Outlook 2016: Different generations, different approaches to floral
In a session recently presented at the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit, I reviewed the results of research our company conducted on how the three generations in prime time today -- millennials, Gen X and baby boomers -- view and purchase floral products. As we consider the future of the floral category, a look at how each of these generations approaches floral provides interesting insights.
Outlook 2016: Are we all millenials now?
Without question, 2015 was the year of the millennials. Prognosticators held countless conferences, engaged in many conversations and focused most trend presentations on predicting what the soon-to-be largest purchasing power group on the planet will want to buy. Turns out they were right. As forecasted, retailers did see a rise in products that fit the desired part-of-something-bigger lifestyle sought after by our millennials. Self-expression via color did take place and products espousing some sort of organic feel were the best sellers.
Giant's newly acquired store to feature marketplace-style produce section
Giant Food Stores has entered into an agreement with C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc. to acquire a Nell’s Shurfine Market located in Carlisle, PA. The acquisition, expected to be completed by the beginning of March, will mark the second Giant location in Carlisle.
Outlook 2016: More transparency, more guarantees, more local product
Anthropologist Margret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Outlook 2016: Versatile natural hardgoods maintain momentum
It appears that the 2016 hardgoods trends will be a strong continuation of where 2015 left off. This year’s Christmas season saw strength in natural ornaments, decorations and display pieces, as well as a strong demand for earthy items such as birch, moss, grapevine, twigs, branches and figurines of woodsy creatures like foxes, owls, hedgehogs and deer.
Outlook 2016: Fees, limited cargo space increase costs of imported flowers
In the fall of 2015 the flower industry finally found some relief in the high cost of flowers from Ecuador when the United States Congress passed the extension of the Generalized System of Preferences. Unfortunately, roses — which are the largest imported flower from Ecuador — are not covered under the GSP. Therefore, roses continue to have a 6.8 percent duty. There is a recommendation to the United States Trade Representatives that roses be added to GSP and hopefully a decision will be made soon.
Salmonella prompts cucumber recall for Thomas Produce
Thomas Produce Co. of Boca Raton, FL, is recalling 174 bulk-packed containers of cucumbers. This product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. This product was sold to distributors in Florida and Georgia between Dec. 15 and Dec. 16. All distributors that received this product have been notified.
Organic industry scores with expanded exemption from check-off programs
WASHINGTON — More organic farmers and handlers will be able to opt out of conventional check-off commodity programs and use funds to support organic programs under a new rule announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Dec. 31, 2015, final rule expanded the certified organic product exemption from assessments collected by commodity promotion programs and marketing orders.
Outlook 2016: Expect to be wowed by plants, foliage and gardens
By all indications, 2016 will be the year of wow —not just in our industry, but likely across the nation as we bask in economic recovery. Increases in minimum wages and also in consumer spending were 2015’s hallmarks. With an up economy, people are happy and spending their cash — and this is good news.
Women’s Day floral campaign at Kitayama Bros. is a grassroots effort
Robert Kitayama, president at Kitayama Bros. Co. in Watsonville, CA, got the idea for the company’s 2015 Women’s Day campaign after a discussion with his older daughter, who said she “could support a new holiday that helped women.”