Non-Traditional Farm - Lusaka

The Global Cut Flower Market

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There are many reasons why we buy flowers. In some countries such as the Netherlands it is common to buy flowers for personal use whilst in Japan this would be unheard of. In many countries flowers are given as a gift to celebrate a birthday or a special day such as St Valentines Day or Mothers Day. Flowers are also used to express sympathy over bereavement. Over half the flowers purchased in Italy are used to decorate graves and funerals.

Many countries are self sufficient in the production of cut flowers. Some are unable to satisfy their domestic demand and rely on imported flowers. The main consumers of imported flowers are shown in the data section. Europe takes about 70% of the total world imports of flowers and most of this is made up of trade between European countries.

Cut flowers are not products we traditionally associate with Less Developed Countries (LDCs). As might be expected in a country that is experiencing such high levels of poverty the domestic demand for cut flowers in Zambia is small. However, increasingly this area of floriculture is attracting farmers from LDCs such as Zambia.

Although the European floriculturists dominate the world market the share of trade in cut flowers from LDCs such as Columbia, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Zambia is growing. By 1995 LDCs accounted for one quarter of all cut flower exports. Although in global terms Zambia exports a very small proportion of the total exported (less than 0.1%), it is becoming increasingly significant in supplying flowers especially to Europe. Of its exports, over 90% of the flowers are exported to Europe.

The principal traded products on the cut flower market are roses, carnations and chrysanthemums, which in 1995 accounted for over 50% of all flowers traded. Most LDCs concentrate on growing roses. In Zambia in 1997 80% of the area under cultivation was given over to the rose. Why was this?

• The volume of sales of roses ensures constant demand
• The prices they command in the world market place give them a high value to weight ratio.

Once harvested the cut flowers are flown out of Lusaka into Europe. Transport costs are consequently high.

You have now finished the rural life and agriculture field trip. Now you know more about this area, why not have a look at another field trip?

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Related Glossary Items:
Less Developed Countries (LDCs)

Related issues:
Vulnerability to market conditions