2017: JUB Holland, Noordwijkerhout

The 31st edition of the Horticulture Entrepreneur Prize has been won by JUB Holland in Noordwijkerhout. This leading entrepreneur will act as an ambassador for the horticulture sector for the next year. JUB Holland was presented with the prestigious entrepreneur prize during the well-attended New Year event in Keukenhof, Lisse.

Jac Uittenbogaard & Zonen (JUB Holland) occupy a leading position in the bulb sector. The company is one of the few in the sector that has mastered all aspects of the flower-bulb trade: from breeding tulips via the cooperative, ‘Remarkable’, to cultivating, forcing and trading flower bulbs for retail, landscape and forcing operations. The company exports high-quality flower bulbs and flower-bulb products, plus many innovative concepts to more than 35 countries.

The fourth generation is now running the family company. The company occupies a special place in the region and sector, whereby during the 100-year anniversary it received the honorary title ‘Royal’ (Hofleverancier). JUB Holland places considerable importance on sustainable enterprise. For example, the company took the initiative in developing Milieukeur for flower bulbs and was closely involved in the process. JUB Holland is a member of NL Greenlabel, an organisation devoted to creating balance between outdoor areas and the natural environment. In addition, it is a member of the Stichting Keurmerk Bloembollen Holland (Association of quality-mark flower bulbs), the leading consumer quality mark for guaranteeing quality and flowering. Its label, ‘Natural Bulbs’, stands for a series of packaged organic flower bulbs.

The jury appreciated the initiatives taken by Jac. Uittenbogaard & Zonen in the area of helping to make flower-bulb cultivation in the Netherlands sustainable. As a result, the company makes an important contribution to the positive image of the horticultural sector.

The jury was impressed by this stable family business because of the long family tradition, but also because of the wide range of activities within the chain. The commitment of five generations has enabled the company to achieve a distinctive position within the international market. JUB Holland stands out because of its strong vision and social engagement by giving bulbs a place in society. The entrepreneurs seek collaboration with municipal councils and organisations for this in an innovative way. A key element in this is the use of bulbs to support biodiversity. The 2017 winner operates with vision, daring and vigour. JUB Holland acts as a pioneer in developing the bulb sector.