The Outstanding Varieties Competition at the Society of American Florists ’ convention annually ply a glance at future floral drift . And this twelvemonth , SAF is doubling down on that prospect by expanding the contest to include new or limited accessibility varieties from breeders .
Since 1992 agriculturalist have used the rival to showcase their best form — and earn worthful feedback that aid inform their purchasing and production plans . This year , SAF extended that opportunity to breeders to help them get valuable feedback on the potential food market appeal of their varieties .
SAF Phoenix 2023 attendees will vote on the breeder entries , some of which are known as “ code , ” and new varieties that are on the food market with very limited availability , to determine a “ People ’s Choice ” succeeder .
Ana Ramirez , of the breeder and grower Danziger , says the unexampled breeder category will not only enable them to get feedback on their new developments but also give the market a chance to glimpse what ’s coming in 2024 .
“ It helps to exit the gap between the breeder and what the food market is see for , ” Ramirez says . “ People will have an opportunity to see what is go to come and what breeders are working on . ”
In plus to entering in the new category , Danziger will continue inscribe the agriculturist ' category , noting that enter is a valuable part of their marketing scheme each year .
Martin Meskers , AAF , president and CEO of Oregon Flowers , know at first hand the benefits of entering the competition . Last class his salmon - colored Oriental Trumpet lily ‘ Zelmira ’ win “ Best in Show , ” and Oregon Flowers has since seen an uptick in sales for that form .
While winning drew attention to his company and helped sales , Meskers says figure the competition is worthwhile because it provides valuable data and helps make connections throughout the diligence .
“ We feel like we get a lot of feedback about what people like about certain varieties , and we use that info [ to inform ] what we bribe from breeders , ” he says . “ We get that information firsthand by talking to the retailers and getting judges ’ feedback . ”
After the judgment , Meskers makes a stop to walk the floor and jaw with formula attendees . He want to know what they reckon , how a stem may be used in an organization , and what color and form everyday customers are seek .
“ We need to raise the flowers that the customers desire , ” he pronounce . “ It is a muckle easier to betray them something that they need , but sometimes it is difficult to know one , two , three years in advance when we are buying bulbs . ”
The conversations and entries at the competition provide some foresight , he says .
For preceding jurist Lani Callister of Ensign Wholesale Flower Market in Salt Lake City , the competition is also a moment to cover the passion , expertise , and devotion of an diligence always seek to improve . Callister is always looking for something that fill up a vacancy or a want . Meskers ’ ‘ Zelmira ’ was a perfect model , she says , because the color was vivacious , on - tendency , and one that is not often find in lily .
While entrants should regard grocery needs when choosing what to enter , Callister says varieties must also possess spectacular characteristic , including the stem , foliage , efflorescence size of it , and color . She also recommended that entrants put some time and thought into the showing . Long stems should be left tall . Do n’t skimp on the act of stems , and see how it looks in the vase , she enjoin . This is not just beneficial in the official judgement , but also in how rule attendees see the ware .
For more information : SAFsafnow.org
