Supplier is working with IPP around key national event
A partnership between major horticultural supplier Flamingo and pallet pooler IPP has helped manage floral demand in the run up to Mother’s Day.
Flamingo works with IPP to ensure its blooms make it to the supermarket shelves in good time for key events in its peak season, while also reaching efficiency and sustainability targets.
This month it sees the number of pallets transported by IPP increase by 100 per cent, with Flamingo supplying hundreds of millions of stems of flowers, plants and produce to UK and European supermarkets and florists.
The supplier works with partner growers in 19 countries, with a goal of products reaching the shelves within 96 hours of being farmed.
Vanuza Machado, UK inbound logistics co-ordinator, said: “We’ve been working with IPP for more than 10 years, building a strong and collaborative partnership over that time.
“Key events like Mother’s Day bring a significant uplift in volume, so flexibility and responsiveness are crucial. IPP supports us by ensuring pallet supply keeps pace with increased demand, helping us manage peak volumes smoothly and maintain service levels during our busiest periods.
“This longstanding partnership is built on reliability, open communication and a shared focus on continuous improvement. As our business grows across the UK and Europe, having trusted partners who understand our operations is more important than ever.”
Beyond simply providing pallets, IPP uses Internet of Things (IoT) technology and advanced forecasting and planning capabilities to help optimise product flows during peak periods, reducing waste and unnecessary miles, the company explained.
Co-op steps up floral offer
In other floral news, the Co-op announced that it is preparing to sell more than 2.2 million stems of flowers this Mother’s Day – a 20 per cent year-on-year increase.
The convenience retailer has expanded its fresh flower offer this year, ranging from budget blooms to luxury bouquets. Among the offer, Co-op’s 100 per cent Fairtrade Bright and Beautiful Mother’s Day bouquet, priced at £8, is expected to be the biggest seller as shoppers look out for the Fairtrade Mark.
Also in the range is Co-op’s Abundance of Tulips bouquet for £10, which showcases the best of British tulips and celebrates the freshness, colour and vibrancy that defines the season.
Amy Calcutt, senior buying manager at the Co-op, said: “Flowers continue to be one of the most meaningful ways for customers to show appreciation and celebrate life’s important moments, so this year we’ve expanded our range to offer even more choice in stores. We know value and quality are front of mind when choosing a gift for someone special, and we’ve ensured there’s something for every budget.
“At the same time, we’re proud to champion British growers and Fairtrade across our range, bringing customers beautiful blooms they can feel good about.”
