IFPA 25 Anaheim California.
Once again, the large crowds assembled at the entrance to the huge hall that holds the largest show that I attend each year.
However, this year the floral exhibitors were housed in a separate hall apart from the produce exhibitors. This was a subject of much discussion about whether this was a good thing or not. More about his later.
This Global Produce and Floral Show is the largest of its’ kind, attracting over twenty thousand visitors. Here all the brand names you would recognize in the produce isles of your favorite grocery store are here plus all the big and not, so big floral bouquet makers are represented.
The booths are grand, filled with bucket after bucket of bouquets in every imaginal configuration and more. While I don’t believe there is an official prize for best booth there is no doubt a competitive edge amongst the exhibitors. Gems International always offers a fresh look and the Sunshine Bouquet booth was more like a plaza with many facets.
I was able to chat with Juan Carlos Hannaford, of The Elite Flower Co. regarding the recent report that the deal with Colour Republic did not go through.
I also confirmed this with Remi Davalos from Colour Republic. “We decided to remain independent.”
In other news
Delaware Valley Floral Group, LLC Announces Acquisition of KD & Co. Locations in Richmond, VA and Raleigh, NC
John Simko, President of The Sunshine Bouquet Co. was on a panel discussion where he talked about the ever-changing landscape while trying to run a business. Tariffs, rising cost and political uncertainty all adding up to rough waters.
He made those statements on Thursday and below is this news from October 19.
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE, Oct 19 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday night he would raise tariffs on Colombia and stop all payments to the South American nation, escalating a feud that stems from the U.S. military’s strikes on vessels allegedly transporting drugs in the region.
Back to the show. The Floral Marketer of the year is Kevin Prill, Category Manager of Floral, The Giant Company
I managed to chat with the head buyer for trader Joes, and I told her how much I admire Trader Joe’s approach to floral good selection, good prices and fresh product. She told me that it is designed to look just like a wholesaler’s cooler and that made totally sense to me having been in many.
A few weeks ago, I mentioned that it might be a good idea to stock up on marigolds as the Dios de Muertos was coming. However, I spoke to my ride share driver in LA who told me that the normal vendors that would appear on the streets to sell them were nonexistent this year due to ICE raids.
Finally, the decision to separate floral from produce received mixed reaction. Everyone missed the buzz, traffic, energy and free samples by being in the produce area, but some were happy that the traffic that was in the floral area was high quality.
I am sure that the IFPA staff will evaluate the decision, and I look forward to next year in Orlando.
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