March 12, 2008, Toronto, Ont. — Ontario is well known for producing high quality wines, fruits and vegetables. What's not as well known is that the province is also one of North America’s leading flower growing regions. The Pick Ontario marketing campaign hopes to change that.
“Most people don’t realize Ontario growers are considered among the best producers in the world because they employ the latest in technology and growing techniques,” explains Gary Gander, marketing director of Flowers Canada (Ont.) Inc. “We want to raise the awareness of both the variety and quality of flowers produced by Ontario growers.”
To do this, Flowers Canada (Ontario) Inc. launched its Pick Ontario campaign with a free floral giveaway at Union Station in Toronto on Tuesday, March 4 during the morning commute. This launch was complemented with outdoor, office washroom, pathway posters and transit advertising throughout Toronto, encouraging people to buy floral products grown in the province.
The Pick Ontario logo will also be clearly visible at points of purchase to help consumers easily identify Ontario-grown cut flowers and potted plants.
“We are also launching an interactive web site, www.pickontario.ca, with information on Ontario-grown flowers, tips on floral arrangements, and opportunities for retailers to take part in the campaign,” says Gander.
Pick Ontario is also a sponsor at Canada Blooms: The Toronto Flower & Garden Festival, running from March 12 to 16 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Funding for this project was provided, in part, by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Adaptation Council, and by The Ontario Greenhouse Alliance.
With 650 greenhouse flower farms employing 10,000 people, greenhouse floriculture is Ontario’s largest crop sector with a farmgate value of $828 million. For more information about Pick Ontario and Ontario grown flowers, visit www.pickontario.ca .
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