Flowers bring a special kind of beauty to our lives. They are not only an important part of nature but also a way to bring additional joy to a special occasion. Suppliers of wholesale flowers sell their products to retail florists and other businesses in the retail, hospitality, or event management industries. In this article, we’ll shed some light on the flower distribution sector. We’ll explain more about the products offered by floral distributors and what businesses purchase them. If you’re interested in topics related to wholesale flowers, make sure to check our post on where to buy wholesale flowers and our buying guide on silk flowers wholesale.
Key takeaway: Some floral distributors grow and sell their own products. Others act as middlemen between flower farms and retailers. The floral industry is vast and there are multiple opportunities for floral distributors and retailers alike.
What Are Wholesale Floral Distributors
These are companies that specialize in wholesale sales and bulk deliveries of flowers and floral supplies. Most floral distributors purchase their goods from flower farms and manufacturers of the various supplies used in the niche. However, it’s not uncommon for farms to offer wholesale sales and also organize their own deliveries. As flowers are constantly in demand, it can be a profitable endeavor to start a business in this niche. Check out our guide on how to start a flower business.
Around holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Mother's Day, flowers become one of the high-demand products on the market. That’s a period when wholesale floral distributors and retailers can increase their profit margins.
Products Offered by Wholesale Floral Suppliers
The main product category offered by floral wholesalers is flowers. They come in all shapes and sizes and are the cornerstone of the industry. From freshly cut roses and tulips to greens and decorative foliage elements used in floral arrangements, there are hundreds of different types of plants that are used by the floral industry. Other goods sold by floral distributors include:
- Potted plants;
- Vases and containers;
- Wraps, ribbons, and wires;
- Floral foam and other accessories;
- Bouquet holders;
- Garlands, stands, and arches;
- Silk flowers;
- Edible flowers;
What Businesses Buy from Wholesale Floral Distributors
Retail florists are the main clientele of floral suppliers. They find suppliers of flowers and purchase products at wholesale prices. Florists add value by arranging flowers into bouquets, baskets, or other forms and sell them at retail prices. Here are other types of businesses that might purchase bulk flowers.
- Grocery stores and other retailers;
- Event planners;
- Catering businesses;
- Online flower delivery companies;
- Hospitality groups such as hotels, restaurants, and resorts;
- Funeral homes;
- Smaller wholesalers and resellers;
Reputable Wholesale Floral Distributors in the US
If you’re a business owner looking for a reliable flower supplier, the list below will help you on your journey. These are some of the reputable floral distributors in America. There are hundreds of smaller local suppliers that might offer better flexibility or suit your company’s needs better.
Mellano & Company
This California-based flower farm is among the major players in the US floral industry. They grow various types of flowers and greens and deliver them to local businesses. Mellano & Company is also an importer of flowers from Europe, South America, and other regions.
Potomac Floral Wholesale
Based in the Washington metropolitan area, this company offers deliveries of bulk flowers to the states in the Mid-Atlantic region. They also partner with logistics companies and ship products nationwide. In addition to the wide range of fresh flowers, Potomac Floral Wholesale also offers a variety of supplies and seasonal products.
Berkeley Florist Supply
The company is based in Miami, Florida, and does regular deliveries to different cities and metropolitan areas within the state. Furthermore, they ship floral supplies and other products nationwide and to countries in the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
Kurt Weiss Greenhouses
Established in the 1960s but with over 100 years of history in this sector, the company has become one of the main floral distributors in New York. With over 1,200 employees and more than 275 acres of fields, Kurt Weiss Greenhouses is the preferred floral distributor for many retailers, landscapers, and various other businesses. The company is one of the biggest growers of flowers in the US.
Costa Farms
The company specializes in tropical and exotic flowers. With more than 5,200 fields and over 1,500 flower varieties grown and offered, they are among the biggest flower farms in the US. Costa Farms partners with various retailers and operates multiple brands in the floral industry. From Costco and Walmart to Amazon and Wayfair, their products can be found across multiple eCommerce and physical stores.
Krueger Wholesale Florist
Since its establishment in 1963, Krueger Wholesale Florist has walked a long way to become one of the most reliable floral distributors in the Midwest region. The company offers fresh-cut flowers and various types of floral supplies. Krueger Wholesale Florist partners with multiple growers across the country and offers their products to various businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions about Floral Distributors in the US
Whether you’re looking for advice on marketing for a wholesale business or you wish to know more about how to become a wholesaler, the resources on our website will help you. From floral distributors to broadline suppliers, various businesses can benefit from our free eBooks and guides. Below we’ve answered some of the common questions regarding wholesale floral suppliers.
Do Retail Florists Sell Wholesale?
Yes. Some retail florists might also sell flowers and supplies in bulk. If a business needs large quantities of flowers for a one-off special occasion or a corporate event, it might choose to purchase them from a retail florist. That’s because some floral distributors have high MOQs (minimum order quantities) and prefer to partner with companies that purchase bulk flowers regularly. Thus, the process of ordering from a retailer might be much easier. In addition to selling flowers wholesale, some florists also offer balloons, gifts, and other decorations needed when celebrating a special occasion.
What Are the Trends Among Floral Distributors in the US?
Like in most other niche markets, technological advancements are at the center of the floral industry. Examples include precise agriculture, automated harvesting, and modern vertical farming developments. Limiting waste has also been a priority for the sector. That’s why floral distributors invest in modern wholesale inventory management solutions that help them improve efficiency and cut costs.
In order to run a wholesale business successfully, companies in the floral industry also need to pay extra attention to their eCommerce sales channels. A good online presence is the prerequisite for successful online marketing.
How to Choose Floral Distributors?
When searching for wholesalers of floral supplies, one of the most important factors is the quality of their products. Floral distributors should have efficient operations and logistics in order to guarantee that their products are delivered in prime condition. Sustainability is another thing to look for. A growing number of customers purchase products from businesses that use eco-friendly and fair trade practices. Naturally, wholesale prices also play an important role. However, floral distributors that have more affordable prices might also compromise on quality. Technological integrations are also important. Well-established floral distributors will have a variety of solutions aimed at improving their efficiency and product quality.
BlueCart: The Reliable Software for Floral Distributors
Whether you wish to increase B2B sales or are in need of an all-in-one wholesale ordering software, BlueCart is the right option. Throughout the years, a variety of businesses have benefited from our reliable solutions. From efficient order management to a variety of tools to boost wholesale sales, BlueCart is the one-stop shop your distribution business needs. Schedule a free demo today and find out more.