HISTORY

The Downie name has been associated with the marketing of cut flowers in New Zealand for more than half a century.

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.

​

In 1968, Downies Flowers was established to become New Zealand's first independent wholesale distributor of fresh cut flowers.

​

During the late 1980’s, the “Downie Bunch” concept was born and grew in popularity. Small bouquets of flowers were sold through supermarkets, corner dairies and petrol stations in Christchurch area.

TODAY

Today we are involved mainly in the 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.