Sheridan Nurseries wins International Grower of the Year

Canada’s largest garden center retailer and grower, Sheridan Nurseries, has received the prestigious accolade of International Grower of the Year by the International Horticultural Producers Association (AIPH) for the second year in a row.

Beating off strong competition from renowned international horticultural companies, Sheridan Nurseries has been awarded the AIPH’s Golden Rose in the annual International Grower of the Year 2013 competition.

Karl. E. Stensson, president of Sheridan Nurseries said: "To receive this honor for a second time is an absolute testament to the dedication and skills of our entire team at Sheridan. Our Nursery, Marketing, Financial and Purchasing employees all had a part in making this happen. To receive it during our 100th anniversary in business is 'icing on the cake' for an outstanding year."

Sheridan Nurseries was pre-selected by a Canadian Nursery and Landscape Association to represent Canada in the annual International Grower of the Year contest after winning the national Royal Bank of Canada Grower of the Year Award 2013 in February. The company was recognized for its innovative emphasis on new plant varieties each year, excellent environmental and sustainable production policies, marketing and after sales support, as well as its human resource and educational policies, and market place position.

Commenting on the contest, AIPH Secretary General Tim Briercliffe said, “This award is given to the best of the best from around the world. The standard of entries goes up all the time and each year the award demonstrates the outstanding professionalism and integrity shown by the worlds’ leading nurseries.”

The annual jury selection of International Grower of the Year was Sept. 11 in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Sheridan faced competition from international nurseries including; Belgium – Romberama, Leiweg, Loenhout ; The Netherlands – Sion, de Lier ; United Kingdom – Whetman Pinks, Dawlish, Devon .

This award comes as Sheridan Nurseries is celebrating its 100th year in business in Canada. Karl said: “As one of the few family owned businesses still operating in Canada after 100 years, we believe our success has become intrinsically linked to our standards of excellence and strong brand presence within the sector. I believe this award is a reflection of our company values and hard work over the last century."