Robert William Downie started the business on Mount Pleasant in the early 1950's when he began growing and wholesaling a number of cut flower crops. Later he entered the auction market, as a commission buyer, purchasing flowers on behalf of retail florists from Kaitaia to the Bluff, packing and despatching these initially by rail in wooden boxes and later in cardboard cartons by road and air.

The company, R W Downie Limited, was established in 1968 to become New Zealand's first independent Wholesale Distributor of Fresh Cut Flowers.

Downies flowers, as it is now known, has always been a family business. The present owner and nephew of the founder, Ross Beaumont, joined the business in 1966 and together with his wife Claire, bought the company in 1980. Their youngest daughter Julie and her husband joined the company in 1998.

Today the company is involved in the buying and wholesaling of fresh cut flowers and floral accessories to both trade and retail customers. The aim is to provide a one-stop shopping facility at competitive prices with service and convenience being the key elements.

"We source most of our product directly from growers in Canterbury, however, significant purchases are made through the Christchurch and Auckland flower auctions and brokers. We are also able to purchase from importers thus giving the company the unique position of being able to offer the widest product range in the industry."

Ross Beaumont. CEO