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Labeau joins the Club of 100: ‘Together, we go further’
“We still have so much to learn from each other, and we are happy to contribute to that,” says Febe Floré, CEO of Labeau. The Belgian-Dutch-German company recently joined the Club of 100 at Wageningen University & Research. “We are a family business. Sustainability is important to us: healthy production and healthy employees.”
Labeau is a relatively new name in horticulture. What do you do?
“Labeau is the result of a merger between Hark/Sion and Microflor. Both companies had been active in Phalaenopsis for years: Microflor specialised in breeding, propagation, and young plants, while Hark/Sion focused mainly on propagation and young plants and has a strong network in the Dutch ornamental horticulture sector. Our vision and ambitions aligned perfectly, and so, at the start of 2024, Labeau was born. Together, we are an even stronger team.”
And now Labeau is joining the Club of 100. Why?
“The horticulture sector faces several major challenges, particularly in terms of sustainability. There are certainly solutions to these challenges, but they still need further development. Take, for example, the concept of a fully closed greenhouse. Finding such solutions works best through collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Together, we go further. This openness is a typically Dutch approach—everyone knows each other.”
What key themes are important to you in this regard?
“As a family business, sustainability is naturally a key focus in our operations. We use virtually no chemicals and have made significant strides in reducing water and energy consumption. For example, we recently opened a propagation lab in Turkey—the first in the world that operates without using fossil fuels.”
What role does sustainability play in the future of horticulture?
“I strongly believe in a sustainable future for horticulture. We already have solutions for many challenges. Unfortunately, there is sometimes societal debate around ornamental plant cultivation, which is a shame. We produce our plants in a responsible way, and they bring joy and happiness to consumers. As one of the global leaders in Phalaenopsis breeding, we feel a strong responsibility to lead the way in sustainable innovations and contribute to a future where ornamental horticulture and ecological responsibility go hand in hand.”