Memories from the past

Five decades

Radical change, a new beginning and a society turned on its head defined the 60s and 70s of the last century, in which the FLORISSIMA purchasing community was founded. It was the age of fresh perspectives and vision, with the first man on the moon, the economic boom and society being liberated from the constraints of convention. The free and easy attitude to life was evident on the streets, with women wearing hot pants and miniskirts, and music festivals were full of hippies singing about the joys of free love and calling for marijuana to be legalised.

Even the art of flower arranging began to let down its hair. The carnation and asparagus leaf bouquets of the 50s evolved into something bright and full, luxuriant and diverse.

Ribbons, accessories and a modern product environment become more important. There was a demand for more new designs. Floristry discovered a new sense of confidence. Flower arrangers became floral artists and interior designers.

The air was filled with the spirit of change, which had a major effect on floristry retail suppliers. Five West German wholesalers had a plan to revolutionise floristry supplies, advance their businesses, and the sector as a whole, and increase profits.
With a pioneering spirit and steady dedication, the ‘Godesberger Kreis’ founded in 1963 became ‘Floristenbedarf international’ a few years later, and evolved into FLORISSIMA in 1974. What was new was that administrative tasks, distribution and advertising could be planned and performed as a group – for the benefit of all. And success was just round the corner. The blossoming trade with the Far East resulted in a private limited company being founded in 1982, which has since handled the majority of import transactions.
Now in its 50th year, FLORISSIMA is made up of 16 managers and their European companies, leading floristry supply wholesalers, and is proof that ‘one for all’ can be a recipe for success.
FLORISSIMA – traditional and modern combined