It's a wrap. On Saturday, the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando (FL) closed its doors for the PMA Fresh Summit Conference & Expo. It is a major exhibition for the fresh produce industry, but the nummer of floral exhibitors is growing each year. Again this year, the floral section increased. At the so-called "Floral Marketplace", over 130 companies showed their products and services.
Click here for the photo report.
The US floral retail market seems to be doing well and this was translated to the atmosphere on the floor. It was vivid and exhibitors are eager to enter or expand in this market. And there certainly is potential to grow. According to many, the US floral retail market is growing, whereas the wholesale market is shrinking. "Flowers at supermarkets are becoming more important and indispensable. And as their quality requirements increase and display maintenance improves, the consumer's need to go to a florist for a bouquet decreases. On top of that, more and more bouquets are being ordered online, which in turn affects the florist sales too."
Something unique or special is what floral buyers are looking for. Therefore, all exhibitors did their utmost best to show what's new and what's next. In flowers, the unique and unusual ones seem to attract the attention and in plants, the green plants and succulents are the highly popular ones.
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 companie. 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 a visit to them, click here for the photo report of horticultural suppliers and greenhoues growers at the PMA.