Awards

Van den Berk Nurseries in Sint-Oedenrode received the Horticultural Business award from Minister Gerda Verburg (Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality) on 7 January, 2009. In her speech the Minister stated that, ‘The prize winner is a shining example  in the horticultural industry, which itself is a leader in innovation, energy conservation and sustainability, as well as a sturdy cornerstone of the Dutch economy.’ The prize was presented during the New Year Joint Exhibition organised by the Product Board for Horticulture and the Horticultural Business Prize Foundation. Van den Berk Nurseries was proposed by Anthos, the Royal Trade Association for Nursery Stock and Flower Bulbs.
The jury’s report stated that Van den Berk Nurseries takes the lead in product innovation and sustainable production in the field of arboriculture. The company is a pioneer with its innovative mechanisation, personnel management, logistics and approach to the (international) market. It is an ambassador for the industry as a whole.

Bronze Rose in ‘Grower of the Year’ competition 2009

In September 2009, during the gala dinner of the AIPH, the International Association of Horticultural Producers, in Zaragosa Van den Berk Nurseries has been awarded with the 3rd prize in the international ‘Grower of the Year’ competition 2009. As the winner of the Dutch Horticulture Business prize 2009, Van den Berk was one of the six nominees. Pieter van den Berk represented the company during the award ceremony, part of the 61st Annual Congress of the AIPH. The six nominees, who are each the winners of their respective national contests, came from Belgium, Colombia, England, Germany, The Netherlands and Spain. Each of the candidates were judged on four main criteria; (1) economic performance, (2) sustainable business strategy (including social responsibility), (3) innovation and (4) overall company image.

The bronze rose was for Van den Berk Nurseries because of its
• Engineering innovations to complement progressive production techniques in a specialised business
• Compliance with environmental standards
• Professional marketing and promotion aspects (e.g. Website, Tree Book, Guides and Newsletter)