China is the market that overseas flower exporters love and hate.
They love it for it has been growing so fast. In 2017, China imported USD 51 million worth of fresh cut flowers, registering a 47.2% year over year growth, as China Customs Statistics shows. They hate it for it is full of uncertainties. Is the market ready to absorb an even bigger amount of imported flowers? What can be done on the exporters’ part to further tap into this market?
Below are some commonly shared perspectives and facts the Flower Expo China Committee gleaned online.
China has every favorable condition in order
To be fair, China absolutely has what it takes to be one of the most important markets in the world. As you can see, China has:
- The world’s biggest population with a burgeoning middle class pursuing a more tasteful lifestyle;
- The political will and actual action to expedite the quarantine procedure for imported flowers;
- A perfecting airline network shortening the journey from countries of origin to the destined market——China;
- Major e-commerce platforms and logistics companies like JD, SF Express etc, entering the sector, and bettering the cold chain technologies for cut flowers.
What is missing for China’s imported cut flower market to truly take off?
Despite all these favorable conditions at hand, something is still standing in the way, and according to observers, the main reason is Chinese consumers’ buying habits.
- Holiday consumption dominates China’s flower market, making it highly volatile. The demand and prices change drastically as the holiday comes and goes, which puts overseas exporters in a disadvantageous position.
- Most Chinese consumers don’t know how to appreciate a high-end floral product for most florists and wholesalers themselves lack the professional knowledge, and therefore fail to educate its target consumers about the value of a quality imported cut flower.
What should exporters do to further cultivate this promising land?
The only way around this question is for overseas cut flower shippers to really stand on the land of China and have up-close interaction with their prospects, which means to display your products in China, and show Chinese buyers the meaning and advantages of your flower, features of the places of origin, knowledge on proper care and handling, etc.
An effective way to do so is to attend Flower Expo China 2019, one of the most influential trade shows of its kind, focusing on the promotion of foreign trade in floriculture and horticulture.
The 11th China International Floriculture & Horticulture Trade Fair (Flower Expo China 2019)
- Date: March 17th-19th, 2019
- Venue: Guangzhou International Sourcing Center
- Website: http://www.flowerexpochina.com