A Guide to the History of Interflora
Origins and Early Years Interflora, one of the most recognizable flower delivery services in the world, traces its roots back to the early 20th century. The concept of a flower relay service was pioneered in 1908 in Berlin, Germany, by florist Max Hübner, who established "Fleurop," a system that allowed florists to send flowers to distant customers via a network of trusted flower shops. Around the same time, a similar initiative was developing in the United States under the name "Florists’ Telegraph Delivery Association" (FTD), founded in 1910.
Formation of Interflora The idea of an international floral network emerged in the 1920s, when British, American, and German flower relay services collaborated to create a global system. In 1923, Interflora was officially founded as a worldwide florist network, initially connecting florists across Europe and North America. This cooperative approach enabled customers to send fresh flowers to loved ones across great distances with reliability and efficiency.
Growth and Global Expansion Throughout the 20th century, Interflora continued expanding, establishing partnerships with florists in numerous countries. By the mid-century, the company had developed a distinctive brand identity, complete with the iconic Mercury Man logo, which symbolizes speed and communication. The post-war economic boom and increasing globalization facilitated Interflora’s rapid growth, making it a household name for international flower deliveries.
Technological Advancements As technology advanced, Interflora adapted to new methods of communication. Initially reliant on telegrams and telephone orders, the company embraced the digital revolution in the 1990s by launching its online ordering system. This move significantly enhanced customer convenience and broadened Interflora’s reach, allowing people to order flowers from virtually anywhere in the world.
Modern-Day Interflora Today, Interflora operates in over 140 countries, working with a vast network of local florists to ensure high-quality and timely flower deliveries. The company has diversified its offerings to include gifts, hampers, and customized floral arrangements for various occasions. Sustainability has also become a focus, with efforts to source flowers responsibly and reduce environmental impact.
Legacy and Influence Interflora’s success has inspired numerous other floral delivery services, but it remains a leader in the industry due to its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. With over a century of experience, the company continues to evolve while upholding its mission of connecting people through the beauty of flowers.
From its humble beginnings to its status as a global floral powerhouse, Interflora's history is a testament to the power of collaboration, adaptation, and the timeless appeal of flowers.
