As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to share and reflect on this year’s accomplishments. We want to use these accomplishments as fuel to rocket us into 2020 and project ourselves further than we’ve ever gone before. It has been a trying year for the industry, but with your loyalty and trust, Rosaprima has remained true to its values and continues to be a leader in the sector. We truly appreciate your support. Without it, our work would not be possible.
Rosaprima’s values have remained the same since its founding a quarter of a century ago, and we work hard to keep it that way. That is, unequaled skills and knowledge, sound business practices with the highest ethical standards, and a commitment to growing the most beautiful and unique roses for life’s extraordinary moments. Accordingly, this year we have launched five new gorgeous varieties, including one new addition to our exclusive Rosaprima varieties. We have also travelled the world over with countless shows and awe-inspiring events, and we have boosted our sustainability commitments and efforts.
New Varieties in 2019
Every year we add new varieties to our carefully curated selection of more than 160 magnificent rose varieties. This year, our collection grew with five exciting new roses: Candlelight, Pompeii, Marvel, Nexus and our own exclusive, RP Flamingo. Some of these have already become the favorites to top floral designers! Candlelight was even awarded a Blue Ribbon by the Society of American Florists (SAF) Outstanding Varieties Competition. Additionally, and much to our delight, RP Flamingo quickly became a best seller as well as the year’s favorite. Its lightly ruffled exterior petals are a deeper pink while its center exhibits a soft, yet noticeable peach hue. A beautiful and oh so feminine combination!
Candlelight
Pompeii
Nexus
RP Flamingo, one of Rosaprima’s exclusive new varieties
There is no doubt these new varieties will continue being top choice due to their incredible beauty and versatility! But do also keep an eye out for our new varieties 2020 that will be announced in January. They promise to be just as stunning as any other variety in our collection. The sneak peeks we’ve been posting on social media have already been stirring up excitement as shown with Govinda and Lady Eva. You can see these and a few other sneak peeks on our Instagram account.
This Year’s Shows and Events
Rosaprima presented and exhibited at more than 20 major industry fairs, shows, conventions and open houses this year. November was possibly one of our busiest times of the year. We participated back to back in two of the most important shows in the industry: WFFSA’s FDC and IFTF. Our Founder & CEO, Ross Johnson, was invited as a speaker for the Keynote Session at WFFSA’s Floral Distribution Conference. That same night after the FDC, he rushed off on a plane to join another team from Rosaprima at the International Floriculture Trade Fair (IFTF) in Vijfhuizen, The Netherlands. Although it was our first time participating with a stand, it was an incredibly successful event where we met existing partners as well as new ones.
Spectacular International Collaborations
Meanwhile, our roses decorated hundreds of events around the world. In April the renowned Italian Floral Designer and influencer, Federica Ambrosini dazzled us with her last Masterclass. Inspired by the great Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, the event was a dance of vibrant colors and textures in every corner. But her crowning piece was a stunning floral dance floor that featured the artist’s iconic portrait made entirely of flowers. Close to 20 different Rosaprima varieties formed the base for it– that’s some 3,000 stems! The fortunate attendees danced the night away on it to close the special four day course!
The Engage Summit, held at the end of October in London, UK, was another fabulous show we will not forget any time soon. The luxury wedding summit showcased London’s Royal Palaces and the amazing work of the finest event planners and floral designers. Not to mention, over 4,000 Rosaprima roses were on full display at the London Summit, spectacularly arranged by the talents of Wildabout. The biggest reward for us at Rosaprima is to see our roses transform places and events, as they too transform into the most amazing living pieces of art.
Reaffirming Our Commitment to Sustainability This Year and Beyond
Rosaprima is committed to growing the most beautiful roses in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. From our foundation in 1995, sustainability has been an integral part of our business. Our work practices evolve constantly: we operate in a loop of continuous improvement, aimed at the highest efficiency. It also includes a focus on having an overall positive social, environmental and economic impact all around us. As such, this year we doubled down on our commitment to sustainability. Our farm is certified by Rainforest Alliance since 2013. Additionally, this year ,we are proud to have successfully undergone the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA). SMETA is an audit based on best practices in corporate social responsibility. It focuses on labor conditions, occupational safety, environmental standards and ethical business practices.
The year 2019 certainly kept us busy! We are fortunate to have the support from all of our industry partners and we look forward to our continued growth in the New Year. A lot of exciting things are planned for 2020 as Rosaprima celebrates its 25th year Anniversary. We can’t wait to share them with you! Stay up to date with what we’re working on for 2020. Subscribe by subscribing to our Rose Stories and never miss a post!