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The Fresca Perspective Issue No 2 Quarter 2 2019 CELEBRATING Mother s DAY Why we celebrate Mother s Day Collections Spring Mother s Day Don t Forget Mom s Day Checklist Farm Fresh Picks Tips Tricks Behind the Flower

IT S ALL ABOUT MOM Why we celebrate mother s day It goes without saying Mom probably deserves a standing ovation every single day of the year A labor of love is still work and Mom is usually putting in overtime Mother s Day is a tradition of honoring Mothers motherhood motherly bonds and most importantly the influence of Mothers in our own lives and society as a whole We collectively agree Mothers should be celebrated What you may not know is how far back this tradition actually goes Celebrations centered around Mom can be traced back to ancient Greeks and Romans who held festivals to honor the goddesses Rhea and Cybele Long before greeting cards the tradition beginning in the U S is attributed to Anna Jarvis She held a memorial service 3 years after her Mother s passing inviting over 400 children and their Mothers to celebrate their Mother on that same Sunday The celebration was a smashing success and continued several years afterward adopted by the public and gained widespread popularity Anna was passionate about the purity of what Mother s Day should mean and was publically against the commercialization of the holiday In 1914 Woodrow Wilson made it official signing a proclamation designating the second Sunday of May as Mother s Day and we have celebrated as a nation ever since As far as gifts go flowers are the long standing favorite for Mother s Day The white carnation holds a special place as the original flower for Mother s Day in the United States Anna Jarvis mother s favorite When asked in a 1927 interview about carnations for Mother s Day Jarvis replied The carnation does not drop its petals but hugs them to its heart as it dies and so too Mothers hug their children to their hearts their Mother s love never dying Today Mom s Favorite is the flower of choice A range of varieties colors and price points make the ideal offering for any retailer Paying particular attention to demographics in your region can also pay off in a big way when it comes to Mother s day certain flowers and colors having special meaning in different cultures The most popular flowers for Mom are roses tulips lilies hydrangeas sunflowers gerbera daisies and orchids Given as bunches bouquets or artfully arranged vases what matters most is they are given with love

IT S ALL ABOUT MOM Why we celebrate mother s day It goes without saying Mom probably deserves a standing ovation every single day of the year A labor of love is still work and Mom is usually putting in overtime Mother s Day is a tradition of honoring Mothers motherhood motherly bonds and most importantly the influence of Mothers in our own lives and society as a whole We collectively agree Mothers should be celebrated What you may not know is how far back this tradition actually goes Celebrations centered around Mom can be traced back to ancient Greeks and Romans who held festivals to honor the goddesses Rhea and Cybele Long before greeting cards the tradition beginning in the U S is attributed to Anna Jarvis She held a memorial service 3 years after her Mother s passing inviting over 400 children and their Mothers to celebrate their Mother on that same Sunday The celebration was a smashing success and continued several years afterward adopted by the public and gained widespread popularity Anna was passionate about the purity of what Mother s Day should mean and was publically against the commercialization of the holiday In 1914 Woodrow Wilson made it official signing a proclamation designating the second Sunday of May as Mother s Day and we have celebrated as a nation ever since As far as gifts go flowers are the long standing favorite for Mother s Day The white carnation holds a special place as the original flower for Mother s Day in the United States Anna Jarvis mother s favorite When asked in a 1927 interview about carnations for Mother s Day Jarvis replied The carnation does not drop its petals but hugs them to its heart as it dies and so too Mothers hug their children to their hearts their Mother s love never dying Today Mom s Favorite is the flower of choice A range of varieties colors and price points make the ideal offering for any retailer Paying particular attention to demographics in your region can also pay off in a big way when it comes to Mother s day certain flowers and colors having special meaning in different cultures The most popular flowers for Mom are roses tulips lilies hydrangeas sunflowers gerbera daisies and orchids Given as bunches bouquets or artfully arranged vases what matters most is they are given with love

FARMS FRESH PICKS Gorgeous Hydrangea Hydrangea native to southern and eastern Asia as well as the Americas is a genus of flower that boasts 70 75 different species of flowering plants The greatest diversity in the species can be found concentrated in eastern Asia specifically China Japan and Korea Hydrangeas are a relatively new crop in Colombia in the last few years we have seen a tremendous increase in demand and consequently production Although a constant staple of the flower world the hydrangea s spike in popularity can be attributed to the development of new varieties such as the antique series Most hydrangeas thrive in cooler temperatures rich soil and full sun in the morning with afternoon shade The consistent temperature and luminosity in Colombia are ideal for year round production Extra care and attention is paid to soil preparation The colors of the flowers are affected by the aluminum ions in the soil so all soil is tested and carefully measured prior to planting Hydrangeas need rich porous and somewhat moist soil to thrive In comparison to other crops hydrangeas need much more moisture and space to produce healthy plants Hydrangeas produce their main flower clusters from the tips of shoots formed from the previous season so maintaining the plants in between growing cycles is also critical These are all hefty considerations when programming your production to accommodate everyday as well as the spike of holiday business Hydrangeas are offered in five grades Mini Select Super Select Extra and Jumbo Generally percentage of colors grown for market looks something like this 50 40 25 0 17 25 13 3 White Blue Antique Minigreen Charmant 2 Others Fantastic in arrangements or stand alone bunches these magnificent beauties command attention Vase life can be quite impressive 5 10 days by following a few simple steps When processing be sure to remove any foliage below the solution level always re cut stems and never leave out of solution for any extended period of time Hydrangeas are prone to dehydrating quickly be vigilant Be sure to avoid exposure to ethylene as hydrangeas tend to be sensitive Store Hydrangeas in 36 41 F degree cooler 75 to 85 humidity is ideal Want more information on our hydrangea varieties Contact your Fresca Farms sales rep today

FARMS FRESH PICKS Gorgeous Hydrangea Hydrangea native to southern and eastern Asia as well as the Americas is a genus of flower that boasts 70 75 different species of flowering plants The greatest diversity in the species can be found concentrated in eastern Asia specifically China Japan and Korea Hydrangeas are a relatively new crop in Colombia in the last few years we have seen a tremendous increase in demand and consequently production Although a constant staple of the flower world the hydrangea s spike in popularity can be attributed to the development of new varieties such as the antique series Most hydrangeas thrive in cooler temperatures rich soil and full sun in the morning with afternoon shade The consistent temperature and luminosity in Colombia are ideal for year round production Extra care and attention is paid to soil preparation The colors of the flowers are affected by the aluminum ions in the soil so all soil is tested and carefully measured prior to planting Hydrangeas need rich porous and somewhat moist soil to thrive In comparison to other crops hydrangeas need much more moisture and space to produce healthy plants Hydrangeas produce their main flower clusters from the tips of shoots formed from the previous season so maintaining the plants in between growing cycles is also critical These are all hefty considerations when programming your production to accommodate everyday as well as the spike of holiday business Hydrangeas are offered in five grades Mini Select Super Select Extra and Jumbo Generally percentage of colors grown for market looks something like this 50 40 25 0 17 25 13 3 White Blue Antique Minigreen Charmant 2 Others Fantastic in arrangements or stand alone bunches these magnificent beauties command attention Vase life can be quite impressive 5 10 days by following a few simple steps When processing be sure to remove any foliage below the solution level always re cut stems and never leave out of solution for any extended period of time Hydrangeas are prone to dehydrating quickly be vigilant Be sure to avoid exposure to ethylene as hydrangeas tend to be sensitive Store Hydrangeas in 36 41 F degree cooler 75 to 85 humidity is ideal Want more information on our hydrangea varieties Contact your Fresca Farms sales rep today

ARAGON BQ VINTAGE COLLECTION CARNATION YELLOW The days growing longer as spring SOPHISTICATED LARGE begins to run towards summer the blush of spring ripening to a flush of color Spring always a traditional time for flowers mixes of vibrant colors and contrasting accents are a delight for the senses BQ CLASSIC CHIC About this line vibrant colors contrasting or pastel accents mono duo or trio color pallets mixed or grouped construction coordinating arrangements to complete the line BQ MOONLOVE TRUMPET TABLE DANCE STATICE ASSORTED BELL OF IRELAND 4 STEMS TULIP PINK

ARAGON BQ VINTAGE COLLECTION CARNATION YELLOW The days growing longer as spring SOPHISTICATED LARGE begins to run towards summer the blush of spring ripening to a flush of color Spring always a traditional time for flowers mixes of vibrant colors and contrasting accents are a delight for the senses BQ CLASSIC CHIC About this line vibrant colors contrasting or pastel accents mono duo or trio color pallets mixed or grouped construction coordinating arrangements to complete the line BQ MOONLOVE TRUMPET TABLE DANCE STATICE ASSORTED BELL OF IRELAND 4 STEMS TULIP PINK

CRESPEDIA BUNCH POM 4 HP ROSE ENHANCED TIE DYE Bursting with energy and color spring is in full effect Happy and oh so much fun these bouquets and arrangements make a statement at any spring celebration HYDRANGEA RAINBOW MAGICAL WISH PREMIUM About this line striking combinations mono duo or trio color pallets mixed or grouped construction coordinating arrangements to complete the line FUN BUNCH CINCO DE MAYO RUSCUS TINTED BUNCH FUN BUNCH RECITAL FUN BUNCH EASTER DISBUD TINTED TYE DYE

CRESPEDIA BUNCH POM 4 HP ROSE ENHANCED TIE DYE Bursting with energy and color spring is in full effect Happy and oh so much fun these bouquets and arrangements make a statement at any spring celebration HYDRANGEA RAINBOW MAGICAL WISH PREMIUM About this line striking combinations mono duo or trio color pallets mixed or grouped construction coordinating arrangements to complete the line FUN BUNCH CINCO DE MAYO RUSCUS TINTED BUNCH FUN BUNCH RECITAL FUN BUNCH EASTER DISBUD TINTED TYE DYE

BE AMONG THE WILDFLOWERS VERONICA ASSORTED ROSE SPRAY TRIO SUNFLOWER 6 STEMS BEST OF GARDEN SPRING COMBO Fresh air wide open spaces the RANUNCULUS ASSORTED world around us in bloom must be late spring Flowers with that fresh picked feeling colors and textures entwine to create natural beauty CARNATION BUNCH NOBBIO About this Line 100 natural colors freestyle color palletsmixed wildflower construction coordinating seasonal arrangements to complete the line AGAPANTHUS WILDFLOWER MIX CHARMANT HYDRANGEA CRASPEDIA DRUMSTICK ASTILBE SMALL ANENOME PURPLE

BE AMONG THE WILDFLOWERS VERONICA ASSORTED ROSE SPRAY TRIO SUNFLOWER 6 STEMS BEST OF GARDEN SPRING COMBO Fresh air wide open spaces the RANUNCULUS ASSORTED world around us in bloom must be late spring Flowers with that fresh picked feeling colors and textures entwine to create natural beauty CARNATION BUNCH NOBBIO About this Line 100 natural colors freestyle color palletsmixed wildflower construction coordinating seasonal arrangements to complete the line AGAPANTHUS WILDFLOWER MIX CHARMANT HYDRANGEA CRASPEDIA DRUMSTICK ASTILBE SMALL ANENOME PURPLE

GLAMOUR LARGE HYDRANGEA ANTIQUE RED CB SPRAY ROSE RAINBOW There is no one like Mom and not LISIANTHUS ASSORTED just any bouquet of flowers will do Sweet yet sophisticated traditional lilacs and pinks are highlighted in tone on tone combinations or a punch of color Assortments offer an array of colors that Mom is just going to love CINEMATIC LARGE About this line mono duo or trio color pallets traditional Mother s Day colors mixed construction focus on spring flowers coordinating arrangements to complete the line POM CDN ASSORTED ROSE VANITY FAIR PINK TIMELESS LARGE RUBY SENSATION BUNCH COCO BUNCH

GLAMOUR LARGE HYDRANGEA ANTIQUE RED CB SPRAY ROSE RAINBOW There is no one like Mom and not LISIANTHUS ASSORTED just any bouquet of flowers will do Sweet yet sophisticated traditional lilacs and pinks are highlighted in tone on tone combinations or a punch of color Assortments offer an array of colors that Mom is just going to love CINEMATIC LARGE About this line mono duo or trio color pallets traditional Mother s Day colors mixed construction focus on spring flowers coordinating arrangements to complete the line POM CDN ASSORTED ROSE VANITY FAIR PINK TIMELESS LARGE RUBY SENSATION BUNCH COCO BUNCH

ALSTRO TINTED BUNCH FUN BUNCH MOTHERS DAY SPRAY ROSE PAINTED RAINBOW Always on the go she wears many hats but Modern Mom s favorite The Mommy hat of course Fun and playful this collection keeps tradition in mind but takes it to another level with bright vibrant colors airbrushing and some glitter and glamour GYP HOT PINK About this line mono duo or trio color pallets non traditional Mother s Day colors mixed or grouped construction natural and enhanced products coordinating arrangements to complete the line WAX FLOWERS ASSORTED DISBUD TINTED BUNCH HYDRANGEA RAINBOW PAINTED HYPERICUM ASSORTED ROSE ENHANCED RAINBOW CARNATION TYE DYE SOLIDAGO FUSCHIA

ALSTRO TINTED BUNCH FUN BUNCH MOTHERS DAY SPRAY ROSE PAINTED RAINBOW Always on the go she wears many hats but Modern Mom s favorite The Mommy hat of course Fun and playful this collection keeps tradition in mind but takes it to another level with bright vibrant colors airbrushing and some glitter and glamour GYP HOT PINK About this line mono duo or trio color pallets non traditional Mother s Day colors mixed or grouped construction natural and enhanced products coordinating arrangements to complete the line WAX FLOWERS ASSORTED DISBUD TINTED BUNCH HYDRANGEA RAINBOW PAINTED HYPERICUM ASSORTED ROSE ENHANCED RAINBOW CARNATION TYE DYE SOLIDAGO FUSCHIA

ASTER MATSUMOTO ASSORTED BEST OF GARDEN MOTHER S DAY PREMIUM SCABIOSA ASSORTED Wild and free we admire our DELPH HYBRID PACIFIC ASSORTED Moms with the souls of poets Fresh picked bouquets with so much color and texture speak directly to her Soft natural pallets in endless combinations offer something for every Mom DIANTHUS GREEN BALL About this line 100 natural colors assorted colors and recipes per case mixed wildflower construction coordinating seasonal arrangements ERYNGIUM BLUE BELL GERBERA ASSORTED GREEN MIST GYP GARDEN ROSE 5 STEM ASSORTED

ASTER MATSUMOTO ASSORTED BEST OF GARDEN MOTHER S DAY PREMIUM SCABIOSA ASSORTED Wild and free we admire our DELPH HYBRID PACIFIC ASSORTED Moms with the souls of poets Fresh picked bouquets with so much color and texture speak directly to her Soft natural pallets in endless combinations offer something for every Mom DIANTHUS GREEN BALL About this line 100 natural colors assorted colors and recipes per case mixed wildflower construction coordinating seasonal arrangements ERYNGIUM BLUE BELL GERBERA ASSORTED GREEN MIST GYP GARDEN ROSE 5 STEM ASSORTED

Tips Tricks Don t Forget Hydrangea Care Handling 1 Receiving flowers process immediately preferable or store in a 34 36 degree cooler with 75 relative humidity until you can process 2 Prepare a non metallic container with clean cold water and flower food solution Remember not too much and not too little The wrong dose will result in a reduced vase life Tip Buckets should be cleaned with an anti bacterial solution to prevent bacteria growth with could clog stems and prevent proper hydration 3 Remove any foliage from stems that would be below the solution level 4 Make a fresh cut at least 2 from the bottom of the stems with a clean sharp cutting utensil Tip Dip stems for a couple of seconds in hydration solution to increase the uptake of flower food This keeps the stems free flowing and guarantees maximum hydration 5 Place in prepared container and into the cooler immediately if not processing inside the cooler already Most flowers will fully hydrate in 4 to 6 hours Keep in cold storage until ready to put out for sale at room temperature flowers begin to accelerate respiration Tip Leave hard wraps on certain flowers during hydration in cooler to support heads as they hydrate Buying Tips Ask Different varieties of flowers have different characteristics learning variety traits will help you select the best stems for your customer s needs Avoid 1 Fully open blooms 2 Limp stems Dehydrated Blooms 3 Damaged or Diseased Foliage 4 Anything with mold What to look for Good cut stage hydrated stems and good form Spring fever is upon us and Mother s Day is just around the corner A few to do list items that will help you stay organized during the rush 1 Pre books pre books pre books Most growers including Fresca offer great pre book specials take advantage of the savings by getting your orders in early Mother s Day pre books should be received by March 15th at the latest to guarantee orders 2 Have approved substitutions in mind this time of year can be tricky especially with add on orders Be sure to have a 1st and at least 2nd choice when it comes to colors and varieties especially for roses 3 Have you created enticing displays to promote impulse purchases as your customers are shopping Mother s Day usually means repeat business as well as future repeat business opportunities Have them hooked from the very first time they trust you with their flowers for Mom 4 Ready steady employees should have all the tools they need in order to keep moving Check equipment tools supplies etc 5 There is no I in Team You need your team now more than ever Be sure you have everyone scheduled job responsibilities clearly defined and extra help hired so everything runs smoothly Training for seasonal employees before you get into the thick of things is critical 6 Preparation saves perspiration Prep all that you can in advance for upgrades and mass production items Make bows stock shelves pre greens Anything and everything you can do in advance will save you time and money later 7 Stay sharp This time of year can have you losing money hand over fist if people are adding extra stems to arrangements or wasting flowers Cost in advance recipes you will produce and stick to it so profit margin stays intact Smile on your face you ve got this

Tips Tricks Don t Forget Hydrangea Care Handling 1 Receiving flowers process immediately preferable or store in a 34 36 degree cooler with 75 relative humidity until you can process 2 Prepare a non metallic container with clean cold water and flower food solution Remember not too much and not too little The wrong dose will result in a reduced vase life Tip Buckets should be cleaned with an anti bacterial solution to prevent bacteria growth with could clog stems and prevent proper hydration 3 Remove any foliage from stems that would be below the solution level 4 Make a fresh cut at least 2 from the bottom of the stems with a clean sharp cutting utensil Tip Dip stems for a couple of seconds in hydration solution to increase the uptake of flower food This keeps the stems free flowing and guarantees maximum hydration 5 Place in prepared container and into the cooler immediately if not processing inside the cooler already Most flowers will fully hydrate in 4 to 6 hours Keep in cold storage until ready to put out for sale at room temperature flowers begin to accelerate respiration Tip Leave hard wraps on certain flowers during hydration in cooler to support heads as they hydrate Buying Tips Ask Different varieties of flowers have different characteristics learning variety traits will help you select the best stems for your customer s needs Avoid 1 Fully open blooms 2 Limp stems Dehydrated Blooms 3 Damaged or Diseased Foliage 4 Anything with mold What to look for Good cut stage hydrated stems and good form Spring fever is upon us and Mother s Day is just around the corner A few to do list items that will help you stay organized during the rush 1 Pre books pre books pre books Most growers including Fresca offer great pre book specials take advantage of the savings by getting your orders in early Mother s Day pre books should be received by March 15th at the latest to guarantee orders 2 Have approved substitutions in mind this time of year can be tricky especially with add on orders Be sure to have a 1st and at least 2nd choice when it comes to colors and varieties especially for roses 3 Have you created enticing displays to promote impulse purchases as your customers are shopping Mother s Day usually means repeat business as well as future repeat business opportunities Have them hooked from the very first time they trust you with their flowers for Mom 4 Ready steady employees should have all the tools they need in order to keep moving Check equipment tools supplies etc 5 There is no I in Team You need your team now more than ever Be sure you have everyone scheduled job responsibilities clearly defined and extra help hired so everything runs smoothly Training for seasonal employees before you get into the thick of things is critical 6 Preparation saves perspiration Prep all that you can in advance for upgrades and mass production items Make bows stock shelves pre greens Anything and everything you can do in advance will save you time and money later 7 Stay sharp This time of year can have you losing money hand over fist if people are adding extra stems to arrangements or wasting flowers Cost in advance recipes you will produce and stick to it so profit margin stays intact Smile on your face you ve got this

BEHIND THE FLOWER Introducing Lucia Y Rojas B Question What is your position with Fresca Farms Sustainable Growing Absolutely Certifiable FlorVerde Sustainable Flowers ensures growers test and demonstrate that they can deliver the promise they make on a flower s vase life Consumers also benefit from the certification by knowing their purchase is making a positive difference to workers and the environment Rainforest Alliance Certified 2014 Answer Floral Operations Manager Fresca Farms Colombia FLORVERDE SUSTAINABLE FLOWERS Question How long have you been employed with Fresca Farms Las flores tienen un impacto inmediato en la felicidad Answer Nine years with Fresca Farms Question If you want people to know one thing about Fresca Farms what would it be Answer We believe in our product consistency and 100 customer satisfaction

BEHIND THE FLOWER Introducing Lucia Y Rojas B Question What is your position with Fresca Farms Sustainable Growing Absolutely Certifiable FlorVerde Sustainable Flowers ensures growers test and demonstrate that they can deliver the promise they make on a flower s vase life Consumers also benefit from the certification by knowing their purchase is making a positive difference to workers and the environment Rainforest Alliance Certified 2014 Answer Floral Operations Manager Fresca Farms Colombia FLORVERDE SUSTAINABLE FLOWERS Question How long have you been employed with Fresca Farms Las flores tienen un impacto inmediato en la felicidad Answer Nine years with Fresca Farms Question If you want people to know one thing about Fresca Farms what would it be Answer We believe in our product consistency and 100 customer satisfaction

HELLO HYDRANGEA wow mom this Mother s Day Book early and save big Call your Fresca rep today for more info