Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:WINN) today announced their partnership with rose supplier Passion Growers, a company renowned for its sustainability practices and quality standards. Customers of the Jacksonville, Fla.-based grocer will enjoy an alternating supply of 100 varieties of these specially grown, longer-lasting roses throughout the year. To celebrate this exclusive partnership, Winn-Dixie is offering an introductory price of $9.99 from August 20 through 26.
"Winn-Dixie's floral departments now have better-quality roses that last longer than most sold by other retailers," said Cindy Hanauer, director of floral operations for Winn-Dixie. "Our customers will now be able to select from a beautiful variety of roses that are not sold by any other retailer in our operating area. Not only do these roses last longer than the regular floral offering but they also come in over 100 varieties which we will rotate on a constant basis throughout the year."
Temperature management is the name of the game for keeping these roses fresher longer for customers. In addition to the years of research to develop long-lasting varieties, Passion Growers makes sure its roses are kept at constant cold temperatures from the time flowers are cut, all the way through the shipping and assembly process, to the time they arrive at Winn-Dixie stores.
"A flower kept at 40 degrees will look good for a day or two after you get it home, but a flower kept at a constant 34 degrees will last for six," said Jamie Peisach, one of Passion Growers' owners.
Shoppers can feel good about purchasing the roses not only because they will enjoy them longer, but also because they are grown responsibly. The farms that supply the roses are certified by numerous external organizations that monitor things such as social, economic and environmental impact, as well as the quality of the grower's processes and product. These organizations certify, among other things, that workers are treated fairly, water is used efficiently and growth is pursued sustainably.
Passion Growers ships roses to each store's floral department twice a week, and the 100 varieties they ship will be continuously rotated. All flowers sold at Winn-Dixie are guaranteed, so customers can return their flowers or get a refund if they're not fully satisfied.
Tips for fresh, long-lasting roses from Cindy Hanauer, Winn-Dixie's director of floral operations:
1. Fill clean vase with water.
2. Stir contents from preservative packet, which is included with the roses, into the water.
3. Cut 1/2 inch off stem ends with a clean sharp knife or scissors.
4. Remove all leaves below the water line.
5. Immediately place roses in vase and arrange.
6. Keep roses out of direct sunlight and away from heat and drafts.
About Winn-Dixie
Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., is one of the nation's largest food retailers. Founded in 1925, the Company is headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla. The Company currently operates 521 retail grocery locations, including more than 400 in-store pharmacies, in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia and Mississippi. For more information, please visit www.winn-dixie.com.