This updated Access Asia report on the development of the market for cut flowers in China deals with the growth in consumer and institutional demand for cut and fresh flowers in the PRC. China’s flower market has grown nearly 20 times in the last decade.
The market for fresh flowers in China is growing rapidly as increased personal incomes allow more and more consumers to purchase fresh flowers as a gift or treat. Additionally, the government is encouraging gardening as an activity as part of China’s ‘greening’ campaign in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to compliment the new parks, green spaces and flower baskets cities are installing. This growth is occurring at a time when China’s logistics and transportation system is improving to a level that makes moving flowers around the country from the rural areas to the cities, which are the main markets, far easier than previously. Reflecting the two trends above most of China’s major cities have seen both new flower markets as well as burgeoning chains of florists in recent years. Additionally all cities have clusters of flower sellers such as those found around the Shanghai Flower market between Shaanxi Lu and Maoming Nan Lu in Shanghai where many florists stay open until 20:00 hours or later at night. Additionally, people are using flowers to decorate their homes as part of the general improvement of homes in China as people purchase their properties. Finally, the growth of flower giving at events such as Spring Festival and newer imported traditions such as Christmas, Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day are boosting the market. Finally, there is a growing internal and export market for sub-tropical plants from China’s southern provinces.