Study finds European flower and plant industry resisting the economic crisis
The economic crisis is not shaking the European flower and plant markets to any essential degree, according to a study by Marianne Altman of a Luxembourg marketing research firm, released Oct. 17 by IPM Essen. The European Union continues to be the largest producer worldwide, with 40 percent of global revenue, and the most populous consumer of flowers and plants, with 500 million Europeans.
However, the study identified a need for greater market growth in Europe to allow for inflation and compensate for the falling demand in the crisis countries in southern Europe.
Ecuador tour finds hydroponic roses, hand-processing precision
QUITO, ECUADOR — A busload of journalists on a junket touring flower farms in Ecuador sees exotic sights along the way: Holstein dairy cattle peacefully grazing on a schoolyard as children in school uniforms caper among them; majestic mountains with narrow, white-knuckle highways winding around them, bereft of guardrails; and, of course, a pet llama who demurely bussed a journalist on the cheek.
Lobbying day lineup set for spring SAF visit to Capitol Hill
Floral industry members will gather in Washington, DC, March 11-12 for the Society of American Florists Congressional Action Days, featuring meetings with their representatives and senators on Capitol Hill.
Charlie Cook, for more than two decades one of Washington’s most trusted voices on all things political, will be the speaker at the March 11 Kick-Off Breakfast. Mr. Cook is the editor and publisher of The Cook Political Report and a political analyst for the National Journal Group and NBC News.
Bravante looks to grow with Sunkist
As part of a deal with Sunkist, Bravante Produce, a grower and shipper of table grapes based in Reedley, CA, is looking to enlarge its growing operation as well as help grow the "Sunkist" brand of grapes.
Ron Wikum, table grape category manager for Bravante Produce, said that the deal, now in its second year, has Bravante supplying table grapes for the "Sunkist" brand. All of the grapes Bravante grows are now marketed under the "Sunkist" label, but the Bravante staff still handles sales.
Christmas tree marketing program apparently back on track to adoption
A four-year campaign to launch an industry-funded Christmas tree promotion program is apparently back on track to implementation. “I expect it to move forward sometime in the new year,” Jim Brownlee, director of public affairs for the Agricultural Marketing Services of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, told The Produce News on Nov. 20.
Ippolito International adds veteran salesman
Ippolito International, a grower-shipper of a full line of premium fresh vegetables from California, Arizona and Mexico, has added produce industry veteran Steve Timsak to its Salinas, CA, sales team.
North Carolina trees chosen for White House, vice president’s home
A father-and-son tree farm in Jefferson, NC, supplied the nation’s Christmas tree this year. The 19-foot Fraser fir grown by Rusty and Beau Estes of Peak Farms was presented Nov. 23 to first lady Michelle Obama for display in the Blue Room at the White House. This is the 12th time a North Carolina grower has provided the nation’s Christmas tree, and prospects for a 30-million tree sales season nationwide were deemed bright.
Trees for Troops delivers for Christmas
Trees for Troops, a partnership among the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, the National Christmas Tree Association and FedEx, will deliver more than 17,000 trees at 62 U.S. military bases in 2012. Most trees will go to military families at U.S. bases representing every branch of the armed services.
Blooming of Beloit leads way on Israeli floral imports for 15 years
Soon after Thanksgiving, when parents go shopping and children start dreaming of sugarplums and candy canes, Shlomo Danieli turns his thoughts to Israel, and importing flowers from the country that made the desert bloom.
Traci Adams of Safeway wins Floral Marketer of the Year
Traci Adams, vice president and general manager for Safeway corporate floral in Pleasanton, CA, was named 2012 Floral Marketer of the Year during the Oct. 27 Floral Networking Reception at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit in Anaheim, CA.