RIOROSES.COM 1 LIVRIO THE E-MAGAZINE OF RIO ROSES Issue No.40 JUNE 2020

MOTHER’S DAY WHOLESALER RESULTS: STRONG FOR MOTHER’S DAY 2020

MOTHER’S DAY RETAILER RESULTS: A BLOOMING SUCCESS

FOURTH OF JULY P.R.E.P.

SYMPATHY P.R.E.P.

WEDDING COLLECTION

RIO BITE SIZE PROGRAM

BREEDER’S CORNER

CARE & HANDLING

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

FOR INQUIRIES @equiflor.com

2 LIVRIO | MAY 2020 MESSAGE FROM VICTOR GIORGINI

Mother’s Day 2020 was unlike any in our history as we dealt with a global pandemic. Despite all of the challenges, the floral rose to the occasion and we had far better results than any of us could have anticipated.

We at Rio Roses would like to say thank you for your continued support and trust during these turbulent times. We value you greatly, and are proud to serve your floral needs.

SINCERELY, VICTOR GIORGINI PRESIDENT | CEO PEOPLE of RIO RIO FAMILY TALKS HAPPINESS & WHICH FLOWERS HAVE MADE YOU FEEL HAPPIER DURING THESE STRESSFUL TIMES?

STEVE STEINBERG SALES During stressful times, the amazing fragrance of Rio Rose Lilies and the bright colors of Rio Ranunculus are great to have around the house.

SUSAN MESA SALES I love bright colors because they make me feel cheerful and hopeful for change in the future. The flowers that have helped me the most are Rio Orange Crush and Rio Brighton roses, plus bright and beautiful Rio Alstroemerias.

OSCAR FERNANDEZ SALES Rio Delphiniums are some of my favorite flowers, with their electric blue and sky-blue colors. When I’m anxious, I love the serenity that the color blue brings.

VIVIAN SOLAN SALES When I want to feel relaxed and happy, I choose a bouquet of brightly-colored Rio Ranunculus. They are so delicate and beautiful; they never fail to make me smile.

GIOVANNY AGUIRRE QUALITY CONTROL The color yellow always makes me feel happier. Our Rio Stardust Roses and Sunshine Mini Callas are real mood-boosters.

4 LIVRIO | JUNE 2020 BLOOM of the MONTH handpicked, fresh from our farm

RIO CARNATIONS

Carnations have long stems and extremely long vase life, making them an ideal cut . The tufted blooms smell like sugar and cloves, lifting anyone’s spirits.

Rio Carnations are large flowers that are “open cut” for immediate conditioning and use. We offer more than 35 varieties in solid, novelty, assorted, and antique colors and in multiple grades.

RIOROSES.COM 5 MOTHER’S DAY WHOLESALER RESULTS: STRONG SALES FOR MOTHER’S DAY 2020 Sure, we’re in the middle of a pandemic, and things have been unpredictable. There’s no way of knowing when—or if—things will go “back to normal” for the floral industry. Perhaps our industry will never be the same, but that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been good news for wholesale florists! Mother’s Day sales were far better than expected, and the lessons learned from this holiday will help all wholesalers refocus their efforts towards a bright future.

6 LIVRIO | JUNE 2020 MORE PEOPLE SENT FLOWERS THAN EXPECTED With all the pent-up frustration of not being able to share Mother’s Day in person, people turned to flowers in higher numbers than wholesalers anticipated. A survey conducted on the flowersandcents.com showed that nearly 52% of wholesalers reported Mother’s Day 2020 to be “Way better than expected,” and 33% said it was either “Good” or “Great.” That’s encouraging news to be sure! MASS MARKET STORES WERE THE CENTER OF FLORAL SALES are booming in floral sales, and Mother’s Day was no exception. While many floral shops had to close for some time during COVID-19, supermarkets and mass- market retailers never did. As a result, many consumers went to their local grocer or big- box store to purchase their bouquets. Plus, as some wholesalers were closed or had to cut back their product severely, many florists went to mass market stores to add to their stock. This trend of mass-market floral sales shows no signs of slowing down, plus market prices remain strong due to a limited supply. While continuing to provide flowers to retailers, wholesalers must pay close attention to the mass market to sustain future growth. WHOLESALERS OVERCAME SOME SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES Since Mother’s Day demand proved to be so much higher than expected, it brought many challenges to the floral wholesalers. Their sales depended on florists being open, and regulations varied from state to state. Some wholesalers had no choice but to close down, while others didn’t. Also, back in March, many growers were forced to reduce their staff, and some cut back in anticipation of a slow Summer. Then, when Mother’s Day demand was so high, they couldn’t catch up, resulting in a lot of empty flower buckets at floral wholesalers. There were also logistical challenges: With so many commercial cutting back their flights, the that would have shipped in passenger planes had to ship in cargo planes, including much-needed PPE. This situation continues to make once-reliable floral shipments highly unpredictable. With all those challenges, wholesalers still managed to reap the benefits of Mother’s Day—a beacon of hope in an unpredictable time. Using what they’ve learned, smart floral wholesalers will align their business to meet the demand and ensure a bright future for the floral industry. THE POWER OF FLOWERS IS STILL GOING STRONG!

RIOROSES.COM 7 MOTHER’S DAY RETAILER RESULTS: A BLOOMING SUCCESS Last year, nobody could have predicted that the next Mother’s Day would land smack in the middle of a global pandemic. Going into Mother’s Day 2020, who knew what the demand would be? Yet, despite everything, the results show that Mother’s Day was a bright spot for floral retailers this year. The Society of American Florists (SAF) conducted their annual survey after Mother’s Day, and the results were fantastic: 70% of those responding saw an increase in their Mother’s Day sales! Many of them also said that they could have sold even more if they’d been better prepared with more staff, and been able to get more product.

HOW MUCH DID PEOPLE SPEND ON MOTHER’S DAY

FLOWERS?→ 42% Median 36% of: The median amount spent on Mother’s Day $46 flowers in 2020 was $45, a $10 increase from 15% the past two years. 42% of florists said that their average transaction was between $51 and $70; Average Average Average Overrall 36% said it was between $71 and 100; 15% said transaction: transaction: transaction: average: it was between $101 and $150. The average $51 - $70 $71 - $100 $101 - $150 $76 transaction was almost $76, compared to $68 in 2018. WHAT WERE PEOPLE BUYING 60% ← FOR MOTHER’S DAY? Bouquets/Arrangements

MONEY Flowering Fresh flowers and plants continued to be the SPENT most popular floral gift item for Mother’s Day, 20% Green plants purchased by 28% of American adults. Fresh bouquets and arrangements made up 60% 79% 8% of their floral purchases. Cut flowers were far DEMOGRAPHICS more popular than other segments, with 79% of MEN sales, followed by flowering plants at 20% and VS 63% Men green plants at 8%. This trend is similar to past WOMEN Women years, as fresh flowers continue to be the most 53% popular type of flower purchase. Purchases of fresh flowers by men were 63%, and by women, 53%.

8 LIVRIO | JUNE 2020 WHERE DID CUSTOMERS 2020 STATISTICS PURCHASE THEIR 33% 24% 16% FLOWERS?→ Supermarkets and grocery stores continued to be the location for most floral purchases at 33% of sales. However, this represents a drop from both 2019 (39%) and 2018 (48%). So, increase of 1% decrease of 6% where are they taking their businesses? Mass since 2018 since 2019 decrease of 5% merchandisers and wholesaler clubs, where decrease of 15% since 2018 24% of adults purchased their flowers. 16% since 2018 purchased at florist shops, which is slightly up Supermarkets/Grocery Stores Wholesaler Clubs from 2019 (15%) and down from 2018 (21%). Floral Shops

HOW WERE FLORISTS ← RECEIVING ORDERS? Not surprisingly, consumer floral purchasing 54% 46% was mainly done on the this year: 46% of In-store, in person, Via online florists or Mother’s Day orders came via florists’ etc. floral shop website compared to 20% last year. Many florists noted just how vital their sites were, and how important it was to limit their offerings and direct customers to more flexible options, due to supply issues. HOW DID RETAILERS DEAL WITH SUPPLY ISSUES?→ One of the biggest challenges this Mother’s 50% 30%

Day was retailers getting enough product. sourced from sourced from Nearly 50% of respondents said they sourced wholesalers farms or growers more products from their wholesaler compared COMPLETED CANCELLED to last year, and 30% said they sourced more ORDERS VS ORDERS directly from farms and growers. Thursday 0% 60% Thursday Friday 32% 30% Friday The lack of enough product caused retailers to pivot late in the game so that they could fill Saturday 36% 0% Saturday the orders they already had. 60% of survey respondents stated that they had suspended DESPITE ANY SUPPLY ISSUES, MOST FLORAL incoming orders by Thursday, May 7, with an RETAILERS HAD A WONDERFUL MOTHER’S additional 30% suspending orders by Friday. DAY. THIS IS A GREAT SIGN: FLOWERS ARE 32% cut off orders completely by Friday, and HELPING ALL OF US MOVE THROUGH TOUGH another 36% by Saturday. TIMES AND INTO A BRIGHTER FUTURE.

RIOROSES.COM 9 TH 4 Plan, OF JULY Review, Execute, P.R.E.P. Profit

Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our national pride, but it will undoubtedly be different this year. Many cities have canceled their annual events, so people will need to come up with new ways to celebrate. But rest assured they will want to share their red, white, and blue pride! The colors of red, white, and blue have special meaning on Independence Day: Red symbolizes courage, respect, and admiration; white symbolizes reverence and humility; and blue symbolizes serenity, openness, and trust. Floral arrangements in these colors help add to the fun of July 4th parties. Here are four ways to help your customers celebrate the 4th and increase your floral sales at the same time.

10 LIVRIO | JUNE 2020 FOUR EASY WAYS TO MAKE YOUR FLORAL SALES SPARKLE 1. A SERIES OF RED, WHITE, AND BLUE ARRANGEMENTS This year, many people will be celebrating at home or in small groups. Offer them a variety of arrangements to choose from: Use red, white, and blue flowers, enhanced with flags, pinwheels, sparklers, and mini rockets. Colorful vases and ribbons can complete the look.

Promote these patriotic arrangements on your website, through email campaigns, and across social media. Make sure you offer arrangements at various price tiers, so you reach all potential buyers.

2.CREATE FUN AND HELPFUL WEB CONTENT People will be searching online for helpful Fourth of July content such as recipes, decorations, and party ideas. Providing this content on your website is an ideal way for you to connect with potential customers. Write blog posts about things like favorite recipes, best decorating tips on a budget, firework safety, and more. Go online to find ideas and then write posts based on those ideas, but in your unique voice. Make sure to optimize your posts for SEO, as this will increase your chances for more readers. If you’re not familiar with SEO practices, there are many free online resources. As you write and post articles to your blog, link to them on your Facebook page or Twitter feed. That way, you’ll get more engagement and maybe even a few shares!

3. SEND OUT A PATRIOTIC EMAIL NEWSLETTER Create a newsletter to send to your email list, offering tips and ideas for the Fourth of July. Include lots of patriotic images and colors. It’s easier than you think since you can repurpose some of the content you’ve already created for your website. Remember to showcase your flowers and provide a coupon or discount for those who purchase by a certain date. Use coupon codes such as “,” “independence,” or “America” to add some patriotic flair.

4.PARTNER WITH LOCAL ! While there won’t likely be large events this year, most restaurants are open for business, and many will have larger outdoor seating areas to maintain social distancing protocols. Take advantage of this by partnering with local restaurants and offering them a variety of arrangements for their outdoor areas. Create flyers showing your arrangements and send them to potential partners. Follow up with each restaurant to see if they would be interested in a few arrangements for their outdoor tables and offer a discount in exchange for adding a card to each arrangement promoting your business. USE THESE TIPS TO INCREASE YOUR FLORAL SALES AND HAVE A BANG-UP FOURTH OF JULY!

RIOROSES.COM 11 SYMPATHY P.R.E.P. (plan, review, execute, profit) The sympathy flower business has long been a mainstay of florists, but in our current situation, things have changed dramatically. As a result of COVID-19, much of the grief and bereavement is now done at a distance. Now, more than ever, with the restrictions put in place in most funeral homes, flowers are even more meaningful to those who are grieving. While nothing can replace a warm hug or a gathering of loved ones to offer comfort, flowers can send an important message of love and support. To that end, there are many ways you as a florist can assist those in such a delicate situation, and by doing so, 2. OFFER A VARIETY OF maintain a strong sympathy flower Many customers choose traditional designs for business. memorials or funeral services, such as crosses, wreaths, and the like. However, there are those customers who 1. NETWORK WITH FUNERAL would prefer to have an arrangement with a bit more DIRECTORS creative flair. Be sure to appeal to both the traditional and Perhaps the most important thing you can do the more contemporary customer with your offerings. right now is to reach out to funeral directors in your 3. CUSTOMIZE ARRANGEMENTS TO area and discover their needs. Are they holding MAKE THEM MORE PERSONAL memorial services in person or at a distance? Are When you discuss sympathy flowers with a customer, they televising more services these days? How are ask them about the person to find out what made them they helping families, and how can you assist them? special. Did they have a favorite flower, color, or Based on what you discover, create and provide hobby? What was their occupation? By incorporating materials that they can share with their customers as much as possible about that person into your design, about your products and services. you’ll provide a unique way for grieving family and

12 LIVRIO | JUNE 2020 friends to remember their loved one. 4. SHOWCASE COLLECTIONS FOR IMPACT When designing arrangements for a memorial or a funeral, create collections of arrangements. A themed collection makes more impact, particularly if the service is shared remotely. An example would be a casket spray, an easel-mounted wreath, and two table arrangements, all with the same flower types and colors.

5. CREATE UNIQUE SYMPATHY ARRANGEMENTS FOR HOMES So many people won’t be able to visit with the bereaved, and flowers can provide much-needed comfort from a distance. Show your customers as many options as possible for sympathy flowers that can be delivered to homes, so that they can choose something personal and meaningful.

USE THESE TIPS TO ASSIST BOTH THOSE PROVIDING THE SERVICES AND THOSE WHO MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND. YOU’LL BE DOING SOMETHING THAT GENUINELY HELPS IN SUCH A DIFFICULT TIME. RIOROSES.COM 13 RIO’S 2020 JUNE WEDDING COLECTION

14 LIVRIO | JUNE 2020 1.

2.

JUNE WEDDINGS HAVE CERTAINLY CHANGED. THAT’S WHY IT’S MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER TO ADD THE FEELING OF LOVE THAT FLOWERS CAN BRING. HERE, THE GRACE AND ELEGANCE OF LAVENDER COMBINES BEAUTIFULLY WITH THE FEMININITY OF PINK. ADD TOUCHES OF 3. LUXURIOUS PURPLE, PLUS WHITE AND CREAM, TO CREATE AN UTTERLY ROMANTIC BOUQUET. RIO’S 2020 JUNE WEDDING COLLECTION

1. RIO SOULMATE ROSE 2. BABY RIO CHABLIS SPRAY ROSE 3. RIO AVANT GARDE ROSE 4. RIO DARK PURPLE MINI CALLAS 5. RIO WHITE LISIANTHUS

5.

4.

RIOROSES.COM 15 RIO BITE SIZE FARM DIRECT FRESH PREMIUM PRODUCTS

Pre- your farm-direct orders by participating in our monthly Rio Bite Size program. During the first week of every month, wholesalers will receive a list of our featured products and pricing for the following month so that they can pre-sell directly to their customers.

RIO As part of this program, our marketing team will BITE SIZE create tailored brand sales sheets for your customers, using your logo and company PROGRAM information. BENEFITS: For example, in the first week of June, you would receive Farm direct fresh. your Bite Size offering for July, giving you almost By ordering in advance, you guarantee the availability to fill all your floral needs. three weeks to make plenty of Product offerings change month to month. pre-sales.

Ability to lock in limited products before they are sold out.

Ability to buy items every week or only as needed. You are in full control.

Ability to lock in price so you know your product cost ahead of time.

Save time by purchasing your flower needs in advance at a pre-established price.

Boxes are labeled with each retailer’s name.

As they’re sold by the box, there’s less labor at the wholesale house.

16 LIVRIO | JUNE 2020 BITE SIZE CYCLE

WIN A FREE PIZZA PARTY ANY WHOLESALER THAT A MINIMUM OF 100 PIECES FOR ANY GIVEN MONTH OF BITE SIZE WILL WIN A FREE PIZZA PARTY FOR THEIR ENTIRE COMPANY.

RIOROSES.COM 17 18 L BREEDER’S CORNER IVRIO | JUNE 2020 VARIETY SPECIFICATIONS: RIO ROSES arrangement orbouquet. harmoniously inany green thatblends filler A delicate,unique, their Green Dragon™ Lepidium. Danziger isproud tointroduce • Lessbreakage asstemsdon’t tangle • Flower covers ofeachstem alonger portion • Wideandvoluminous inflorescence • Longvase life • Lessfoliageonthe stem STRUCTURE Wide Conical INTENSITY VASE LIFE: GROWTH HEIGHT: COLOR: 100 CM 15 days Strong STEM STEM Green

FROM NEW BEGINNINGS WITH THE GREEN DRAGON!

Through cutting-edge , Danziger’s breeders use precise techniques to bring about a specific trait in the shortest amount of time. Since Danziger is a global breeder, varieties are chosen based on several trials in different locations: Trials begin in their , , , and labs and facilities, then move on to joint trials with their close partners.

Danziger’s meticulous breeding and continuous drive to innovate has resulted their latest creation: The Green Dragon™ Lepidium. Green symbolizes honesty, clarity, and new beginnings—something we’re all looking for this year!

This is no ordinary filler: It adds beautiful texture, lushness, and exuberance to every bouquet. With Green Dragon™, fillers have become a bold decorative statement instead of an afterthought.

Boasting a uniquely robust and clean stem with no foliage and wide inflorescence, Green Dragon™ complements any arrangement. It not only accentuates the eye-catching colors and shapes of the flowers, it also injects life-affirming energy.

We would like to hear your opinion on the selected variety provided by Danziger. Please send us an email to [email protected] and share your feedback!

RIOROSES.COM 19 Extending the Life Consistency is Key Best Practices

The cold chain is arguably the most important link in Although many different people contribute to the No matter what time of year it is you are always on the of flowers that needs to start almost journey flowers take, it’s imperative to ensure that the the journey to fresh! Maintaining your best practices immediately . It should remain consistent temperature of the flowers doesn’t vary too much checklist always guarantees the longest possible vase It’s happened to all of us. It’s the dead heat of summer through all aspects of the flowers’ journey, starting at throughout its travel process. Adhering to temperature life: and the air conditioner dies. We don’t mean like oops farm level and going from field to floral professionals, guidelines is essential and avoiding too much fluctuation 1.Sanitation - The importance of cleanliness is often there was a power surge and it kicks back on, no this is a with coverage in and customs, and continuing is key to having shipments arrive intact with plenty of underestimated. Research has shown that dirty full-on air-conditioning meltdown. You are hot… your at its shop destination. vase life. buckets can reduce the vase life of a rose by up to brow begins to glisten and then gives way to a full-on 20%. Make sure that everything - buckets, cutters, sweat. You’ve stripped down to the bare minimum The key factor throughout the cold chain process is This is because flowers can easily become stressed coolers, benches, and so on - is cleaned with an clothing, and you are drinking water like a fish to try to effectively maintaining a cool temperature somewhere when temperatures rise and lower repeatedly, which approved disinfectant cleaner which has a residual stay hydrated. You are taking every measure possible to between 34 and 37F. could cause them to produce ethylene and develop effect, such as FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner. stay cool. Flowers are exactly the same! condensation inside the flower packaging. Once flowers are picked, the COLD CHAIN STARTS from 2.Hydrate - For best results when processing dry pack When conditions are extreme, especially heat, flowers the fields. The postharvest process includes Relative humidity also plays a role as water in the air

hydrating and treating flowers in a refrigerated room in can hurt a flower’s shelf life. Flowers in transit will lose or re-processing flowers, cut and dip in an instant will like people begin to increase respiration at a much ® order to remove field heat before being graded, hydrating treatment such as Floralife Quick Dip to faster rate. The need for water intake and continued water, causing what’s known as “water stress,” which bunched and sleeved. Flowers should continue staying jump-start hydration and ensure free-flowing stems. water intake in order to maintain temperature and not can lead to bent necks and premature wilting. cooled as they leave the farm. This is a must for roses and to help prevent “dry out” will be increased immensely. Always the best Because of this, relative humidity should be approximately bent necks. 75-85 percent – with anything higher, condensation course of action with cut flowers is to maintain constant Today, just about all trucks transporting flowers include will occur, which could cause botrytis to develop. 3.Nourish - After such a long journey flowers really temperature and avoid extreme heat, cold or drafts. refrigeration, allowing flowers to remain cool until the Should you experience a spike in temperature be sure to need to be nourished and fed. Using a flower food moment they need to be loaded into a plane. But even Don’t Ignore the Cold Chain solution such as Floralife® Express will provide flowers check water/solution levels in vases and buckets as well that process is now also temperature controlled so once with what they need to thrive. as condensation that may have developed on the inside the air freight lands, it’s immediately placed in a refrigerated Upon arrival, flowers should be immediately placed in of sleeves. Sleeves with condensation should be hall at the airport, where it’s inspected by customs cold storage – at a temperature equal to what they 4.Protect - Use a professional finishing spray such as removed or changed immediately to avoid botrytis or officials. Then, it’s back into a refrigerated truck and sent traveled in – and taken out when ready to sell. For Floralife® Finishing Touch to refresh, hydrate and other complications. onto its final destination. grocery floral businesses, staff should think about protect your flowers. Quick and easy to apply, this is a flowers separately from produce. Although both final step before your arrangements go out the door. Importance of temperature and cold chain remain need to go through a similar process of cooling, A simple fine-mist spray is all it takes to maximize key to floral care and handling flowers need to be stored in a clean if possible customer satisfaction and extend the enjoyment of Among the best practices for cut flowers, adherence to non-produce cooler as they can be easily damaged receiving flowers. correct temperatures and attention to cold chain by the ethylene gas produced from ripening 5.Customer care - You've done everything right, now management are two of the easiest protocols for the produce. it's up to your customer to take these flowers home floral industry to follow, with results that prove it’s well Anyone in the floral industry who doesn’t pay attention and make them last. Buying flowers can be intimidating worth the time and effort. to temperature or proper cold chain management to some. As the flower expert, offer lots of advice on In today’s floral industry, the journey flowers take can be risks learning the hard way that this can be detrimental the steps to follow at home. Educate your customers a lengthy one, which often means transporting flowers to a business. Some people think once or the recipients of your flowers on how to care for the great distances so products are within a retailer’s reach. flowers arrive, temperature control is no longer as flowers. Caution them about placing flowers in direct Because a majority of cut flowers in are important as when the flowers were in transit – but sunlight, drafty places, or near heating and cooling imported from other countries, it’s important to adhere that’s very far from accurate. The care and handling vents. Remind them to change the flower-food to proper care and handling procedures to ensure each that flowers get – whether from farm to wholesaler, solution every 3 days. And provide flower food packets ® stem arrives in peak condition. florist or mass market – remains the most important like FloraLife Express with every purchase and steps in providing the best quality flowers that keep delivery – enough to enable consumers to change the Thankfully, advancements in temperature technology customers happy and returning. solution throughout the life of the arrangement or and cold chain management help the majority of bouquet. This is your best policy to imported flowers arrive healthy and vibrant, with plenty guarantee that the freshness will continue. To learn more about best practices of vase life remaining. from the experts in flower care, visit www.floralife.com Extending the Life Consistency is Key Best Practices

The cold chain is arguably the most important link in Although many different people contribute to the No matter what time of year it is you are always on the management of flowers that needs to start almost journey flowers take, it’s imperative to ensure that the the journey to fresh! Maintaining your best practices immediately postharvest. It should remain consistent temperature of the flowers doesn’t vary too much checklist always guarantees the longest possible vase It’s happened to all of us. It’s the dead heat of summer through all aspects of the flowers’ journey, starting at throughout its travel process. Adhering to temperature life: and the air conditioner dies. We don’t mean like oops farm level and going from field to floral professionals, guidelines is essential and avoiding too much fluctuation 1.Sanitation - The importance of cleanliness is often there was a power surge and it kicks back on, no this is a with coverage in transport and customs, and continuing is key to having shipments arrive intact with plenty of underestimated. Research has shown that dirty full-on air-conditioning meltdown. You are hot… your at its shop destination. vase life. buckets can reduce the vase life of a rose by up to brow begins to glisten and then gives way to a full-on 20%. Make sure that everything - buckets, cutters, sweat. You’ve stripped down to the bare minimum The key factor throughout the cold chain process is This is because flowers can easily become stressed coolers, benches, and so on - is cleaned with an clothing, and you are drinking water like a fish to try to effectively maintaining a cool temperature somewhere when temperatures rise and lower repeatedly, which approved disinfectant cleaner which has a residual stay hydrated. You are taking every measure possible to between 34 and 37F. could cause them to produce ethylene and develop effect, such as FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner. stay cool. Flowers are exactly the same! condensation inside the flower packaging. Once flowers are picked, the COLD CHAIN STARTS from 2.Hydrate - For best results when processing dry pack When conditions are extreme, especially heat, flowers the fields. The postharvest process includes Relative humidity also plays a role as water in the air hydrating and treating flowers in a refrigerated room in can hurt a flower’s shelf life. Flowers in transit will lose or re-processing flowers, cut and dip in an instant will like people begin to increase respiration at a much ® order to remove field heat before being graded, hydrating treatment such as Floralife Quick Dip to faster rate. The need for water intake and continued water, causing what’s known as “water stress,” which bunched and sleeved. Flowers should continue staying jump-start hydration and ensure free-flowing stems. water intake in order to maintain temperature and not can lead to bent necks and premature wilting. cooled as they leave the farm. This is a must for roses and Gerberas to help prevent “dry out” will be increased immensely. Always the best Because of this, relative humidity should be approximately bent necks. 75-85 percent – with anything higher, condensation course of action with cut flowers is to maintain constant Today, just about all trucks transporting flowers include will occur, which could cause botrytis to develop. 3.Nourish - After such a long journey flowers really temperature and avoid extreme heat, cold or drafts. refrigeration, allowing flowers to remain cool until the Should you experience a spike in temperature be sure to need to be nourished and fed. Using a flower food moment they need to be loaded into a plane. But even Don’t Ignore the Cold Chain solution such as Floralife® Express will provide flowers check water/solution levels in vases and buckets as well that process is now also temperature controlled so once with what they need to thrive. as condensation that may have developed on the inside the air freight lands, it’s immediately placed in a refrigerated Upon arrival, flowers should be immediately placed in of sleeves. Sleeves with condensation should be hall at the airport, where it’s inspected by customs cold storage – at a temperature equal to what they 4.Protect - Use a professional finishing spray such as removed or changed immediately to avoid botrytis or officials. Then, it’s back into a refrigerated truck and sent traveled in – and taken out when ready to sell. For Floralife® Finishing Touch to refresh, hydrate and other complications. onto its final destination. grocery floral businesses, staff should think about protect your flowers. Quick and easy to apply, this is a flowers separately from produce. Although both final step before your arrangements go out the door. Importance of temperature and cold chain remain need to go through a similar process of cooling, A simple fine-mist spray is all it takes to maximize key to floral care and handling flowers need to be stored in a clean if possible customer satisfaction and extend the enjoyment of Among the best practices for cut flowers, adherence to non-produce cooler as they can be easily damaged receiving flowers. correct temperatures and attention to cold chain by the ethylene gas produced from ripening 5.Customer care - You've done everything right, now management are two of the easiest protocols for the produce. it's up to your customer to take these flowers home floral industry to follow, with results that prove it’s well Anyone in the floral industry who doesn’t pay attention and make them last. Buying flowers can be intimidating worth the time and effort. to temperature or proper cold chain management to some. As the flower expert, offer lots of advice on In today’s floral industry, the journey flowers take can be risks learning the hard way that this can be detrimental the steps to follow at home. Educate your customers a lengthy one, which often means transporting flowers to a business. Some people think once or the recipients of your flowers on how to care for the great distances so products are within a retailer’s reach. flowers arrive, temperature control is no longer as flowers. Caution them about placing flowers in direct Because a majority of cut flowers in North America are important as when the flowers were in transit – but sunlight, drafty places, or near heating and cooling imported from other countries, it’s important to adhere that’s very far from accurate. The care and handling vents. Remind them to change the flower-food to proper care and handling procedures to ensure each that flowers get – whether from farm to wholesaler, solution every 3 days. And provide flower food packets ® stem arrives in peak condition. florist or mass market – remains the most important like FloraLife Express with every purchase and steps in providing the best quality flowers that keep delivery – enough to enable consumers to change the Thankfully, advancements in temperature technology customers happy and returning. solution throughout the life of the arrangement or and cold chain management help the majority of bouquet. This is your best insurance policy to imported flowers arrive healthy and vibrant, with plenty guarantee that the freshness will continue. To learn more about best practices of vase life remaining. from the experts in flower care, visit www.floralife.com COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Nothing could be more important than showing our support to those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. To that end, we recently donated 250 roses to the nurses of South Miami , in appreciation for their tireless .

South Miami Hospital has an excellent reputation for quality care, thanks to their compassion and commitment to clinical and service excellence. They have been recognized three times as a Magnet Hospital for Excellence by the American Nurses Association.

We are so grateful for these wonderful, caring nurses, and were proud to be able to provide a bit of happiness to them with our roses.

22 LIVRIO | JUNE 2020 ANNIVERSARIES + BIRTHDAYS

“Thank you for your years of dedication to our team. CLAUDIA MORA 06/04/2018 2 years You are terrifically tireless, RENE OJEDA 06/18/2018 2 years exceptionally excellent, and EMILIO MARTINEZ 06/29/2015 5 years abundantly appreciated.”

STEVE STEINBERG 06/01 Sr. Account Executive “Happy Birthday. May all AERLIM DIAZ 06/08 Chief Financial Officer your B-day wishes come MAYA SAGASTUME 06/17 Director of Marketing true on your special day.” ANNMARIE ZAMORA 06/27 Farm Sourcing Manager RICARDO SANGIO 06/27 Account Manager

RIOROSES.COM 23 THANKS FOR READING

SEE YOU NEXT MONTH

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