According to WF&FSA, there are about 900 floral wholesalers in the U.S., compared to an estimated 1,500 in 1980. There is also a change in their sales mix such as perishable goods, which represent 81.8 percent of sales and hardgoods, which represent 18.2 percent. In 1985, the mix was 70 percent perishables and 30 percent hardgoods. In addition, the average wholesaler has sales of about $4 million, according to the association's Operating Ratio Report, covering 2005.

Wholesale -- Hardgoods vs. Perishable Goods

Source: WF&FSA's Operating Ratio Report, 2006

--Ira Silvergleit
isilvergleit@safnow.org

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