Biannual Fun ‘N Sun convention slated for July 29-Aug. 1
As part of its mission to get flowers from the field to consumers, the California Association of Flower Growers and Shippers will host its biannual Fun ‘N Sun convention July 29-Aug. 1 in Monterey, CA, according to a news release. The event, attended by California and regional growers, transportation and service providers, florists and designers, offers educational sessions and the California Flower Fair, which will feature thousands of different kinds of locally grown flowers and greens.
AmericanHort to unveil SHIFT initiative at Cultivate ‘15 in Ohio
What’s the future of the retail industry? Everything about it is changing and changing fast. AmericanHort will unveil “SHIFT: An AmericanHort Initiative” in the Cultivate ’15 Retail District during the all-industry horticulture-floriculture expo and convention July 11-14 in Columbus, OH. At SHIFT Live, attendees can walk through an explanation of industry research and interact with the researchers themselves, according to a news release.
Floral industry honors fallen soldiers with Memorial Day Flowers program
Hundreds of volunteers, including Boy Scouts, firefighters, florists and other supporters, joined together for the fifth consecutive Memorial Day to honor the nation’s fallen heroes by placing over 120,000 roses on graves at Arlington National Cemetery. Robin Penaherrera, founder of the Memorial Day Flowers Foundation, told The Produce News that the Arlington event had many more sponsors this year.the
Former Albertson’s location reopens as Market Street, with an eye toward health and wellness
A new Market Street supermarket in Midland, TX, held a grand opening ceremony June 24 to celebrate the store’s new look, features and offerings resulting from a complete transformation of the former Albertsons Market.
Market Street, known as the place “where everyday meets gourmet,” is designed to provide a unique shopping experience for guests who care about food. The store has extensive options for guests to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as well as everyday items shoppers are accustomed to finding.
Hette Spek from Dutch flower company Jan Spek Rozen dies
Hette Spek, former leader of Jan Spek Rozen B.V. in the Netherlands, passed away on May 29 at the age of 72. The family business was founded by Jan Spek in 1890 and is one of the older rose companies in the world.
The company website published the following announcement: “Sad, but thankful for everything he has done for us. We inform you that after a difficult period of declining health, Hette Sybren Spek has passed away.”
Those wishing to send their condolences may get in touch with Erik Spek at [email protected].
AmericanHort nursery tour planned for Minneapolis area
AmericanHort announced that it would host a tour this fall of growing facilities in the Minneapolis region, according to a news release. The Field & Covered Production Tour, Sept. 15-16, will combine classroom education and tours of nursery operations. Tour stops include Bailey Nurseries, Bachman’s Nursery Wholesale Center, Gertens Greenhouses & Garden Center and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
Cut flower growing: Holland vs. California
In early June I took a trip to Holland with six other California growers to attend the Dutch Lily Days. It was a great trip for me to see what is new in lilies and gerbera daisies and tour some of the most technologically modern greenhouses in the world. I reflected a lot on the difference between Dutch and California cut flower growing. I believe the one thing we have in common is a desire to be profitable. After that, there is a big difference in how we each go about achieving this goal.
FPFC South focuses on business goals
Celebrating its 50th year, the Fresh Produce & Floral Council invites you to “get to work on your business goals” at the 2015 Southern California Expo July 14 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA. Hundreds of exhibitors will showcase the newest innovations and the latest consumer trends at one of the larger floral shows on the West Coast, according to a news release.
Bloomaker celebrates end of expansion project
Bloomaker USA held a gala May 15 in its newly constructed greenhouse facility in Waynesboro, VA, in celebration of its expansion project completion, according to a news release. Several state and local dignitaries including U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (VA-6), Carolyn Bragg, vice chair of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors, and Virginia state Delegate Richard Bell conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and offered speeches to open the evening’s events, which included dinner and dancing.
Merchandising Awards of Excellence presented at IFE
The Merchandising Awards of Excellence, sponsored by Borgen Systems and Super Floral magazine, were presented June 8 at the 2015 International Floriculture Expo in Chicago. Since 1998, supermarket floral departments from around the nation have entered yearly photos of their displays, which are judged by a panel from Super Floral. There are four honor award recipients in the categories of Best Color Harmony, Best Signage, Best Cross Merchandising and Best Theme Development.