Who is an agent that buys flowers and sells them to wholesalers and retailers?

The correct answer is a broker. A broker is an individual or entity that acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers, facilitating transactions without taking ownership of the goods. In the context of flowers, a broker would buy flowers from growers and sell them to wholesalers and retailers, connecting various parts of the supply chain while earning a commission for their services.

This role is crucial in the floral industry, as brokers have the knowledge and relationships necessary to navigate market demands and ensure the timely delivery of fresh products. By specializing in this intermediary position, brokers can help streamline the process for both growers and retailers, allowing each to focus on their core competencies.

While a distributor also plays a role in the supply chain by purchasing goods and reselling them, they typically take ownership of the products, which distinguishes their function from that of a broker. A retailer, on the other hand, sells directly to the final consumer, and an importer specifically focuses on bringing goods into a country from overseas. Each of these roles has distinct characteristics and responsibilities within the marketplace.