UK grower proposes home-grown label
Season and weather sometimes mean imported flowers are in the mix, but to ensure absolute transparency, the company stamps its packaging with how many UK-grown flowers and foliage are in the design.
This has played so well with customers, Gorringe is now pushing for the industry to have its own accreditation mark.
“Food producers have the Red Tractor symbol, perhaps British flower growers should have a red wheelbarrow,” she suggests.
In theory at least the opportunities are considerable as 90 per cent of flowers are still imported in a domestic market worth over £2 billion.
The average Valentine’s bunch is estimated to travel 4,000 miles before it reaches its loved-up recipient, while the Dutch with their superior logistics now dominate the supply chain.
But a new trend is emerging around home-grown stocks of fragrant sweet williams, blowsy roses and the like. Partly triggered by environmental concerns, this is also about changing tastes.
Read more at the Express
