08 February 2004 22:16
Flower Exports Look Up
Come Valentine's Day, the flower exports are looking up, especially to the South East Asian and Gulf countries.
On an average, the demand from these countries has increased by about 10 per cent for this year's Valentine's
Day. ``We are targeting about 300 tonnes of flower exports to SE Asian and Gulf countries as the demand in these
countries is slowly picking up,'' according to South India Floriculture Association (SIFA) officials. From
this New Year, failing to attract good prices for flowers in the European markets, the exporters decided to explore
other demanding countries which include Russia, Singapore, Germany, Japan, Australia, Middle East and South East Asian
countries. Following the increase in freight rates to European Union, which costs about Rs 4.50 per stem compared to Rs
2 per stem in the SE Asian countries, most of the exporters decided to enter these markets, added the officials. Though
the South East Asian countries have become cautious and have tightened their purse strings, flowers, especially red
roses are still in great demand among the youth, said an exporter. Further, the exporters are planning direct marketing
route across overseas markets. ``This will help in avoiding the agents who are demanding huge fees from the importing
countries,'' added SIFA officials.
[Financial Express] |
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