Flowers Are Magnets

Flowers Are Magnets

Ilex PMA Fresh Summit Tulips

"When words escape flowers speak."

                                               -Bruce W. Currie

Our "Moments of Awe" Booth

One of the great parts of going to a trade show is the physical act of creating an entire floral environment as a booth. We bring thousands of stems to show off the amazing flowers we grow on the farm. Of course, in the floral industry most folks have seen these sort of displays at one time or another.

Flowers for the people!

However, at a trade show such The Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit, we see a huge spectrum of people from across the produce industry and associated technology companies. These people may be familiar with growing watermelons and sorting pears, but they are still in absolute awe of flowers.

Roselilies in mason jars

Even Miss Chiquita Banana came to experience our flowers!

Staying close to the booth for a few days, I was able to watch people get drawn in by the wild colors and fragrances of our flowers. We would watch people scanning the rows of booths then do a double take when they saw the huge amount of flowers. Their feet started moving in our direction before they were consciously aware of it. People started getting tunnel vision as they focused on a particular flower. For some it was our roselilies, for others; the thick blocks of tulips were like honey to a bee. Their senses directed them right to their favorite item in the display.

"World's Favorite" the perfect tulips for fall.

Then they have to explain...

"These Stargazer lilies were my Mom's favorite."

"We always grew iris when I was growing up."

"I had orange tulips in my bridal bouquet."

The sensory impact of the flowers touches people deeply. They start recalling memories and occasions. They remember weddings, they remember their grandparents, they remember happy times, as well as, sad. They remember loves lost and love found.

Ilex season is here.

Flowers speak a different language than other experiences in our lives. It is so great to watch people reconnect to their personal history through them. The flowers are magnets for emotions and memories.

This is a great reminder that growing flowers is a very important job.

See You at PMA and WFFSA

See You at PMA and WFFSA

Moments of Awe PMA Fresh Summit WFFSA

Later this week flower farmers, shippers, suppliers and buyers will be gathering in Anaheim at the annual Produce Marketing Association "Fresh Summit." This is one of the most fun trade shows of the year, and Sun Valley will be there with a huge selection of the flowers we grow.

This year there is a Floral Pavilion which will host growers and bouquet makers from around the world. The theme of our booth (#4144) is "Moments of Awe." This theme is about connecting consumers to the way flowers make you feel, reminding flower enthusiasts of the power of flowers and creating new flower lovers.

Taking a cue from Pintrest, Facebook and other social media, we have created graphics that complement our flowers, with inspiring quotes and song lyrics which illustrate the power of flowers in our culture.

The booth is staffed by our knowledgeable sales team and flower farmer Lane DeVries, so come with your questions about your favorite flowers, and we will be ready!

We will also have a presence in the New Products Showcase, which will be located in the lobby between hall B and C. This area will highlight the New Certified American Grown logo and our award winning Telstar Iris, which represents this growing consumer trend perfectly.

Being a member of the Produce Marketing Association is an important way to connect to our industry. The resources available to members are very valuable; focusing on Science and Technology, Global Connections, Industry Talent and Leadership on complex issues make PMA a worthy investment.

Then...

Next week, Sun Valley will also be making a splash in Miami at the Annual Wholesale Florist and Supplier Association Convention (WFFSA), October 22-24. We will be at Booth #88, our Wholesale Manager Doug Dobecki and National Sales Rep. Barbara Haskins will be there throughout out the conference, so make sure you stop by for a visit.

Lane will also be making an appearance at WFFSA, giving a presentation about Women's Day as part of The Stories That Shape Our Industry session. This is a must see if you are at WFFSA!

The value of joining WFFSA is their targeted education and networking programs, as well as, technology insights and access to business services. We are proud to partner in their programs.

The Sun Valley team is excited get out on the road and visit with our customers, both old and new, so don't be shy, come say hi!