Austin, TX – WholeBlossoms, a leading global online flower wholesale company and producer of fine exotic flowers in North and South America, announces record financial results attributed to substantial growth in global demand and operating efficiencies in fiscal year 2010. Wholesale flower product shipments increased 152 percent, with non-perishable goods climbing at 49 percent when compared to fiscal year 2009. Perishable product revenue rose sharply at 172 percent due to improved production capabilities, new partner farm entries and reorganization of distribution networks throughout North America. Non-perishable goods revenue rose in tandem by 61% in contrast to fiscal year 2009. Improvements in agricultural technology coupled with favorable weather resulted in better than expected yields with the Company's wholesale flowers.
In late 2010, WholeBlossoms inaugurated its revamped online store that includes a revitalized platform with extended enhancements that improves customer experience. Using state-of-the-art features, the new platform delivers a friendlier online shopping experience for its customers while providing a one-stop shopping portal. In addition to fresh cut flowers, the online store is planned to offer consumer floral goods for the proper care and conditioning of DIY wedding flowers such as floral foam, wire, shears, floral preservative and more. With the new platform, WholeBlossoms projects an enhanced shopping experience for all its customers while adding over 300 new flower varieties that includes wedding flowers, greens and foliage, bride's bouquets, and pre-assembled flower centerpieces. Additional DIY wedding flower collections will be introduced in 2011 to satisfy the changing taste and needs of North American brides.
"2010 was a challenging year for the Company and we continue to work aggressively to enhance our customers online shopping experience and drive growth with new product introductions that we believe our online consumers will embrace. Additionally, economical growth and demand for both fresh cut flowers and diy flower products provide early signs of continued growth in Q1 of 2011, which we will capitalize upon and work with our customers to fulfill an unmet demand in the marketplace," reports Nicole Morgan, Senior Marketing Consultant.
In its commercial lines of business (LOB), WholeBlossoms continues to expand its distribution network and partner with grocery chains, hospitals, educational institutions and other organizations throughout the US and Canada. An agreement signed with Hospital Networks, Inc. in early 2010 allows entry into rural markets not previously served by WholeBlossoms. Opportunities remain in 2011 for further expansion and refinement of distribution channels throughout the West and Northwest coasts.
The installation of 15 greenhouses in the La Sabana region near Bogota, Colombia continues as planned and will add 10 hectares of rose production capacity in mid-2011. Newly introduced organic capabilities will enhance the Company's line of fresh organic cultivars.
WholeBlossoms continues to work with its freight partners to stem the rising cost of both domestic and international shipments. Express and LTL shipments continue to be a primary source of transport for the Company's bulk flowers. Recent delivery service alternatives present opportunities for cost savings. Through carrier partnership and advanced weather forecasting capabilities, the Company anticipated delivery interruptions in late 2010 and was able to take proactive action that prevented the delay of reseller pre-books.
In the political space, recent expiration of the ATPDEA (Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act) in early 2011 is forecasted to increase South American import product cost in 2011 that will result in slight price increases. The Company remains optimistic that the Act will be retroactively renewed in the near term. Industry speculation is currently mixed on the final outcome, and the Company is working with industry lobbyists on this important reform.
National television coverage of WholeBlossoms begins in 2011 with flower product showcasing on ABC's Extreme Home Makeover program that airs Sunday, February 20, 2011. Additional fresh flower product coverage airs on VH1's second episode of Wedding Wars scheduled for broadcast on Monday, March 21, 2011.
A favorable climate in 2010 and technology improvements in flower production have resulted in higher floral yields and lower perishable product cost. Temperate weather is expected in 2011 for agricultural interests south of the equator.
About WholeBlossoms
WholeBlossoms is a global importer and online flower wholesaler of premium, fresh cut flowers, foliage and DIY wedding flowers. Based in Austin, Texas, with satellite offices in Colombia and Ecuador, WholeBlossoms imports bulk flowers for distribution principally throughout the US, Canada, Mexico and Caribbean. Over 1,000 varieties of fresh flowers are offered by WholeBlossoms including calla lilies, garden roses, gerberas, hydrangeas, orchids, roses and many other popular and rare varieties. The Company is also engaged in the sale of floral supplies, instructional videos, dried flower arrangements and other industry floral arranging goods. WholeBlossoms offers products for purchase through its online web store, http://www.wholeblossoms.com, and via commercial outlets that include leading supermarkets and flower wholesalers in North America. News releases can be obtained electronically through the Company's website.
Source: WholeBlossoms
