Ronico wins 40th Horticulture Entrepreneur Award

On Wednesday, 11 March, Ronico was officially announced as the winner of the 2026 Horticulture Entrepreneur Award. Broekpolder 2040 won the Theme Award Collaboration & Cohesion. It marked a special anniversary year at a fitting venue: Keukenhof, where it all began.

Winner Ronico: innovation down to the tulip

In many households right now, it takes centre stage: the Dutch tulip. The international family business Ronico, based in Hem and led by Niels and Robér de Wit, ensures that more than 200,000 consumers can enjoy top-quality tulips every day. This Royal FloraHolland member is a frontrunner in sustainable innovation — for example, they calculate the footprint of each individual tulip, an approach that requires advanced technology and data expertise.

“It is impressive to see how the company has invested in automation in recent years. Ronico thinks big and manages the entire chain from bulb to tulip. These are true entrepreneurs who seize opportunities and dare to take bold steps. This is the direction our sector must move in. What an incredible achievement to demonstrate that a sustainable, climate‑neutral tulip in the vase really is possible.” – Jury

Strong finalists highlight the breadth of the sector

The other finalists emphasise the diversity and strength of horticulture:

KP Holland
This well‑known Royal FloraHolland member stands out for its agile entrepreneurship, continuous product development and strong international position.

Limgroup
A leader in asparagus breeding. The “white gold” season already begins in March inside the greenhouse; breeding processes can take up to twenty years of craftsmanship. A showcase of precision and international impact.

Theme Award 2026: Broekpolder 2040 honoured

The Theme Award Collaboration & Cohesion was presented to Broekpolder 2040. This initiative shows how sustainable area development in the Westland region can take shape when entrepreneurs, government and local residents work together from the principle of well‑considered self‑interest. The project is an inspiring example of how living environment, economy, nature and horticulture can reinforce one another.

“Broekpolder 2040 shows how strongly an area can flourish when diverse interests are connected. Thanks to an integrated approach with the local community, a broadly supported vision for the future of living and working emerges. The project demonstrates the sector’s strength when parties truly collaborate on creating a future‑proof horticultural area.” – Jury

Other finalists for the Theme Award

Ton van Dalen – 100% sustainably grown
A grower fully committed to sustainable, fossil‑free cultivation, demonstrating that greening is both feasible and scalable.

The First Sustainable Generation
An initiative that brings people and nature closer together through education, awareness and innovative cultivation concepts.

Royal FloraHolland: proud sponsor of entrepreneurship

We are proud to have supported this award for many years. The Horticulture Entrepreneur Award provides a platform that showcases companies and innovators — something that benefits the entire sector. David van Mechelen, CEO a.i. Royal FloraHolland: “For 40 years, the Horticulture Entrepreneur Award has celebrated entrepreneurship, innovation and collaboration — a tradition that reflects the strength of Dutch horticulture.”