eFlorist are proud to be sponsoring the BFA’s very special centenary stand at RHS Chelsea
It all began in 1917, when the first recorded trade body for the British cut flower industry was established. Founded by a group of growers, florists and wholesalers the British Flower Marketing Association still has a plaque proudly displayed at New Covent Garden Flower Market bearing the names of the association’s presidents.
What you know today as the British Florist Association is, in fact, one of two organisations that succeeded this first trade body, and joined in 1977…
The British Flower Industry Association; which was formed in 1948 by a group of florists lobbying against government plans to introduce a tax on funeral flowers, and its sister body; the British Flower Industry Association, who supported growers and wholesalers.
Fast forward to 2017 and the BFA is the only trade body representing the UK’s 7000 independent florist businesses. Organising the UK’s only florist industry conference and trade show for florists, as well as nationwide networking and education activities and high-profile floristry competitions including RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year & RHS Chelsea Florist of the Future.
To celebrate this special centenary year eFlorist are very proud to be sponsoring the BFA’s exhibit in the great Pavilion at the RHS Chelsea Flower show… their stand is top secret but we’re assured it will truly showcase the celebration of flowers and floristry.
Join the celebration and let us know if you’re exhibiting or competing at Chelsea this year – we’d love to hear from you and share your stories.
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A fabulous floral BFA timeline
1917 – British Flower Marketing Association (BFMA) is founded
1945 – British Flower Industry Association (BFIA) is founded and the BFMA closes
1948 – British Retail Florist Association is founded (BRFA) as a retail focused body
1956 – BFA is a founder member of Florint
1977 – The BFA takes over the British Flower Industry Association
2001 – Renamed the British Florist Association
2010 – The BFA acquires the Society of Floristry
2017 - To celebrate their centenary year, the BFA will exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower show
