Dümmen Orange participated in numerous industry trials in North America over the past summer. Annual varieties were on display during the summer trials included highlights like Begonia I’Conia First Kiss Del Sol, Confetti Garden Trio Mix Blueberry Parfait, Geranium Big EEZE Pink Batik, Lantana Heartland White 2025, Scaevola Scala Capello Series and Verbena Empress Sun Kiss Series. 

Begonia I’Conia First Kiss Del Sol was voted No. 2 favorite variety at Plantpeddler Variety Day 2024. It was also voted in the top three the past two years including earning top honors in 2023. As a top performer

Marketing flowers to Gen Z may seem tricky at first, but it can be a fun and creative challenge. Rio Roses has some innovative strategies to help floral businesses connect with this unique generation and grow.

1. Integrate Technology and Innovation
Gen Z loves technology and innovative experiences. Marketing can really appeal to this tech-savvy generation by incorporating augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI).

• Develop an AR app or feature on a company website that lets customers see how floral arrangements will look in their homes.
• Create AR filters for Instagram and

IFPA CEO Cathy Burns said the produce and floral communities are facing challenges and transformation from all fronts. “We’ll be exploring new developments in – and implications of – technology sustainability workforce dynamics and more during next month’s State of the Industry keynote at the annual IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show Oct. 17-19 in Atlanta,” she said.

“Overlying each of these topics is advocacy – an essential component of our efforts to grow a healthier world, a thriving industry, and our members’ businesses,” she said. “Whether it’s public or government affairs, public

Dümmen Orange North America recently promoted Tim Clark to national sales manager in the United States and hired Sarah Thompson to become its new western regional sales manager and Michelle McElhannon, Ph.D. to be its new technical specialist.

Based in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, Clark now oversees Dümmen Orange’s extensive network of customers, broker companies and sales representatives throughout the United States.  

“During his time with us, Tim brings a reliable, measured and collaborative approach with our customers and with our teams,” said Frank Magnusson, Dümmen Orange chief operating

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) offers three grants for retail florists that provide reimbursement for educational floral industry events, courses or webinars. Applications for all continued education grants are due Oct. 1, 2024. Don't miss this opportunity to receive funding to further your education.

Arizona Retail Florist Travel Education Grant
Open to Retail Florists in Arizona
Applicants must be owners, managers, or employees of traditional retail florists with a brick-and-mortar storefront in Arizona and must be requesting this grant for an event that takes place outside of Arizona

The floral industry is expected to benefit from an anticipated dramatic drop in interest rates and the sustained demand for flowers and potted plants, according to Dr. Charlie Hall, chief economist for American Hort and professor at Texas A&M University. Hall shared these economic insights during the Insights & Connections: Economic Outlook for the Floral Industry event, hosted by AFIF: Americas Flower Connection on Sept. 10 in Miami.

In his address, Hall highlighted the upcoming reduction in interest rates in the United States and its stimulatory effect on the economy. “We’re going to see a