Haarlem/Aalsmeer, 09-09-2009 - ''The great admiration for the Hilverda Group is endorsed by the Royal Decree to confer the designation ‘Royal’ on this marvellous company." These were the words of Mayor Pieter Litjens of Aalsmeer at the conclusion of his speech during the centenary celebrations for the Hilverda Group in Haarlem on Wednesday 9 September. Jan Hilverda, managing director of the floriculture company, said that he also regarded the royal decoration as a token of appreciation for all staff and business associates.

"It is an achievement for a company to celebrate its hundredth birthday in good health. The complementary recognition shown by the designation ‘Royal’ is an exceptional honour for us and our predecessors, but also for the new generation," declared Jan Hilverda in his word of thanks to Mayor Litjens.
 
Professionally and socially an exemplary enterprise
Before the official presentation, Litjens reviewed both the professional and the social role played by Hilverda. "Ever since it was founded in 1909, Hilverda has been an extremely innovative company in the export of flowers as well as in the breeding and propagation of floricultural crops. New markets, new products, new techniques and new processes – a hundred years of leading the way has been a guiding principle for the three generations and Hilverda has acquired a prominent position and reputation worldwide as a consequence. But Hilverda is also an exemplary enterprise in the social context. Only in Aalsmeer and the surrounding area at first, but now with its own business locations in many countries," said Litjens. He presented the deed that accompanies the designation to Jan Hilverda and his fellow directors, Peter Eveleens and Jan Eveleens.

Pioneers from the past, the present and the future spoke about the history and future of the Hilverda companies at the festive celebration presented by Tineke Verburg in the Philharmonie in Haarlem, magnificently decorated with flowers for the occasion. In addition to the announcement of the designation ‘Royal’, which took everyone by surprise, the guests also witnessed the premiere of the richly illustrated centenary book 'Honderd jaar pionieren - een kwestie van durf' [A hundred years of leading the way – a question of courage] about the Hilverda Groep from 1909 to 2009.