Floralife® Postharvest Global Research Capabilities

Floralife® Postharvest Global Research Capabilities

For more than 70 years, Floralife® has provided postharvest care and handling solutions at every level of the cut-flower distribution chain. From grower to wholesalers, supermarket, retail shop, and on to the end consumer.

In January 2007, Smithers-Oasis Company, the worldwide leader in floral foam and design accessories, acquired Floralife, Inc. This union combined to provide a full circle of flower care and floral design products, as well as expanded distribution and research capabilities throughout the floriculture industry, worldwide.

Through the decades, Floralife’s selection of flower food products expanded to include “holding solutions” to mass markets and wholesalers for fresh flower storage. Floralife, Inc. introduced EthylBloc™ Technology, the first patented EPA-approved ethylene action inhibitor to the floral industry, which was a monumental step to eliminating leaf yellowing, flower wilting, and significantly increasing flower life.

As well, Floralife, Inc. launched crop-specific Bulb and Rose flower foods, along with the first scented fresh flower food, followed by eZ Dose® Flower Food, a fast-dissolving, easy-to-use holding or shipping solution for the bouquet and retail market.

Our Floralife research staff consists of Ph.D. scientists and research specialists who are dedicated to optimizing the quality of fresh-cut flower life through quantified research. Our research locations are strategically located in major flower markets around the world, where we are able to work closely with the local industry on the challenges of the distribution chain.

These global locations are supported by a flower testing research lab located at Smithers-Oasis Company’s Kent, Ohio U.S. location, as well as Floralife, Inc.’s Walterboro, South Carolina facility.

Maximizing care and handling of fresh-cut flowers through the chain of distribution is essential – from the point of harvest in the field to when they reach the hands of the recipient – so that every freshly cut flower fulfills the intended effect of expressing and evoking human emotions.

Through our postharvest research labs, the company publishes regular research reports, which are available to the public. Chief Scientist, Anil Ranwala, PhD., in our Walterboro lab, publishes these research updates for all segments of the fresh flower chain in an effort to provide relevant and quantified data on a number of flower life topics. Our research locations are strategically located in major flower markets around the world, where we are able to work closely with the local industry on the challenges of the distribution chain.

This ongoing research provides valuable insight on best practices to maximize flower life through all parts of the distribution chain, thus enhancing customer satisfaction.

Global Research Capabilities

Today, Smithers-Oasis manufactures and sell products used not only in the floral business, but in the grower, biomedical, postharvest, and specialty markets in over 130 countries across the world. Our global reach as a company is not limited only to sales, however. In order to develop the products our customers need, Smithers-Oasis operates nine research facilities across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Our global footprint allows us to think locally in terms of manufacturing, distribution, sales, and marketing – all of which benefit our customers in a range of industries.

Worldwide Locations

As a global company, Smithers-Oasis features a network of offices and facilities around the world that enables us to provide products and services to the local market. 

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