Florist News

We dont want to scare anybody, but the simple fact is that almost no growers have given guaranteed prices this year, but once a wholesaler/exporter has comitted himself to a price, he then has to supply the goods, and try to earn some money as well.

I have been in this trade for 23 years in total, and this is going to be the most difficult, and probably most expensive valentine ever.

What we all ignore in weeks like valentines is where do all the roses come from ?

I know of one company needing 500,000 passion 60cm for a promotion in Germany, and another company requires 175,000 70 & 80cm Passion for the UK.

This is just 2 companies, what about the rest ?

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If you receive your roses before Saturday 10th Feb from your supplier, they are almost guaranteed old.

If your wholesaler/Dutchman deliver Saturday 10th/ Sunday 11th they will hopefully be off the Thursday/Friday auctions. Fresh roses from these auctions will be no problem at all.

If you have them delivered/collect them on Tuesday/Wednesday they will almost definitely be from Saturday/Sundays cut. (Mondays auctions)


I dont want to do any mud slinging, so I wont name any names of companies that work old roses, but its very simple, if you are unhappy about the quality you are delivered, just refuse them. Its your reputation that will be damaged if they are old.

Thanks Gringo,
I've got my dutch man roses coming on the Sunday so hopefully they will be fresh, i'm having another two lots delivered on the Monday from different suppliers, i've split my order 3 ways and also ordered a variety of sizes 60/70/80 from each of the suppliers, I decided to do that so there was hopefully no way I could end up with a problem with all of them.

Oh well fingers crossed, i'll be glad when its all over!!

Thanks for your reply we have also split our order for delivery sunday/monday so hopefully we will be alright we had passion delivered yesterday which were definately old got onto supplier sraight away and thankfully got credit also mini cymbidium great value our wholesaler told us at 1.05 each ordered a box but she ommited to tell us they were 10ins never ever saw orchids as short again she credited us and told us to sell if we could or give them out which is a bonus this supplier usually is top class so we were very dissappointed and worried about what we would get for val but she guarantees perfection so I suppose we have to wait and see. I always think it is the worst peak period due to the fact it is only one day at least with the other peaks we can do it over a week although in Ireland we are all more worried about mother's day due to it falling the day after st patricks day which is a big thing over here and the folks spend big time we are all worried there will be no money left. I know we should get one peak over before we think about the next but chating to other shop members since xmas all have the same worry. Rach

i have now been quoted 1.25 per stem for 70cm passion, so as far as im concerned thats not too bad, 80cm are 1.50 and 80cm grand prix are 1.80, its definately less than i was expecting

Hi, ive ordered some of my roses from a supplier, 70cm passion at £1.20 stem. (I know freedom were coming in at 90p 50cms) I don't order in any longer stem than that as all our red roses go out handtied to ensure they arrive at their destination at their best. Last year we also did a flower menu, we find men generally have a price in mind and aren't particularly bothered what it is as long as it has at least one red rose in it. We have a range of flowers priced in different brackets- luxury, best and basic. so for example the luxury 12 red roses is grand prix and palm leaves at £70, the best is passion and euch at £50 and basic is freedom and leatherleaf at £37.50. All are aqua packed. Then we have the 3 bouquets inc single red rose (always our best seller) at lux £47.50, best £32.50 and basic £22.50. we found most people went for the lux and best bouquet and the best 12 red roses.
Have a good one everyone, Jo

I like Freedoms. Large head, strong stem. and no thorns. Quite lucky as we have 4,800 of them coming Sunday !