Dia de los Muertos offers untapped floral sales potential
Dia de los Muertos — Day of the Dead — is a religious and cultural event observed in Mexico, and regions with large Hispanic populations, which can be traced back to pre-Columbian, Aztec festivals for the goddess of the underworld. The annual holiday custom has now spread throughout the world, begins Oct. 31, ends Nov. 2, and starts with the gathering of goods to be offered to the dead. Graves are decorated, altars are created, and food is prepared for loved ones who have died.
Flower Handling Association of North America formed by floral industry veterans
A group of concerned floral industry veterans announced in a news release that they are forming a new trade association, the Flower Handling Association of North America.
According to a statement from Flower Handling Association of North America Organizing Committee Chairman and spokesman Terry Johnson, “Our mission will be to develop, implement and monitor flower handling standards designed to improve consumer satisfaction with their flower purchases.”
AFE appoints new leaders
The American Floral Endowment announced in a news release the appointments of new leaders at the Aug. 14 annual fundraising dinner:
• Chairman. Gabriel Becerra, president of Golden Flowers in Miami, FL, begins his role as chairman after eight years as a trustee. In his new role, Becerra will spearhead AFE’s efforts to advance the floral industry through research, scholarships and educational grants.
Teleflora chairman Thomas Butler dies
Thomas Butler, chairman of Teleflora, died Aug. 14 after battling cancer, according to a news release.
Butler joined American Floral Services, based in Oklahoma City, OK, in 1985 as executive vice president and then became the company’s president. In 2000, he led the merger of AFS and Teleflora, and then became its chairman.
Strength in numbers — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
It’s said that the first step in rallying a large group of people toward one single goal is to define a common ground.
During the month of October, breast cancer awareness is the one common ground that is at the forefront of the industry’s promotional efforts. Beginning with the supply of products, through the promotional materials and on to our individual sales teams, there is not one other single promotion that touches the emotions of our customers as much as honoring a friend or family member who has battled breast cancer.
Fresh Summit Floral Pavilion doubles in size, number of exhibitors over 2013
Expect a bigger and better Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit Convention & Expo Floral Pavilion Oct. 17-19 at California’s Anaheim Convention Center. Becky Roberts, director of volunteer relations and floral at PMA, told The Produce News that this year’s Floral Pavilion exceeds 13,500 square feet, with over 60 exhibiting companies, more than double the size of last year.
Supermarket sunflowers prove popular and irresistible
“Who doesn’t love sunflowers?” asked Alice Grazziani, director of floral at Gelson’s in Commerce, CA. “As a kid, I remember always drawing sunflowers with a big smiley face in the center. I personally associate a sunflower with a happy flower.”Grazziani said that sunflowers can add texture to any floral arrangement and when sunflowers are mass-merchandised attractively they will welcome impulse sales throughout the day.“Our sunflower displays and our sunflower sales speak volumes,” said Grazziani. “They are simply irresistible and, most of all, make people smile.”
October offers more than just football
It’s official — autumn is here, yet that is only a meteorological phenomenon. As the harvest moon wanes, and the leaves continue changing colors, millions enter into the addictive season of football. Watching the clash of gridiron titans is ubiquitous this time of year. From high schools to colleges to the NFL, competitive games are being played seemingly every day of the week to the delight of enthusiastic fans.
Tasteful Selections to open new facility in November
In just five years, Tasteful Selections, a specialty potato brand from Bakersfield, CA-based RPE, has grown so much that it is now expanding from its original location to a bigger facility.
Sweet potatoes lead produce hit parade in N.C.
RALEIGH, NC — North Carolina produce crops brought in $608 million last year for fruits, vegetables, nuts and berries. And sweet potatoes led the way, Kevin D. Hardison is quick to point out. Hardison is a marketing specialist with a 14-year career in the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services in Raleigh that brings a working knowledge of the 60 kinds of produce grown in the Tarheel State.