Consumers Demand Fresh Ideas for Valentine's Day

KENT, Ohio, Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Roses have long been the top choice for Valentine's Day floral arrangements, with more than 200 million produced for the holiday last year. And although men buy more flowers than women, the recipient is not always a mate -- mothers and daughters often receive flowers, too.

Today's consumers are seeking arrangements that match the style of the recipients. "Think beyond the traditional bouquet of long-stem reds," said Smithers-Oasis Design Director, Mario Fernandez. "We encourage clients to consider a more personal arrangement."

Not only do current design trends follow an individualized approach, modern expressions of love are also becoming nontraditional. "Consumers are breaking every tradition when it comes to expressing their feelings, using SMS messaging or changing their relationship status on networks like Facebook," says Jacque Sir Louis, marketing manager for Smithers-Oasis North America.

Still, when it comes to Valentine's Day, consumers choose the traditional gift of flowers. This holiday, OASIS(R) Floral Products suggests a modern approach when selecting arrangement design, style and colors. Try using nontraditional rose colors, such as yellow, peach, pink and even orange or purple for a contemporary design. A base of OASIS(R) RAINBOW(R) Foam Mini Cubes, which come in 12 hues including ivory, baby pink, fuchsia, cherry and lime green, creates a hip design while extending the flower life by systematically releasing water to the stems. The Mini Cubes also serve as accents, making a flirty, fun design.

    What are consumers buying?

    Type of Fresh Flower or Plant         Percent(Multiple Responses Allowed)

    Red Roses                             48 %
    Mixed Flowers                         47 %
    Roses (not red)                       33 %
    Another type of flower
     other than roses. For
     example, all tulips, all
     carnations, all lilies.              30 %
    Plant                                 26 %

                                          Source: Society of American Florists

"Traditional bouquets tell someone you care, but presenting her with a design that reflects her personality makes a lasting impression," says Sir Louis. "

Visit www.akhia.com/Clients/Oasis/IdeaMail/IMImageLibrary0208.htm to view our photo library and some of the latest trends in floral design.

Smithers-Oasis is the world's leading manufacturer and inventor of floral foam products. For more than 50 years, Smithers-Oasis has satisfied the needs of florists, floral designers and growers around the More than 1,500 products, local service and personalized, expert advice make Smithers-Oasis North America's first choice in grower and post harvest floral products.