Fusion Flowers Magazine

It's apparently an easy win for Avalanche Peach+ rose!

Avalanche Peach+ from Van den Berg Roses in Delfgauw easily saw off the two runners-up to win the coveted title of Fleur Primeur Rose 2007 at the Aalsmeer market event in The Netherlands. This was the seventh time that the Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer's Fleur Primeur Rose contest has been held. The Aalsmeer rose buyers were given the chance to vote for their favourite rose before the International Hortifair. For the first time, this year there were four nominations for the award because two roses tied for third place. There was great public interest on Thursday 11 October, as Timo Huges, management chairman of Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer, awarded the prizes at the auction's stand during the International Horti Fair at Amsterdam 's RAI Exhibition Centre.

Winner 

The winner Avalanche Peach+, a mutant of Avalanche+, secured 45 percent of the votes. The peach-coloured rose is valued for its combination of exceptional colour and the familiar characteristics of the Avalanche+, such as bud size, durability and popularity among consumers. Buyers also praised reliability of supply as a further plus. The breeder is Lex+. This breeder has had a cultivar nominated for the Fleur Primeur award for five years in a row and has already won three times.

Second and third prizes 

Bartels Roses' Tara rose won second prize quite an achievement as Bartels only began breeding roses two years ago. The yellow Tara is the second cultivar that Bartels has successfully launched onto the market.  Tara has proved popular with buyers as it is a valuable addition to the yellow segment. Its bright yellow colour and ease of processing are considered to be major advantages. Tara is supplied by Kick Roses from Venlo.

Two cultivars tied for third place having both secured equal numbers of votes. Fiesta+ and Amalia. The attractively coloured Fiesta+ is produced by the Hans Eveleens nursery in Almere and breeder Lex+. Fiesta+ stands out because of the bright colour combinations in the flower and has been featured in Fusion Flowers magazine.

Amalia is from the John van Os nursery and breeder Meilland Nederland. Amalia is valued for its characteristic colour combination of red and old rose, its good durability and reliable supply. Both breeders have been prize-winners in previous years.

Fleur Primeur 

Novelties take pride of place in the Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer assortment. Every year between 60 and 80 rose cultivars are launched in Aalsmeer. Last year, only 20 cultivars were eligible for the title Fleur Primeur. Fleur Primeurs must be new products with good durability and a distinctive quality, and must be available in sufficient quantities. This year's 20 Fleur Primeurs were assessed by buyers for their innovative value, quality, durability, suitability for transport and their customers' appreciation of the new roses.