Jun 1, 2007

Around The IndustrySource: Various

Novalis Introduces Nooks & Crannies Program

Novalis announced recently it has added a new program of premium plant material to its Plants that Work brand. The new program, Plants that Work in Nooks & Crannies, will feature over 300 varieties for “small spaces and special places.”

All selections in the new program are small-stature plants bred for multiple uses and small-scale applications in garden environments. Each variety should grow to just 12 inches or less and has been regionally selected to ensure growers give independent retailers their preferred choices for optimum garden performance across Zones 3-10. More information can be found at www.plantsthatwork.com.

Ecke Ranch And Armstrong Growers Expand Relationship

Ecke Ranch and Armstrong Growers have reached an agreement that enables both companies to focus efforts on their core competencies and better serve their customers. Under the new agreement, Armstrong Growers will become the grower and seller of finished poinsettias for Ecke’s florist and wholesale flowering plant customers.

Ecke will continue to provide poinsettia cuttings to growers nationwide and will carry on its breeding work with poinsettias. With the finished poinsettia production facility leaving the Encinitas, Calif., facility, Ecke will now be able to expand its operations as a plant innovator and provider of cuttings of new plants to wholesale growers.

SATO Labeling Solutions, John Henry Form Alliance

SATO Labeling Solutions America, Inc., announced it has entered a strategic alliance with John Henry Horticulture to collaborate and be positioned to offer national retail customers and their growers comprehensive and creative merchandising and packaging solutions.

The alliance augments John Henry’s current offering of point of purchase, print, packaging, labeling, informational databases, inventory fulfillment and creative resources with more extensive photographic and informational databases.

“Leveraging each company’s unique intellectual property, production capabilities and product/service offerings will further expand the breadth of the packaging and merchandising solutions we will be bringing to large retailers and their growers, our valued customers,” said Robert Anderson, president of the John Henry Horticulture business.