Large florist makes rosy growth move

SARASOTA — Beneva Flowers & Gifts Inc., one of the largest independent florists in the region, has acquired Exotica Florist of Longboat Key.

Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.

The acquisition, according to a statement, will allow Beneva to expand local delivery to include Longboat Key, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria Island, according to a release. Beneva Flowers now serves all the barrier islands from Venice to Anna Maria, the release adds.

“The cost of servicing islands like Longboat Key to Anna Maria has been a great challenge due to proximity,” Beneva Flowers President Arthur Conforti says in the release. “Increasing order volume allows for better planning and streamlined logistics, enabling us to service these clients with better value and wider variety of offerings.”

Exotica, known for tropical, distinctive and creative designs, was founded in 1992. Beneva was founded in 1986 and through Conforti has become a national leader in the independent florist industry in using technology to improve sales.