Flowers and plants are becoming an increasingly more important department for supermarkets - it is even said that this is the fastest-growing department in stores. So, no wonder that they have become indispensable at one of the biggest fresh produce shows in the US grocery industry; the PMA Fresh Summit Conference & Expo. The “Floral Marketplace”, that has been introduced just a few years ago, is getting a more and more established spot at the show and this year, our FloralDaily.com team was again present to make a photo report of the show.
On Saturday, October 19, the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim (CA) closed its doors of the two-day PMA Fresh Summit Expo. With 1000+ exhibitors, It is a major exhibition for the fresh produce industry, but the number of floral exhibitors is growing each year. Again this year, the floral section increased. At the so-called "Floral Marketplace", over 140 companies showed their products and services.
So what was on display? First of all, one could not miss out on the bouquets which were presented in all kind of concepts. The variety of flowers was huge, but we could notice some trends; foliage and greens are doing well as well as green plants and the easy to care succulents. Also, more and more growers start to introduce ranunculus, gerberas and peonies. In general, the interest for new flower types and varieties was high.
Click here for the photo report.
The range of colors was probably even bigger as more and more growers now master different techniques to dye, spray or airbrush their flowers. Even some glow in the dark flowers were on display.
With a nice concept and good looking flowers, supermarkets can persuade consumers to buy their flowers, but how to make them come back. That’s where the consumer experience comes in. A good experience will make them come back for more. Therefore, several post harvest solutions for growers and retailers were on display as well.
Another trend, which is already hot in Europe and now seems to slowly come to the US is sustainability. In Europe, many supermarkets are moving away from plastic and particularly non-recyclable plastics. At the show, several growers and packaging suppliers showed their sustainable solutions tot sleeves and containers.
Click here for the photo report.
Novelties display
In total, 1,200 fresh produce exhibitors showcased their products and services at the PMA. Special attention was paid to the novelties of the exhibiting companies. Also, the floral exhibitors had the possibility to showcase their novelties. In the hallway, they were on display all together. Click here to see all floral novelties.
Horticultural suppliers
Over the last year, more hort suppliers have found their way to the PMA, of course with the suppliers in their wake. Our colleagues of HortiDaily also paid them a visit, click here for the photo report of horticultural suppliers and greenhouse growers at the PMA.
PMA 2020
PMA’s 2010 Fresh Summit Convention & Expo is scheduled Oct. 15-17 in Dallas, Texas, USA.