| The Chinese market has become a new target for Thai orchid exporters, with higher income businesses favouring more elaborate decorations for parties and celebrations.
The Mainland has imported orchids from Thailand since 2003, but event organisers usually bought on cheap budgets, picking up flowers at local wet markets.
Thai orchid exporters are now seeing the trend change in favour of premium grade orchids ordered from Mainland growers.
China imports an estimated US$43 million worth of orchids, many through Hong Kong for Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai. Many Thai orchids also reach China via road from northern Thailand.
The Chinese market is expected to flourish, with Thai orchids valued at US$285 million due to be supplied by 2015.
Robust exports to China and Japan have helped Thailand's orchid exports to grow 10% this year, valued at US$108 million.
Observers believe the online marketplace to expand in tandem with physical deliveries, as demand for fresh and pre-selected orchid species develops with greater understanding of the orchid market.
For example, Thai-Orchids.com offers a 24-hour, every day service, with full sourcing and packaging capabilities, along with in-house expertise and price comparisons.
An important consideration for suppliers will be the width of orchid species offered, such as Dendrobium, Cattleya, Oncidium and Ascocenda, and increased speed of delivery. |
