Agro Care tops Hillenraad100 anniversary edition

The keynote speech from Rinke Zonneveld, Chair of the Hillenraad100 Expert Committee, opened with an impassioned speech emphasising the competitiveness of the Netherlands and the role of horticulture in this. Martien Penning was the first to receive an award that evening, in recognition of his passion, dedication to the sector and his initiative in establishing and organising 20 years of the Hillenraad100.

Larger in scale and more international
For the first time in five years, the Hortigala was organised once again to mark the announcement of the Hillenraad100. In previous years, the announcement’s format was adapted in response to the coronavirus crisis, the conflict in Ukraine and the energy crisis. This year, however, the festive Hortigala of the Year returned by popular demand. Within this special setting, Agro Care received the prize for most prominent company. The jury noted that Agro Care illustrates, perhaps more than any other company, how horticulture is evolving, becoming increasingly larger in scale and more international. Remarkably, Agro Care made its debut at number 100 in the very first Hillenraad100 in 2003. 

Limgroup at number 100
At position 100 in the Hillenraad100’s 2024 edition is Limgroup from Limburg. Although a relatively small company, it is highly innovative in F1 hybrid seeds for strawberry cultivation. It is a promising business and it can take inspiration from Agro Care that has demonstrated how it is possible to rise to the top of the rankings. To mark the Hillenraad100’s twentieth edition, its creators have also compiled a Top 100 of all time. This ranking draws on companies’ standings in previous editions. Based on this cumulative assessment, the Dutch Flower Group topped the list and received the Long-Term Leadership Award from NPM Capital.

More winners
The Hillenraad100 evaluation model is based on six pillars, with a winner announced for each. The ESG Award went to Anthura, the Performance Award to Agro Care, the EBITDA Growth Award to Lugt Lisianthus, the Size & Impact Award to Floral Trade Group, and the Entrepreneurship Award to Koppert Cress. The Peer Review Award, announced by lead sponsor Royal FloraHolland, went to Koppert. In addition, two special awards were presented. BDO announced Bunnik Group as Family Business of the Year, while Niels Louwaars, Director of Plantum, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his global efforts for the seed and young plant sector.

Warm reception
Following a spectacular awards show, attendees enjoyed an exclusive dinner served on the theatre's dance stage. Accompanied by live dance and music, they were treated to an ‘exceptionally delicious, plant-based, animal-friendly and humane menu’. After dinner, guests were finally able to peruse the latest edition of the Hillenraad100 and discover their position on the list. The magazine was warmly received. New to this edition are the so-called ‘spider diagrams’ that show at a glance the areas in which companies can further improve, as well as where they are performing well. 

A platform
Martien Penning, founder of the Hillenraad100, looks back on the Hortigala and the process of compiling the list with pride. “It is impressive to see what the sector is doing in terms of sustainability, how hard it is working to secure the future of horticulture and the value it brings to the Netherlands. It is a wonderful and fascinating task to bring together the sector's pioneers and provide them with a platform in the Hillenraad100.”

Source: