Exploring the International Flower Market

Next Generation Science / Common Core Standards Addressed!

CCSS.ELA Literacy. WHST.11‐12.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback, including new arguments or information.

Bell Work / Student Objectives

1. Describe the scope of the international flower market in the florist industry

2. Explain the international flower distribution system

Terms to Know U.S. Customs department Domestic market Exporters Hydroponic greenhouses Mass market Perishable

Interest Approach Why are flowers imported from foreign

countries? Why do we not grow all the necessary flowers here in the United

States? What do you think is the percentage of flowers that are produced

outside the United States?

010

2030

40

5060

70

8090

Carns. Roses

Mums

Percentgrown

How Big Is the International Market to the Cut Flower Industry?

These three types of flowers are produced outside the U.S. Often grown in

hydroponic greenhouses (flowers are grown in nutrient rich water solution versus soil)

Used in the Netherlands

Another leading country for flower production is Columbia. Flowers are grown outside in

the mountain regions Latin America’s floral

production is expanding because labor is cheap and flowers are a labor intensive crop to produce

Other countries include Spain, Kenya, Israel and India

Regions and Countries That Produce Flowers for the International Market

North America -

Europe -

South America - Middle East - Asia - Africa -

Central America-

United States: California, Florida, Hawaii

Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain Columbia Israel Australia, Singapore South Africa, Kenya, Ivory Coast Mexico, Jamaica, Guatemala,

Costa Rica, Honduras, Ecuador

The domestic market (that found in the United States) is on the decline The U.S. greenhouses propagate more of

the potted and foliage plants rather than cut flowers

Ex. Poinsettias and houseplants International markets rely heavily on air

traffic in order to link producers with the retail consumer

Many floral producers ship their product to the International Flower Auction in Aalsmeer, Netherlands There it is auctioned off to wholesale

buyers around the world.

Cut Flowers and Production Regions Roses - Carnations - Tulips- Tropical ginger- Chrysanthemum- Iris- Sprengeri- Leatherleaf- Eucalyptus- Ti leaves-

Israel South America Netherlands Hawaii South America Netherlands North America North America Hawaii Hawaii

How Do Flowers Get From a Grower in Columbia to a Retail Florist in the United States?

Flowers can be bought by a retail florist directly from the grower This can occur via the internet or by phone Flowers must go through inspection by the

USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) and by the U.S. Customs department

This department of the government imposes international tariffs on products outside the United States

Growers and Production Farms in South America

Continental Farms CFX XL Group Elite Farms Everflora Miami Flower Trading Selecta Farms Maxima Farms

Flowers are flown from the grower to the flower auctions in Holland by exporters - companies that ship products to other companies Ex. Carnations from Columbia, roses from Israel and

tropical flowers from Hawaii Buyers from around the world inspect and buy the

flowers Once purchased, the flowers are shipped by air to

the wholesalers This must occur quickly because flowers are

perishable - one that dies very quickly if not treated properly

International Floral Transportation!

Steps involved in the production and distribution of cut flowers

1. Field workers cut flowers early in the morning 2. Flowers sent to auction that day 3. Next day, a buyer purchases the flowers and

ships them to Chicago, for example 4. Flowers arrive at the wholesaler the same day

and are conditioned (processed to extend their vase life)

5. Next day, the flowers are sent to retailers such as a florist

A wholesaler can purchase flowers directly from the growers, eliminating a whole day’s travel This keeps the flowers fresher for the retailer

A wholesaler can also sell flowers to garden centers, retail outlets and the mass market - a place where the general public can acquire particular goods

Summary 1. Where are most cut flowers produced? 2. What is the difference between a domestic market

and an international market? 3. Describe the role of an exporter. 4. Why are cut flowers perishable? 5. Where do foreign producers send their product

once it is harvested? 6. There are three ways that a consumer can

purchase cut flowers. What are they? 7. What is the role of the US Customs Department?

The End!