Embedded with the values of sustainability and holistic practice, Maxiflora is led by third generation flower growers originating from Holland. The van der Zwet family are from a town called Lisse, the home of the iconic Tulip Festival. Since arriving in Australia in 1956, the van der Zwet family have been growing their legacy as Australia's leading flower producers.
Officially established in 1986 by Michael van der Zwet, Maxiflora is a family-orientated establishment with three brothers Angus, Oscar and Hunter leading the new generation. Today, Maxiflora is nestled in the idyllic paradise of Phillip Island on fifty-five acres of land, where rich floral species are sustainably grown, nurtured and harvested. Sustainability, innovation and new technology have successfully paved the way for a future enriched by Maxiflora's core principles of growing, creating and giving back to the community.
Remaining curious and committed to innovation has also led to a sustainability ethos that has rippled throughout the business. As proud innovators of sustainability for over 25 years, Maxiflora were the first to implement the use of recycled water back in 1995. Family is the binding pillar of the business and so too are the needs of the next generation. In the last year Maxiflora successfully reduced all plastic packaging by 90%. With their eyes on a bright future, the utmost care has been taken to ensure their flowers are sustainably grown and distributed.
Through an unwavering curiosity and commitment towards innovation, Maxiflora have experienced award-winning achievements across the flower growing industry. Maxiflora were the first to grow gerberas, alstroemerias, anthuriums, kangaroo paw and hellebores year round in Australia. They also achieved the unimaginable in 2016 when they extended the delicate production cycle of hydrangeas to ten months in Australia through rigorous botanic investigation. Michael also patented a gerbera packaging card that is still used around the globe today.
The van der Zwet family have woven their business into the very essence of the flower growing community. Much like the flowers themselves, they understand the significance of growing and thriving together. Michael has been Chairman of Flowers Victoria and is the inaugural board member of Flower Industry Australia. Collaborating with local artists and supporting businesses has been a major focus of their endeavours.
