Last Friday, the flower food manufacturer and provider of cold chain management solutions Chrysal hosted the 'Chrysal Italy Wedding Event' at its headquarters in Naarden, Netherlands. The event featured workshops, factory tours, and insightful discussions on sustainability. But the highlight of the occasion was the emotional naming ceremony of a new red Gerbera variety, christened Gerbera Alfredo in tribute to the late Italian florist Alfredo 'Ave' Corvi.
Honoring the Legacy of Alfredo Corvi
The new Gerbera variety, created by Dümmen Orange, is a careful hybridization of the red Germini Gerbera. And with only twenty specimens currently available, Gerbera Alfredo is set to be widely cultivated and available worldwide by 2025.
Alfredo Corvi, known as 'the florist of Varese', left a lasting impact on his community before passing away in 2021 due to COVID-19. Thus, the new Gerbera variety was developed in his honor. The naming ceremony was an emotional celebration of his life and passion for flowers. The florist of Varese was known for his spectacular flower arrangements and community engagement. He also served in various industry bodies such as Varese’s shopkeeper association and orchid society and as the ambassador of Varese’s Grandparents. His brother Giovanni expressed his gratitude, remarking that few people can say they have a flower dedicated to them.
Organized by Charles Lansdorp, a renowned floral consultant and also a close friend of Alfredo, the ceremony brought together family, friends, and several industry leaders for an expressive celebration of the late Alfredo’s life, his floristry journey, and his passion for flowers and floral design.
The Importance of Sustainability in the Floral Industry
The event also highlighted the importance of sustainability in the floral industry. Floral designers Bert Kuiper and Dini Holtrop presented the innovative 'Flowerbar' concept, an eco-friendly approach to wedding floristry.
Additionally, Antonio Fracassi, the country manager for MPS Italy, provided insights into the advancements in sustainable flower growing practices within the country, reinforcing Chrysal's commitment to promoting environmentally responsible practices in the floral business, and its efforts to create a zero-impact flower industry a reality.
A Symbolic Gesture for the Future of Gerbera Alfredo
While currently, Gerbera Alfredo is still rare with only about twenty specimens of the red Germini available, by 2025, its breeder is expected to increase its production, making it widely cultivated worldwide and available including at Alfredo’s historic shop on Corso Matteotti.
This symbolic gesture guarantees that Alfredo's memory will continue to live on, as his beloved flowers accompany different occasions around the world in floral arrangements. But other than that, the Chrysal Italy Wedding Event was not just an expressive tribute to Alfredo Corvi, but also an inspirational step forward in promoting sustainable practices in the wedding floral market. This is in line with Chrysal’s sustainability efforts in the flower industry.
Versatile Wedding Arrangement Flowers
Gerbera daisies are versatile flowers often featured in wedding arrangements, where they add a pop of color and texture to bouquets, centerpieces, and the overall decor. They can be combined with other flowers, such as roses, eucalyptus, and ranunculus, to create romantic and colorful arrangements for the occasion. For bridesmaids they can, for instance, be used to create textured and eye-catching bouquets in colors ranging from green to purple, or peach tones. DIY centerpieces with bright Gerbera daisies in glass bud vases can also add a touch of elegance to wedding tables.
Their versatility is demonstrated even more in that these flowers can be incorporated into various wedding themes, from modern and contemporary to rustic and wildflower-inspired, where they can be used to create garlands, bouquets, and decorations for both outdoor and indoor occasions and celebrations.
Photos by Chrysal, featured image by AIPH.
