The importance of supporting Canadian growers

John Overbeek, President of Floral Express, recently joined CBC News to discuss how the new 50% U.S. tariffs are affecting Canadian businesses and the floral industry.

For the floral sector, these tariffs can influence cross-border demand and create additional costs throughout the supply chain – from growers and transportation providers to wholesalers and their customers.

While changing trade conditions create new challenges, Floral Express remains focused on a positive and practical response: supporting its customers, strengthening grower relationships and adapting as the market evolves.

“Our immediate focus has been on staying flexible, maintaining a consistent supply of quality products and supporting both our customers and Canadian growers,” said Zara Miklenda, Director of Marketing and Sales Innovation at Floral Express. “We’ve successfully navigated changing markets, economic challenges and industry shifts before, and we’re confident in our ability to adapt once again.”

© Floral Express

Many Canadian growers rely heavily on the U.S. market. With tariffs potentially affecting cross-border demand, Floral Express believes this is an important time for Canadian florists, retailers and event professionals to explore and support locally grown products whenever possible.

Choosing Canadian-grown flowers helps support local growers, Canadian jobs and the broader floral industry. At the same time, Floral Express remains committed to its valued international grower partners, whose products continue to provide the quality, selection and year-round availability Canadian customers depend on.

Floral Express is also working closely with its U.S. customers to help share and manage tariff-related costs, with the goal of maintaining strong relationships and keeping quality products moving across the border.

As a Canadian-owned and operated floral wholesaler with almost 50 years of experience, Floral Express remains hopeful that the current trade challenges will be resolved soon. In the meantime, the company is committed to staying flexible, investing in its relationships and supporting customers and grower partners on both sides of the border.