Twitter: @Bordbia #BBhortawards

Bord Bia presented its Amenity Horticulture Awards for the garden industry at a reception in headquarters today. The Awards recognise and promote excellence across three key sectors of the industry while celebrating the industry's dedication to achieving the highest standards of operation. This year Bord Bia awarded 28 garden centres; 3 ornamental growers and 16 landscape service providers, which have successfully achieved the standards as set out by its Quality Assurance Programmes along with 20 category awards for Garden Centres, Landscape Contractors and Nursery Growers.

Speaking at the event, Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive, Bord Bia stated, "The awards, which reflect the achievement of the highest standards in business operation, quality standards, innovation and retailing in the sector, are a testament to the hard work, diligence and perseverance of the industry in this challenging environment. The commitment to excellence of these award recipients inspires confidence in the sustainable economic future of the sector, worth some €45 million annually. These companies are continually investing in training, infrastructure and procedures to attain a Bord Bia Quality Award, allowing them to deliver beyond consumer expectation."

The overall category winners were:

Bord Bia Supports and Plans for 2014

Bord Bia's Marketing Assistance Programme provided assistance worth over €200,000 to amenity horticulture companies between 2009 and 2013 enabling them to enhance their capabilities and pursue new opportunities. The Supplier Development Programme, designed to provide targeted training and mentoring in this industry, facilitated five participants in securing new business and increasing supplies with multiples to a value exceeding €2.4 million. Commentating further on Bord Bia's industry role, Carol Marks, Development and Marketing Specialist, Bord Bia added, "The continued development and use of the Bord Bia Quality Mark on plants from Quality Assured Irish nurseries has been well received and will have a significant role in the future growth of the industry with consumer recognition of 89% and the move toward supporting local industry."

In 2014, Bord Bia will continue to promote the "It's Garden Time" campaign to encourage the general public to make the most of their gardens throughout the year. The campaign directs consumers to the Bord Bia website, www.bordbia.ie/itsgardentime, where a range of tips and advice is available. In April, a 32- page gardening supplement, published by the Irish Independent in association with Bord Bia, will herald the start of the new gardening season and highlight the various themes of the promotional campaign.

The International Garden Centre World Congress will be held in Ireland from the 10th – 15th August. Up to 200 delegates from International garden centres are expected to attend, creating a unique opportunity to showcase Ireland's amenity horticulture industry to a global audience, including buyers. The GLAS trade show, supported by Bord Bia, will also return on the 24th July to provide an environment geared for business and networking and is attended by key buyers in the retail sector. Bord Bia's annual gardening and lifestyle show, Bloom will return to the Phoenix Park, Dublin for its eighth year from Thursday, 29th May until Monday, 2nd June. For more information, visit www.bloominthepark.com. Other dates of note include, the second trade plant fair of the year will be held on Tuesday, 1st April while the Rare & Special Plant Fair will take place on Sunday, 12th May in Russborough, Blessington, Co. Wicklow.

Award Winners

Ornamental Grower Awards

Landscape Quality Awards

Landscape Special Awards

Garden Centre Award Winners

Garden Centre Quality Awards - Special Awards