HortiConnect Bengaluru was inaugurated by Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar in the presence of several national and international floral industry leaders.

The focal point on Day 1 was the joint live demonstration organized by Ball Cut Flowers and Smithers-Oasis India Pvt Ltd, featuring international floral designer Cristina Lopez of Colombia. The session drew a large gathering of flower lovers and professionals.

"The demonstrations provided great insight into new flower designing techniques and new cut flower varieties," said Venkatraju N, owner of Geetha Enterprises, a Bengaluru-based fresh flower exporter.

Adding glamour to the event, renowned Bengaluru floral designer Shobha Madhu and her team presented live floral models in stunning flower costumes, which became the centre of attraction, with visitors eager to take photos with them.

While Maharashtra-based floriculture companies such as Rise n Shine, Soex Flora, and Sai Roses had eye-catching booths, there was a significant rush of floralpreneurs at the international booths, especially those from the Netherlands, to gather information on new varieties.

"We always organize demonstrations by industry experts for the skill development of florists in India," said Meeta Ladda, M.D., Smithers-Oasis.

"This fresh cut flowers booth and live demonstration was organized to introduce new cut flowers to flower growers, florists, event organisers, and floral designers, and to emphasize the growth of the floral industry in India," said Mr. Manish Chakurkar, Head, Ball Cut Flowers India.

"Nowadays, not only are traditional flowers being replaced by western cut fresh flowers in flower arranging and floral decoration, but open-land cultivated flowers like tuberose and spider lily are also being replaced by Dutch roses and baby's breath in wedding garlands," said Pandharinath Mhaske.
 

Source: www.floraldaily.com