Union Fleurs has put together an all-encompassing program for their annual meeting in London mid-September; a fast paced and packed two days which will see delegates from around the world visit every part of the UK floriculture industry and debate the hot topics of the day.
© New Covent Garden Market
Today's start at New Covent Garden Market
Set up to represent, promote and defend the interests of the international floricultural trade, Union Fleurs aims to enthuse, inform and engage all parts of the industry in advocating for common benefits along the supply chain.
The program kicks off on Friday 12th September with a visit to the new Covent Garden Flower Market before visiting leading wholesaler Savins and taking in a tour of the Flamingo Flowers packing facility and mass market operation. In the afternoon a round table discussion - with representatives from DEFRA, Horticultural Trade Association (HTA), Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) and VGB – the Dutch wholesaler association - will discuss the trade frictions resulting from UK phytosanitary import rules, the expected benefits of the upcoming EU-UK SPS agreement and the need for faster easements for a supply chain already facing many challenges.
© New Covent Garden Market
The day will end with a visit to the Mayfair branch of Neill Strain Floral Couture to see the way flowers are presented to the consumer in the ultimate way.
© Union Fleurs
On Saturday 13th, and after the formal AGM proceedings, the Plenary sessions take an in-depth look at the UK market with a keynote speech 'SWOTS happening in the UK', followed by round table exchanges on the opportunities and sales challenges facing the global market and how collaboration, shared learning and positive communication on the power of flowers and plants can help.
To round off the diverse program, delegates will visit the historic Strawberry Hill House to attend a private viewing of their 2025 Flower Festival, a showcase of totally British grown and sustainability presented flowers and floristry.
© New Covent Garden Market
Commenting on the programme Sylvie Mamias, Union Fleurs Secretary General said; "It's a busy programme but the UK is one of the most important and interesting markets in the world and it's important we get an overview of how it works to learn from each other. Equally we know that Brexit has created challenges for the supply of flowers and plants to the Uk market. That's why we have been working so hard behind the scenes with both the EU and UK Governments and our colleagues at HTA, FPC and VGB to find a way to make things better. So it is important we discuss those elements as well."
For more information:
Union Fleurs
Email: [email protected]
https://unionfleurs.org/
