Record Retail Participation and Groundbreaking Breeder Showcase Drive New Industry Milestones

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) marked a milestone in its industry with The Floral Conference held in Miami, FL from February 24 to 26, 2025, drawing an unprecedented gathering of retail buyers, industry banners, and floral innovators.

This year’s event not only set a new benchmark with record attendance, but it also redefined networking and educational opportunities for professionals across the sector, answering the key questions of who, what, why, when, and how in one dynamic, well-coordinated conference.

The conference, designed to address the evolving needs of the floral industry, offered an expansive schedule that emphasized the impact of current economic trends on consumer behavior, emerging market trends, sales data, and sustainability efforts.

Attendees were treated to a series of in-depth sessions that analyzed the driving forces behind shopper insights and the evolving role of retail in the floral market.

These sessions, coupled with a host of interactive discussions and workshops, enabled participants to gain a broader perspective on how changing consumer dynamics are reshaping the industry landscape.

The agenda was carefully curated to not only inform but also inspire strategic decision-making among the industry’s leaders.

A centerpiece of the conference was the debut of the Breeder Showcase, which was made accessible to every attendee for the first time.

This innovative segment brought together 24 renowned breeding companies representing a diverse range of countries including the United States, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Japan, the Netherlands, and Spain.

Among the exhibitors were industry names such as Ball Horticulture Company, Florius Plants BV., NIRP International, and Selecta One.

The showcase provided a unique platform for breeders, buyers, and attendees to interact directly, fostering an environment ripe for the formation of strategic partnerships and tailored collaborations that are set to propel the industry forward.

The event also boasted an exceptional presence of major retail buyers, with representatives from leading names like Albertsons, Giant, Schnucks, Vallarta, and Walmart attending in record numbers.

Their active participation underscored the significance of the conference as a critical nexus for industry decision-makers.

The enhanced access to these retail leaders not only facilitated direct dialogues and networking opportunities but also paved the way for potential collaborations that could drive innovation and growth within the floral market.

Such interactions underscored the event’s commitment to nurturing business relationships that translate into tangible, long-term benefits for the industry.

“The Floral Conference exceeded all expectations, with record attendance, expanded networking opportunities, and groundbreaking floral innovations. The energy, collaboration, and insights shared at this event will drive meaningful progress for the floral industry in the year ahead.”

Colleen Fagundus, IFPA’s Director of Floral

Her remarks captured the spirit of the gathering, highlighting not only the impressive turnout but also the depth of discussion and collaborative potential that emerged over the course of the event.

Throughout the three-day conference, the strategic emphasis on sharing industry insights and fostering connectivity proved to be a game changer.

Participants from a multitude of sectors ranging from retail to breeding engaged in fruitful discussions that examined how shifts in economic currents are influencing buying behaviors and market trends.

The carefully structured sessions allowed for a comprehensive exploration of topics such as sustainability practices and data-driven insights, thereby enabling attendees to leave with actionable knowledge that could be implemented within their respective organizations.

This robust exchange of ideas has been widely recognized as a catalyst for future industry advancements.

The conference’s legacy, built on its record-breaking attendance and the breadth of its programming, reflects a significant turning point for the floral sector.

The introduction of the open Breeder Showcase and the extensive schedule of sessions have collectively contributed to an environment where industry stakeholders can share best practices, explore innovative trends, and identify new opportunities for growth.

With major retail players in attendance and a series of thought-provoking sessions, the event underscored the importance of adaptive strategies in response to an ever-changing market.