Spring is officially in the air and we can’t think of a better time to pay homage to our local floral suppliers. As South Africa’s leading online flower delivery service, our business wouldn’t be possible without the incredible floral suppliers who work their ‘buds’ off to supply the local and international market. In support of local is lekker, we are answering six important questions that will give you a better understanding of where and how we source your floral gifts.
Where do farmers grow flowers in South Africa?
South Africa’s diverse climatic regions make it possible for farmers to successfully grow a variety of flower species. In areas of the Western Cape such as Clanwilliam, Piketberg and Porterville they farm with indigenous cut-flowers like proteas. Whilst non-indigenous cut flowers like roses and chrysanthemums are farmed in the central and northern provinces, such as the Free State and Gauteng.
How big is the local flower market?
Recent statistics show that the South African flower market is valued at approximately R240 million. This suggests that we are one of the major flower exporting countries in Africa, after Kenya and Zimbabwe. We are, however, the leading exporting country of protea cut-flowers. An estimated 7,1 million stems were exported during the 2020-2021 season!
Why is it important to support local suppliers?
It has never been more crucial for South African businesses to support local floral suppliers. Africa’s largest flower auction house, Multiflora, stated that it suffered a 40% decrease in profits due to the Covid-19 lockdown period. By making a conscious effort to support local flower suppliers, businesses can assist each other to recover from strenuous economic times. This will also boost the overall success of the floriculture industry.
Where does NetFlorist source its flowers?
At NetFlorist, we try to source flowers locally, whenever it is possible to do so. Blooms like St Joseph lilies, carnations, gerberas, sprays and ruscus are sourced directly from local suppliers around Gauteng. We source our proteas in the Western Cape and import our roses from Kenya and Zimbabwe. We source the rest of our blooms on auction at the market.
What are the benefits of using local suppliers?
One of the major benefits of using local suppliers is that it is time efficient for businesses. Not only is it much more convenient to buy from a local supplier when you need last-minute stock, but the suppliers are also always willing to help. When importing flowers, businesses generally have to give notice in advance. This means that unexpected quantity changes can be quite difficult to manage.
What are the challenges of using local suppliers?
The main challenge of buying from local suppliers is that the quality of the flowers can vary. Blooms are very dependent on the weather. If we have a bout of hot and humid or rainy weather there is a big chance that local suppliers will experience quality issues. Another challenge is that local flower prices can fluctuate, whereas imported flowers are generally sold at a fixed price.
Next time your company is searching for the perfect corporate gifts for clients, or beautiful flowers for employees, consider supporting businesses that source their blooms from local floral suppliers. This will not only increase the likelihood that your gift recipient will receive a fresher bouquet or arrangement, but it importantly contributes towards supporting the local floral industry and, of course, the economy.
References:
Louw, M. (n.d). The Flower Industry in South Africa. Available at https://southafrica.co.za/the-flower-industry-in-south-africa.html (Accessed 2 September 2022).
Matshego, L. (2020). Africa’s Floriculture Industry Brings Stunning Blooms for Weddings. Available at https://www.africa.com/africas-floriculture-industry-brings-stunning-blooms-for-weddings/ (Accessed 2 September 2022).
Unknown. (n.d). Cut Flowers. Available at https://agribook.co.za/horticulture/cut-flowers/ (Accessed 2 September 2022).
Unknown. (2021). Cut Flower Logistics In Africa: A Brief Insight. Available at https://www.globalialogisticsnetwork.com/blog/2021/05/19/cut-flower-logistics-in-africa-a-brief-insight/ (Accessed 5 September 2022).
Van Eeden, D. (2021). A guide to flower farming in South Africa. Available at https://www.foodformzansi.co.za/a-guide-to-flower-farming-in-south-africa/ (Accessed 2 September 2022).
