It does not only enable flower growers to extend their season, it also makes them more flexible in deciding when to sell the flowers. The product in question is the low oxygen box of Janny MT.
For several years now, this French company is working with peony growers to store their flowers for a duration of 10 to 12 weeks. "They can sell till the end of September and sometimes even later, depending off the product quality," explains Benoit Janny, CEO – Janny MT. Due to the positive results, the interest is increasing. "In 2020, growers using the box have had a very good year as prices were very good in August and September." And not only for peonies results are positive, the trials in roses and tulips are promising as well.
Decreasing the oxygen coming in
JannyMT was born in 2009 from the idea to support growers in the success of their storage projects of fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. The company works with Dutch peony growers for several years now. "Our system is a natural and sustainable way to extend sales and target new market channels, while maintaining the best quality of flowers."
So, how does the box work? Benoit Janny: "Flowers, vegetables and fruits are all living products and are 'breathing'. The target of our box is slowing down the breathing and at the same time the aging process. To make it happen, we use selective membranes which are decreasing the oxygen level that is inside the box and letting the carbon-dioxide out. The optimal oxygen rate needs to be 5% or lower. A gas analyzer is needed and employed to check this value."
Quality and temperature
As a result, the shelf life of the product increases. In the case of peonies, it can be 10 to 12 week. However, this all depends on the quality of the product, Blanchet stresses. "The flowers should first be in perfect sanitary condition. If one product has fungus, it is going to develop inside. Another important factor is the temperature. "It needs to be the right temperature for the product and it needs to be stable all the time. For peonies, for example, the perfect temperature is 2 Degrees Celsius.
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Flexibility
On top of extending the shelf life of a product, the low oxygen boxes also offers the grower a lot of flexibility as it can be used for many applications. And when deciding to sell the flowers, he does not have to sell them all at once. “New commercial strategies will come and growers will be able to answer with accuracy to the market needs.”
2020 was a good year for peony growers
2020 was a significant year for the peony market. "The price of these cut flowers was incredibly high during the season, especially in August and September. Our customers who stored a part of their harvesting until there confirmed the potential of our equipment in their activities."
Increasing overall demand
When enabling growers to extend their season, it may be beneficial in the beginning, like the high prices last year, but what if more growers will do it? "Offering a product in a period that is 'off-season' will not only contribute to better prices, it will also increase the overall demand for the product. We are convinced that if we’re able to supply a high quality peony during summer, the demand from florists and final customers will increase too. So, as the demand will increase in the same pace as the offer, prices will not be crushed."
For more information:
Janny MT
La Condemine
71260 Péronne
France
T: +33.3.85.23.96.20
F: +33.3.85.23.96.20
www.jannymt.com