The SAFGA (South African Flower Grower Association) held its first market day at the Multiflora Flower Market in Johannesburg, South Africa, on March 15, 2023. This event was hosted at Multiflora flower market. Mirjam Ngoato-Breg from AFG-Worldwide organized the day on behalf of the association. The networking event was held to promote interactions with stakeholders in the flower grower industry.
A group of 70 consisting of flower growers, their staff, and 16 suppliers joined us on the market day. The program started early with a visit to the Multiflora flower auction, while flowers were auctioned. Members of the SAFGA board showed visitors around and explained how the clocks worked upstairs at the view window. The management of GHT (Greenhouse Technologies) treats the participants to wonderful coffee, tea, and rusks while their sales representatives are present.
The official start of the day was at GHT by the SAFGA chairperson Dr. Pierre Adriaanse, Manager of the Unisa (University of South Africa) Horticulture Centre. The team of GHT showed us around their facilities. Next up was a visit to AFG-Worldwide Flower Export, which explained the difference between growing flowers for export and for the local market. After that, there was a visit to Flower Centre, where they prepared bouquets for Pick ‘n Pay.
The tour ended in front of the auction floor where suppliers of the industry, most of them members of the association, were showcasing their products. There was also a ‘meet and greet’ with the team of the Multiflora Flower Auction, quality inspectors, auctioneers, and operation managers were available for questions. Many production questions were answered, and information was exchanged.
Later on, a raffle competition was held, and everyone had the opportunity to win a prize donated by the suppliers attending the event. Members had a good laugh and enjoyed this cheerful event. Food vendors were available, and members could all quench their thirst and still their hunger as they desired.
The successful event ended with a walkabout on the premises of the Multiflora market, visiting the flower shops in the gallery.
SAFGA encourages new and old growers, suppliers, and participants in the Horticultural industry to become members and make use of the network advantages SAFGA can offer.
For more information:
SAFGA
southafrica.co.za