Union Fleurs swots up in London later this month
Union Fleurs, the International Flower Trade Association, has put together an all-encompassing programme 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.
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 programme 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.
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.
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 how the power of flowers and plants can help.
To round off the diverse programme, 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.
Commenting on the programme Sylvie Mamias, Union Fleurs Secretary General (pictured above) 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.”
Editors Notes:
Union Fleurs – International Flower Trade Association is the international umbrella organisation for national associations and companies active in the floricultural trade. The general mission of Union Fleurs is to represent, promote and defend the worldwide interests of the traders and wholesalers in cut flowers, cut foliage and pot plants.
Union Fleurs was founded in 1959 in Brussels and has nowadays members in 20 countries worldwide. Within its membership, Union Fleurs gathers over 3.000 companies worldwide, of which more than 1,500 floricultural traders and wholesalers in the EU. Members account for more than 80% of the total value of the worldwide trade of cut flowers and pot plants.
More information on Union Fleurs is available at: www.unionfleurs.org
