Categories & Criteria

EDIBLES CATEGORIES

Best New Variety

Awarded for the new vegetable, fruit or salad variety that, in the opinion of the judges, most effectively demonstrates excellence in its intended attributes: these could include, but are not limited to, taste, pest/disease resistance, weather tolerance, retail/consumer appeal, ease of cultivation, potential to extend the season etc. The entrant is likely to be the breeder, or, in the case of foreign-bred produce, the introducer to the UK, but will not be limited to these. Your written summary should also describe how the variety a) satisfies a need, and b) is succeeding commercially.

Vegetable Grower of the Year - open to growers of field grown vegetables

Awarded to the vegetable grower that most impresses the judges. The grower will need to demonstrate excellence in one or more areas, such as customer satisfaction, innovation, cost control, crop hygiene, product range, growth, product quality, systems, staff motivation/retention, use of technology/equipment etc.

Top Fruit Grower of the Year - open to growers of orchard fruit and hops

Awarded to the top fruit grower that most impresses the judges. The grower will need to demonstrate excellence in one or more areas, such as customer satisfaction, innovation, cost control, crop hygiene, product range, growth, product quality, systems, staff motivation/retention, use of technology/equipment etc.

Salads Grower of the Year - open to growers of protected and outdoor salads

Awarded to the salad grower that most impresses the judges. The grower will need to demonstrate excellence in one or more areas, such as customer satisfaction, innovation, cost control, use of technology/ equipment, crop hygiene, product range, growth, product quality, systems, staff motivation/retention etc.

Soft Fruit Grower of the Year - open to growers of berryand bush fruit

Awarded to the soft fruit grower that most impresses the judges. The grower will need to demonstrate excellence in one or more areas, such as customer satisfaction, innovation, cost control, crop hygiene, product range, growth, use of technology/equipment, product quality, systems, staff motivation/retention etc.

Organic Grower of the Year - open to growers of top fruit, salads, soft fruit and vegetables

Awarded to the grower that most impresses the judges. The grower will need to demonstrate excellence in one or more areas, such as customer satisfaction, innovation, cost control, crop hygiene, product range, growth, product quality, systems, staff motivation/retention, use of technology/equipment etc.

Grower of the Year Edibles - chosen from all ediblecategory winners

This category cannot be entered.

This special award is presented to the best of the best. The independent panel of judges will assess the winners of the six categories and vote for the overall winner.

ORNAMENTALS CATEGORIES

Best New Variety

Awarded for the plant that, in the opinion of the judges, most effectively demonstrates excellence in its intended attributes: these could include, but are not limited to, flower longevity, pest/disease resistance, weather tolerance, landscaping qualities, retail appeal, consumer need, ease of cultivation, etc. The entrant is likely to be the breeder, or, in the case of foreign-bred plants, the introducer to the UK, but will not be limited to these. Your written summary should also describe how the plant a) satisfies a need, and b) is succeeding commercially.

Cut Flower Grower of the Year

Awarded to the cut flower fruit grower that most impresses the judges. The grower will need to demonstrate excellence in one or more areas, such as customer satisfaction, innovation, cost control, crop hygiene, use of technology/equipment, growth, product range, product quality, systems, staff motivation/retention etc.

Bedding and Pot Plant Grower of the Year

Awarded to the pot plant and/or bedding grower that most impresses the judges. Entries are welcome from nurseries supplying both the amenity and commercial markets. The grower will need to demonstrate excellence in one or more areas, such as: customer satisfaction, use of technology/equipment, growth, innovation, product range, systems, turnover, plant hygiene, staff motivation/retention etc.

Nursery Stock Grower of the Year

Awarded to the hardy nursery stock grower that most impresses the judges. Entries are welcome from nurseries supplying both the amenity and commercial markets. The grower will need to demonstrate excellence in one or more areas, such as: customer satisfaction, growth, innovation, product range, use of technology/equipment, systems, turnover, plant hygiene, staff motivation/retention etc.

Grower of the Year Ornamentals - chosen from all ornamental category winners

This category cannot be entered.

This special award is presented to the best of the best. The independent panel of judges will assess the winners of the four categories and vote for the overall winner.

OVERALL CATEGORIES

Consumer Marketing Campaign of the Year

Awarded to the individual business, representative or trade organisation who demonstrates the most innovative consumer marketing campaign. This could be a marketing or promotional campaign for the individual business and or its product or services, or a marketing or promotional campaign for the sector represented by the trade organisation.

Trade Marketing Campaign of the Year

Awarded to the supplier who demonstrates the most innovative trade marketing campaign. This could be a marketing or promotional campaign for the supplier itself or for a particular product or service.

Technical Product of the Year

Awarded to the professional product which has had a proven impact on the operations of its customers. Entrants should be able to demonstrate quantifiable results for the product both in terms of sales figures and effectiveness of operation. Entries could also list why the product is a worthy winner in terms of innovation, answering a market need, cost effectiveness etc. Eligible products could include machinery, production equipment, new technology, chemicals, growing media etc.

Sales and Marketing Professional of the Year - open to all sales employees or agents and distributors

Individuals should demonstrate excellence in areas such as market knowledge, customer knowledge and client relationships, creativity, tenacity, consistency, growth in market share, negotiation skills etc.

Nominations are invited. Free of charge to enter.

Young Grower of the Year

Awarded to the young grower who, in the opinion of the judges, has made the most significant contribution to their business or sector within the past few years. The written submission should include an outline of what the nominee has achieved to warrant nomination and indicate how the entrant is regarded by their peers, customers, colleagues, subordinates, seniors etc.

Nominations are invited. Free of charge to enter.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Awarded to the individual who, in the opinion of the judges, has made the most outstanding contribution to horticulture, or any sector within it. Written evidence should explain what successes/achievements have been accomplished to warrant nomination and how the entrant is regarded by peers, customers, colleagues, subordinates, seniors etc.

Nominations are invited. Free of charge to enter.