Summing up the Flower Business

Looking forward to 2015 in the Flower Business

As we end 2014 and head into 2015 we should reflect on what we do most days:  grow, sell or arrange beautiful flowers.  People not in the business will often say, “You are so lucky, you get to work with flowers every day!” 

I rarely read the Economist but I saw an article from the Dec 20^th issue about the Manhattan flower business which had a very interesting quote. This quote made me laugh, but it captured my sentiment on a lot of days. 

I am often frustrated with our industry and business, especially since I live in the Silicon Valley where all business is cutting edge and everyone is working on their 5^th billion dollar startup.  What’s odd is; it is these guys who tell me how lucky I am not doing what they do.  Of course they are right, as my favorite fortune cookie advised me, “You are where you are supposed to be.” 

The flower business can be shitty, but I can’t imagine doing anything else, and today I feel lucky that I get to do more of it in 2015.

Full Economist Article

http://www.economist.com/news/christmas-specials/21636590-frenetic-competitive-multifarious-filthy-and-beautiful-flower-business

Happy New Year!!

RHK & KB

Kitayama Brothers

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KB Christmas

How did it all of a sudden become Christmas Eve?  I will start shopping in about 3 hours: my usual tradition.  I believe gift cards were invented just for me.  Anyway, we have had a nice holiday season.  Our coolers are empty heading into the Christmas holiday week. 

We could have grown and sold more flowers this December, and we will plan accordingly next year, but it will be nice to start 2105 with all FRESH FLOWERS.

Some highlights from this holiday season was a great Christmas lunch last Thursday, 

organized by our HR Director Maria Ledesma.  

The BBQ from Carmonas was delicious, and don’t kid yourself that pinatas are for kids play.  

As you can see the KB staff got into the “swing” of things.

To everyone thank you for your support and interest in KB, 

and we look forward to another great year in 2015!

RHK

Kitayama Brothers

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What we are planning for 2015

Kitayama Brothers - CA Grower since 1948

2015 Growing Plan:

We just returned from the KB December board meeting where I presented plans for 2015.  We are expecting a 5% growth in sales and here is how we hope to accomplish this:

Increase:

Gerbera Daisies: We will increase gerbera daisies in all types; standards, minis and gerrondos. We are also increasing gardenias, asiatic lilies, stock and mini callas. 

Gerberas

Gardenias

About the Same:

Oriental lilies will be about the same, but we will produce less in the summer and more in the fall and winter. 

Lilies

Snapdragons, tulips, lisianthus and iris will stay the same. 

New Test Flowers:

We will test a few new items such as astible and anemones.

What we are Not Growing:

The board asked about growing Cannabis.  It is still illegal and we are not willing to risk our assets until the Federal Government changes the law.

What do you Suggest we Grow?

Send us your suggestions, if we take your suggestion, we will send you the first box of whatever it is.

Still Thinking about Growing:

Carnations: The board was very encouraging on bringing back a California carnation.  Now if we could just find some cuttings…

RHK

Kitayama Brothers

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Norman Kawauchi: Hawaiian Gardenia Grower

A Life of Farming

I was in Honolulu last week to visit customers and deliver Christmas greens.  While I was there I visited Norman Kawauchi an 89 year old gardenia and tropical flower grower from Waimanalo.  My favorite people in the flower business are growers.  I can sell flowers and read financial statements, but I don’t grow.  My father and uncles were growers, and that was the strength of Kitayama Brothers.  I am dependent on good growers and I try to understand what makes a successful grower.  Therefore I visit top flower farms and try to learn as much as possible.  I especially love to visit the growers who are innovative and passionate about what they do.

Norman shared with me his love for growing gardenias, but the bigger lesson was hearing about his life as a farmer.  It wasn’t an easy life, but I don’t think he would trade it for any other.  

Please take a look at this 2 minute video of Norman.  I wish I had more of his life on video, but I do plan to go back and “talk story” a little more.  

RHK

Kitayama Brothers

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