These are busy and fun times for the growers of Growers' Association Touch Me+. Besides the fact that the Sweet Kisses season is still in full swing, the growers went on a market visit to Paris last week, and acquaintances were surprised with a gift (of love).
Paris market visit
The weekend before the big Valentine's Day rush, three of Hamiplant's members and two specialists paid a visit to the city of love, Paris. The aim of the market visit was to better understand the position of house and garden plants on the market and to get to know the French chain and consumers better in order to serve the French market as well as possible.
The day began Thursday morning at 06.00 with a visit to the wholesale market Rungis. Here they were welcomed by Élodie Baeten, director of FGFP. In addition, Ron Jeronimus, country manager France of Bloemenbureau Holland, shared his knowledge with the group about the French market and consumers. In addition, the trip included visits to a French grower and also wholesaler (Benoist Horticulture), wholesale companies (Végétal and Plant Assistance), garden centers (Truffaut, Jardiland, Botanic, and Floralie's Garden), supermarkets (Carrefour, Hyper U and Lidl) and DIY stores (Bricorama). It was a busy program with many interesting and informative visits. The contribution of Hamiplant, as an exporter on the French market, was also very valuable. It led to good discussions and thinking with the entire chain about developments within Touch Me+.
The large share of Dutch sales on French supermarket shelves was striking. It was nice to see that the Sweet Kisses range was so well represented in the run-up to the Day of Love. It was also confirmed that sustainability is playing an increasing role for French retailers and garden centers. This can be seen, among other things, in the discussion on circularity in plastic and trays. Characteristic of the French market is that plants remain on the shelf for a relatively long time. Fortunately, Sweet Kisses has a long shelf life with at least 30 days of flowering pleasure.
Acquaintances get 30 days of love
Sweet Kisses sellers additionally went out to give exporters some extra love. They received a gift of love because "We look at it through rose-colored glasses; Valentine's Day is one day of love, Sweet Kisses is at least 30 days of love!". The package included pink glasses and, of course, a Sweet Kisses plant. Those who received the gift can also use a special promotion code to send a free card to their loved ones. Because besides receiving love, it is always nice to give love.
About Touch Me+
Touch Me+ is a collaboration between breeder Schoneveld Breeding and six growers: SV.CO, Gevers Planten, Ammerlaan-Sosef, Loos Plants, Berkhout Plants and Gebr. Grootscholten. Primula obconicas from Touch Me+ are sold under the Sweet Kisses brand. They work together on the quality, product, and concept development of these cheerful spring bloomers.