Handelskwekerij Bruinen BV first prize in the Sustainability Award. The company is introducing innovative biological plant protection products using mini spiders as natural allies. The result: a significant reduction in crop protection products. It makes a big difference for people, the environment and the future of horticulture. The jury was very impressed by this innovation: "It is a promising concept that not only contributes to reducing the use of chemicals but also gives spiders a positive image boost."

View the innovation Little Spider. 

Circular flower cultivation 
Holla Roses BV, in Ethiopia active as Ziway Roses PLC also won an award. All green waste is converted into compost, biogas and vermicompost within a fully circular system. This contributes to fertile soils, clean energy and lower emissions. It demonstrates that floriculture is not just about being beautiful, but that it can also be sustainable, showing consideration for people, the environment and the long term. The jury praised this initiative, saying, "Innovations such as this are scalable and can be applied to other farms, which means that Holla Roses BV/ Ziway Roses PLC is not only improving its own business operations, but also contributing to a more sustainable international floriculture sector."

View the innovation circular flower cultivation.

Natural growth regulation

A great example of how technology can drive sustainable growth and prepare floriculture for the future is Sprayventive from J&P ten Have. An innovative system that uses UVC light and sensor technology for natural growth regulation and biological plant protection. The innovation ensures strong and even plant growth without chemical growth inhibitors. J&P ten Have was awarded third place in the Sustainability Award: "A newly developed system that combines precision engineering and sustainability in horticulture." The system reduces the use of chemical growth inhibitors by applying UVC growth regulation and works to prevent pests biologically rather than using insecticides. Treating each plant individually and all around maximises the efficiency of biological agents, giving growers an environmentally friendly, effective solution.

View the innovative natural growth regulation.

Connecting innovation and impact
David van Mechelen, CEO of Royal FloraHolland: "With the Royal FloraHolland Sustainability Award, we not only want to reward innovators but, above all, to inspire the sector. The three winners show that sustainability in floriculture is not only about environmental gains, but also about people, collaboration and futureproofing. They are the pioneers who are driving change in the sector

Prestigious award and direct support
The Royal FloraHolland Sustainability Award puts a broader focus on sustainability, social commitment, responsible business ownership and technological innovation. The top three in the Sustainability Award receive not only a prestigious trophy, but also practical support and guidance in terms of communication to further develop their sustainable initiatives.

The entries were judged by an independent jury of experts from science, retail, sustainability and sector organisations, including Koos Biesmeijer (Naturalis), Jacqueline Kroon (Glastuinbouw Nederland), Siem Haffmans (Partners for Innovation), Maartje Beem - Vullings (FruitMasters), Maarten Bánki (Royal FloraHolland) and Elise Wieringa (Intratuin). In addition to the jury's assessment, the public vote also counted for 30% of the final score.