In the run-up to Mother's Day flower prices were soaring amid robust demand. According to data from the Kunming Flower Auction Center, the daily supply volume recently hit a record high of over 8 million stems, with the composite average price rising to RMB 1.3 per stem, marking a 30% increase compared to the May Day holiday. Pink and purple were the most popular colors, with premium varieties peaking at nearly RMB 10 per stem. Popular flowers like carnations and hydrangeas have experienced significant price hikes. Notably, the supply of Gypsophila paniculata surged by 13.67% compared to earlier levels.
Peony sales bloom in May
May also marks the peak season for peonies, which have become a staple in florists and on e-commerce platforms. On the Hema app (a chain supermarket platform in China), searches for the keyword "flowers" surged nearly 20-fold last week, with various peony varieties prominently featured. Mr. Xue from Zhejiang, who operates a peony farm spanning 67 hectares and grows over 70 imported peony varieties, shared: "The prices are quite favorable. To boost sales, we've partnered with e-commerce platforms, enabling our flowers to reach customers across China, especially in top-tier cities."
Market polarization emerges
The market shows a clear split: high-end consumers favor imported floral materials with expensive packaging, where the price of one bouquet can exceed RMB 1,000, while mini bouquets are very popular due to their affordability. DIY bouquets are also very common now; consumers can choose the flowers and colors online in advance, and then the flower shop will prepare and ship them to consumers promptly.
For more information:
Kunming Flower Auction Center 
www.kifa.net/