“A family reunion!”, is how the Fleuroselect Annual Member Convention is described by many of the participants. Approx. 100 delegates from 16 countries gathered from 2-4 July in Kassel, Germany, for the Organisation’s Annual General Meeting and to catch up with friends and colleagues from across the world. The German seed breeder Benary hosted the event in the aftermath of its 175th anniversary celebrations.
Flowers and Family
Matthias Redlefsen, managing director of Benary, provided delegates with valuable insights into the German flower industry. The German pro-capita consumption of flowers is the highest in the world, likely thanks to cultural traditions such as rich flower decorations on balconies and flower beds instead of concrete slates on graves. However, the breeder is unproportionally rewarded throughout the entire value chain. “Breeders will need courage and creativity to successfully tackle the future”, concluded Matthias Redlefsen.
Klaudia Benary-Redlefsen, 6th generation and current owner of Benary together with her uncle Ernst-Günter Benary, gave an overview of the company’s rich history. The story of her grandfather Fritz Benary who left East Germany to build a company in the west is a striking example of perseverance. Today, Benary sells more than 10 billion flower seeds per year. The company’s export quota exceeds 90% and its turnover has doubled in the past 13 years.
Anthony (left) and Lawrence Tse from Clover Seed, together with President Karol Pawlak
Clover Seed joins Fleuroselect
During the Annual General Meeting, Clover Seed from Hong Kong was accepted as a new member. In addition to importing and exporting seed, Clover Seed provides contract production of vegetable and flower bulk seeds for overseas companies in China. The Clover Laboratory focusses on plant pathology and marker development.
Fleuroselect judges discuss new entered varieties
Benaryan flower power
A full day was spent at Benary where the delegation had the opportunity to admire an extensive trial field showing the full scope of the company’s assortment. The beds were beautifully laid-out and all plants looked spectacular, a highly impressive achievement that wowed the entire group. Benary also planted a full Gold Medal and Novelty Trial. The judges closely studied the newly entered varieties, comparing them to already existing plants on the market and exchanged their views on possible new winners.
Jean-François Ignasse, Ann Jennen, Anne Leventry, Karol Pawlak, Ruud Brinkkemper
Ann Jennen, Irma Jansen, Karol Pawlak
Gold Medals
The event culminated at the Alte Brüderkirche in Kassel for the Gala Dinner where traditionally the Gold Medals are handed out. Three varieties excelled in last year’s Fleuroselect trials and clearly surpassed their comparisons in beauty, innovation and garden performance, being awarded with a Gold Medal for 2020. Jean-François Ignasse, Sales Manager Europe at PanAmerican Seed together with Anne Leventry, President PanAmerican Seed and Ruud Brinkkemper, General Manager Kieft Seed Europe, stepped forward to accept the Medal for Leucanthemum superbum Madonna. Irma Jansen, Account and Product Manager Home Gardening at Takii Europe received the Medal for Tropaeolum minus Baby Rose. Fleuroselect president Karol Pawlak and Marketing & Communications Manager Ann Jennen accepted the Medal for Silene pendula Sibella Carmine on behalf of Rob van der Voort of Van Hemert & Co. who was unable to attend the ceremony.
Karol Pawlak, Jean-Francois Ignasse, Jacques de Vroomen, Ann Jennen
Honorary Members
The final highlight of the evening was the announcement of two new Honorary Members: Jacques de Vroomen, former owner of Muller Seeds, and Jean-François Ignasse, Sales Manager Europe at PanAmerican Seed. After an organisational crisis in 2007, Jacques de Vroomen as Treasurer re-aligned the finances of the organisation guiding them throughout the last 12 years to the financially healthy organisation of today. Jean-François supported the organisation by entering numerous new varieties and served as Fleuroselect’s president ad interim. Jacques de Vroomen and Jean-François Ignasse both received an honorary certificate, an honorary pin and a life-long invitation to future annual member conventions.
2020 – Amsterdam
The evening concluded with an invitation to next year’s Annual Member Convention which will be held from 30th June to 2nd of July in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Central theme will be Fleuroselect’s 50th anniversary.
