Two well-known wholesale floral distributors joined forces as of Oct. 1, according to a Sept. 14 news release. Kennicott Bros. Co. and Vans Floral Products, both headquartered in the Chicago area, will merge operations, with Kennicott acquiring most of the assets of Vans.

Fair Trade floral sales worldwide were up 11 percent last year, with more than 350,000 flowers and plants sold, according to Fairtrade International. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the introduction of Fair Trade flowers to the United States.

The withdrawal of the U.S. affiliate from the international Fair Trade group continued to stir concern last year, but apparently did not affect flower sales here, according to one of the three licensed Fair Trade flower importers in this country.

Specialty cut-flower growers, many of whom sell their products at farmers markets around the country, are taking the “buy local” movement seriously. The group is holding its national conference and trade show Nov. 12-14 in Tacoma, WA.

When you need an energetic shot of instant style, flowers and foliage offer a quick and easy solution. Floral department customers ranging from preteens to octogenarians appreciate the convenience of supermarket shopping. Here are a few fashion-forward ideas for your department.

NORCAL, the California Association of Flower Growers & Shippers, is setting a new and quicker pace this year to demonstrate strong member value and to assure that it is attuned to the multiple business challenges its members face in an internationally competitive industry.

As the country focuses on the next election, the Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association is focusing on the next generation. What’s Next? is the theme for its annual Floral Distribution Conference in Miami Oct. 24-26, which will explore how the next generation will alter traditional leadership.