SAF News Now

Petal It Forward 2024: Spreading Joy Nationwide Through Flowers

Explore how SAF’s Petal It Forward event brought happiness to communities across 50 states and beyond, with inspiring stories and media coverage highlighting the power of giving flowers.

How AI is Transforming Floral Business Visibility Online

Discover how AI and voice search impact florists and learn practical tips to optimize your online presence for AI-driven customer searches.

Maximizing Floral Profits: Insights from SAF's 1-Day Profit Blast

Join Poppy as she explores key takeaways from SAF's recent 1-Day Profit Blast event, featuring expert advice on reducing shrink, enhancing sympathy work, leveraging social media and AI, and using design to boost revenue. Discover practical strategies to improve your floral business immediately.

Inside Proflora 2025: Innovation and Sustainability in Colombian Floriculture

Poppy explores the highlights of Proflora 2025, the premier floriculture event in Bogotá, featuring insights from industry leaders on sustainable practices, product innovation, and international collaboration. Discover how Colombian flower growers are adapting to global market demands and championing ethical labor practices.

Petal It Forward: Spreading Joy Through Flowers Worldwide

In this episode of SAF News Now, Poppy explores the eleventh annual Petal It Forward event, where floral businesses across the globe united to spread happiness with flowers. From local collaborations in the U.S. to meaningful moments in Colombia, discover how this initiative continues to make the world smile.

Petal It Forward and Industry Insights: October 2025 Highlights

In this episode of SAF News Now, Poppy shares inspiring stories from the Petal It Forward event and updates on critical industry news including government support efforts, the impact of the federal shutdown, and innovations from Proflora 2025. Listeners will also hear about Florida's greens industry legacy and details on the upcoming SAF 1-Day Profit Blast event.

Floral Industry Insights: Plush Toys, Research Funding, and Community Joy

In this episode of SAF News Now, Poppy explores how a Florida florist boosted sales with JellyCat plushies, the success of federal floriculture research funding advocacy, and the impact of national flower marketing campaigns. Plus, discover community celebrations and efforts toward gender equity in Colombia's floral workforce.

That Flower Feeling Campaign: Doubling Floral Sales Growth

Poppy discusses the impressive results of the That Flower Feeling national marketing campaign, which doubled sales growth in Texas markets. The episode covers the campaign's financial impact, return on investment, and future outlook with insights from That Flower Feeling board members.

Petal It Forward: Spreading Joy with Flowers

Poppy dives into the upcoming Petal It Forward event, sharing tips on boosting visibility, engaging communities, and leveraging media coverage. Learn how florists nationwide create a day of kindness and connection through flowers and how you can join in the celebration.

Securing the Future: Advocacy Success for Floriculture Research Funding

Poppy dives into the recent victory in securing full funding for the Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative, highlighting the vital role of advocacy by the Society of American Florists. Learn how this funding supports crucial research that sustains and advances the floral industry.

How Plush Toys Are Blooming Business at Wonderland Floral

Poppy explores how Cassie Osterloth of Wonderland Floral Art and Gift Loft in St. Petersburg, Florida, turned JellyCat plush toys into a viral sensation that’s driving significant growth. Discover the power of social media, unique merchandising, and creating joyful shopping experiences that attract customers beyond flowers.

Adapting to Economic Challenges for a Strong Holiday Season

Florists are facing rising costs, labor shortages, and tariff pressures as they head into the holiday season. This episode explores how industry professionals are adapting, using creative marketing, and sharpening their focus on customer experience to finish the year strong. Discover data-driven strategies and real-world innovations from florists nationwide.

Flowers in the Spotlight

This episode explores how the Netflix show 'With Love, Meghan' is shining a light on everyday flower enjoyment, and what it means for the floral industry. We'll dive into how media moments inspire audiences, showcase behind-the-scenes choices at Florabundance, and share practical takeaways for enjoying flowers in daily life.

Duty-Free Flowers Update

This episode covers the latest executive order that could pave the way for duty-free imports of popular flowers, what it means for U.S. florists and growers, and the ongoing Supreme Court case impacting trade authority. Hear direct industry perspectives, policy updates, and practical implications for floral businesses.

That Flower Feeling Foundation Launches ‘Just Add Flowers’ Campaign

That Flower Feeling Foundation’s new campaign promotes flowers as everyday self-care, expands digital outreach, and grows into a fully independent initiative—sparking new excitement in emotional wellness through flowers.

SAF Phoenix 2025 Education and Connections ‘Resonated Deeply’

Dive into the highlights from the Society of American Florists' 2025 convention in Phoenix. Explore how AI, workplace culture, and branding are reshaping the floral industry through actionable learnings and powerful connections made at the event.

California Florist Claims Sylvia Cup

Strategic focus and bold creativity led Judy Janzen to victory at the 56th annual Sylvia Cup Design Competition. Learn more about the contest’s outer space-inspired challenges, behind-the-scenes preparation, and the surprising moments that wowed judges and inspired contestants alike.

Refillable Vase Program Wins SAF’s Marketer of the Year Award

Dive into the story of Kennedy’s Flowers & Gifts and their innovative refillable vase program—winner of SAF’s Marketer of the Year Award. Discover how a simple birthday idea grew into a powerful marketing tool, fueled customer loyalty, and delivered impressive results.

J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom Thrives Amid CPB Cuts

This episode unpacks how J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom continues to flourish despite major funding cuts to public broadcasting. We examine the show’s unique funding, what lies ahead for floral programming, and the broader impact on PBS affiliates and the flower industry. Join us as we highlight resilience, industry collaboration, and the future of flower education on TV.