Calliope and Imara take centre stage
“A success like this motivates us all and shows that we are heading in the right direction with our focus on innovative products and services to our customers and partners,” said Michael Kester in summing up the event. “The fact that our visitors were so complimentary about the presentation here is particularly pleasing,” emphasized Mark Schermer, Head of Marketing Europe for Syngenta Flowers. “We have focused strongly on our branded product Calliope (Pelargonium) and the introduction of Imara (Downey Mildew tolerant Impatiens). Both series demonstrate very well how we serve the market. On the one hand, we can demonstrate to our
customers – the growers – the quality and versatility of our products. And on the other hand, we can show retailers how a successful presentation delivered through our retail concepts can reach maximum in-store impact and boost demand. Our presentation showcases the entire range and focusses on the attractiveness of our products, which allows retailers to distinguish our varieties from the competition.”
Calliope reinvents the geranium
Calliope, the interspecific geranium series, currently has thirty-four varieties available in the market, with more to come. “Calliope has changed the traditional image of the geranium in the minds of the consumer,” explained Alexander Ern, Campaign Manager at Syngenta Flowers. “It is radiant, prolific, robust and free-flowering, as well as being very easy to care for. Furthermore, it is available in almost any colour you could wish for. And anyone who has enjoyed the delights of a Calliope Cascade with its large, radiant flowers all summer long will come back for more next year.”
After the UK, Imara conquers the European market
Syngenta has launched another brand on the European market this year – Imara. The new Impatiens walleriana series, which is resilient and very tolerant to downy mildew, has already enjoyed success among British consumers. At the FlowerTrials, hanging baskets and large display beds illustrated the beauty of Imara. Imara is now tasked with conquering the reputation of the free-flowering “Busy Lizzie” throughout Europe.
Free-branching sunflower Sunfinity
Another flower highlight that proved popular with visitors was the free-branching sunflower Sunfinity. The multi-bloomed sunflower is an impulse product for bed and container planting. These sunflowers, laden with new buds, bloom continuously well into the autumn, extending the summertime feeling in gardens and on patios.
Innovative breeding