Every stem that doesn’t make it out your shop door in an arrangement represents lost money. From sourcing to storage, small missteps in care and handling can add up fast. “If you can really control your supply chain, that’s a huge piece of controlling your shrink,” says Jim Daly, AAF, of FloraLife, a division of […] The post Cut Shrink and Boost Profits with Smarter Care and Handling appeared first on safnow.org.| safnow.org
The next time a ChatGPT user types, “Where should I order holiday flowers near me?” the results could include — or exclude — you. More consumers are letting artificial intelligence do the shopping for them. AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude are becoming digital concierges — comparing prices, recommending products, and even suggesting […] The post Are AI Shoppers Finding Your Business? appeared first on safnow.org.| safnow.org
Amid an uncertain economy and escalating trade and labor pressures, high-income households remain a bright spot for the floral industry, said Society of American Florists Chief Economist Charlie Hall, Ph.D., during SAF’s Oct. 28 Ultimate Roundtable, a virtual event exclusively for Ultimate-level members and growers and suppliers. “The top 20% of consumers represent two-thirds of […] The post Slowing Economy Puts Spotlight on High-Income Floral Buyers appeared first on safnow.org.| safnow.org
Dozens of news organizations, including television stations, newspapers, and trade publications captured the joy generated by Petal It Forward, the Society of American Florists’ 11th annual goodwill giveaway, Wednesday, Oct. 15. “This is the happiest day of my life,” Heather Murray, office manager of Bangor Floral, told reporter Alyssa Thurlow of WABI 5, a CBS […]| safnow.org
Hundreds of floral businesses across the world united Oct. 15 to spread happiness through flowers during the Society of American Florists’ annual Petal It Forward event. Now in its 11th year, the goodwill initiative included about 500 participants in all 50 states, as well as Colombia, Ecuador, England and India. “There’s something incredibly special about […] The post Across the World, Petal It Forward Shows ‘Kindness Is Contagious’ appeared first on safnow.org.| safnow.org
When Amanda Desroches and Kimberly Trahan of A&K Floral Designs walked out of a recent SAF 1-Day Profit Blast, they didn’t wait to put what they learned into action. “We implemented those strategies, and we’ve already seen positive results,” Desroches says. For them, the event delivered more than fresh ideas — it led to real […] The post Change Your Business in One Day at Profit Blast appeared first on safnow.org.| safnow.org
J.P. Varvarigos, AAF, stood under the crisp morning light in the Bogotá, Colombia savannah, walking rows of flowers at a farm. The Florida florist was in Colombia for the first time for the international flower trade show Proflora, and the visit left a mark. “Just seeing how much actual manual labor goes into growing these […] The post Proflora 2025 Highlights Innovation, Sustainability and Connection in Bogotá appeared first on safnow.org.| safnow.org
The federal government shutdown has entered its third week, and while flowers are still moving through ports and distribution channels, the disruption is starting to affect the services growers rely on most. “Those issues are top of mind for everybody right now,” says SAF Senior Lobbyist Joe Bischoff, Ph. D. While Republicans and Democrats remain […] The post What Does a Government Shutdown Mean for the Floral Industry? appeared first on safnow.org.| safnow.org
The Society of American Florists has signed on to a broad coalition letter urging President Donald Trump and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to deliver additional financial support to struggling producers as pressures mount. Growers “continue to face enormously challenging market conditions,” the Oct. 6 letter states. It goes on to say that “while our […] The post SAF Urges Federal Relief for Growers Amid Economic Strain appeared first on safnow.org.| safnow.org
Florida’s greens growers have faced more than a century of challenges — from devastating freezes in the 1890s to hurricanes that shredded shade structures and toppled trees. Yet through it all, they’ve grown what started as a backyard business into a nearly $80 million enterprise supplying more than 80 varieties of foliage to florists across […] The post Florida Growers Turn Adversity Into Innovation appeared first on safnow.org.| safnow.org
As florists head into the fourth quarter — traditionally one of the busiest periods of the year — the picture is both challenging and full of opportunity. Rising costs, tariffs, and inflationary pressures loom large, but many business owners are finding creative ways to finish strong, according to a recent survey by the Society of […]| safnow.org
LivRio Magazine August 2025, powered by FloraLife Typically considered a spring flower, Ranunculus, which are known for their beautiful profusions of petals, are actually available year-round. In particular, Cloni Ranunculus, are renowned for their superior quality, larger blooms, and thicker, stronger stems. So, if you already love Ranunculus, and haven’t yet met a Cloni variety, ... Read more| FloraLife
Perseverance in the face of crisis, groundbreaking plant breeding, visionary leadership, and a passion for mentoring defined the floral professionals recognized at the Society of American Florists’ 2025 Stars of the Industry Awards Aug. 14. The annual celebration of the industry’s highest honors spotlighted trailblazers whose dedication has shaped education, research, design, sustainability, and community. […]| safnow.org
Emily Betler has owned McCandless Floral in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for less than nine months, but she’s determined to build on founder Janet Woloszyk’s 48-year legacy, which included tapping into the Society of American Florists’ resources and events for continuing education. “I wanted to go to the Next Gen conference earlier this year, but the timing […]| safnow.org
The number of Americans purchasing flowers and plants for Mother’s Day grew over last year, as did florists’ sales, despite economic uncertainty and increased costs due to tariffs. This year, 38% of Americans bought flowers or plants for mom, according to an Ipsos consumer poll conducted earlier this month on behalf of the Society of […]| safnow.org
Research Update May 2025, powered by FloraLifeJan Boers – R&D and Regulatory Manager Europe & Africa, FloraLife Introduction:Carnation is one of the main ornamental crops. It is used in mixed bouquets, but can also be enjoyed as mono bouquet. It is a crop that can have a long vase life, if it is treated well. ... Read more The post Effect of FloraLife® Finishing Touch on Standard Carnations appeared first on FloraLife.| FloraLife
LivRio Magazine April 2025, powered by FloraLife Carnations are one of the oldest cultivated flowers in the world, but are definitely not old fashioned or passé. Today’s new varieties of Carnations are as varied as Moms are. From traditional soft pastels to bright vibrant hues, and everything in between, you’re sure to find a Carnation ... Read more| FloraLife
April 2025, powered by FloraLife *Product availability depends upon geographical region The post Mother’s Day Flower Care appeared first on FloraLife.| FloraLife