Helix Australia specialises in the breeding, licensing and marketing of new and improved varieties of Waxflower and Boronia. Since commencing in 2008, Helix Australia, has established a global network of licensed growers in Australia, South Africa, Israel and Portugal.
In addition to its cut flower licensing programme, Helix Australia is also active commercialising many of its Waxflower and Boronia varieties for pot plant/nursery production.
Michael A Mellano and Craig Musson Wafex inspect Wax crop in Carlsbad, California
Helix Australia now announces their first licensed commercial cut-flower planting in the U.S.A. - partnering with established grower Mellano & Co. With over 375 acres of cut flower production in Carlsbad, California, Mellano has been trialling Helix waxflower varieties for a few years.
Mellano & Co has recently planted over 10 acres of Helix Australia Waxflower across 12 hybrid varieties, including Moonlight Delight, Sarah’s Delight, Raspberry Ripple and Pirouette.
Steve Dionne, Wafex USA, Craig Musson, Wafex, and Michael A Mellano inspect new Helix wax planting in Carlsbad, California
Adrian Parsons, Helix Australia Managing Director says it looks forward to working with Mellano & Co in offering premium Waxflower hybrids to discerning American florists.
“The uptake and excitement with the Helix varieties in Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Europe has been very strong and we are confident the roll out of our varieties in America will be well received by American florists.”
Parsons continued, "American florists have had a small taste of Helix varieties from our Australian and South African growers and the Mellano and Co planting will now ensure supply of our exciting Waxflower hybrids will also be available in the months December until May.”
Craig Musson, Wafex, and Michael A Mellano inspect Wax crop in Carlsbad, California
Michael A Mellano said Mellano & Co are very excited to be entering into this new agreement with Helix Australia and expanding their current Waxflower programme with these new varieties.
“The US floral market is definitely hungry for something different and these new Waxflower hybrids fill that need”, said Mellano.
Mellano continued, "The small volume harvest from our Helix waxflower trial plantings have been very successful and we expect these new hybrids to be a growing part of our offerings in the coming years.”
New planting Helix waxflower at Mellano and Co, Carlsbad, California
Mellano and Co will also partner with Wafex USA in marketing the new plantings of Helix Australia Waxflower in California.
Steve Dionne, President Wafex USA, has been involved in marketing Helix Australia Waxflower varieties in America for a number of years.
“Our South African and Australian production of Helix Waxflower starts in July and runs until November and having access to California production will be enthusiastically received by our customers”, says Dionne.
Dionne continued, "We have proven with our Pincushion and Protea programmes that expanding supply across the whole year increases awareness, demand and returns for all members in the floral supply chain.”
Chamelaucium Sarah's Delight
For more information:
Helix Australia
Adrian Parsons
adrian@helixaustralia.com.au
www.helixaustralia.com.au