APIP Agricultural Policy Implementation Project

Many of the European countries, such as Italy, are themselves large
producers of carnations, but rely on Colombian imports for the most part from
November through May. This seasonality is further sensitive to surges of demand
prior to Christmas, Mother's Day, and other holidays. Growers must cooperate
with their distributors in all phases of planning and guarantee cargo space on
the airlines during these peak periods if they want to satisfy their clients'
demands for flowers on important holidays.
2.2.3 Market Trends for Other Flowers
Other important traded cut flowers include chrysanthemums, tulips, orchids,
gladioli, gypsophila, and gerbera. As indicated earlier, the besh source of
information on the world cut flower market is the ITC market study. However,
it treats these flowers less comprehensively than roses, carnations, and
chrysanthemums, although much useful information on imports, consumer preferences
and market opportunities for specific flowers is included. For example, the ITC
study notes gypsophila is becoming popular for bouquets in Switzerland and that
the principal exporters are Israel, Peru, and Colombia, although opportunities
for developing countries are limited due to increased production in southern
Europe. The lack of up-to-date information on trends in cut flower consumption
led the study team to examine the market for a limited number of specific
flowers by interviewing importers and wholesalers of cut flowers in Paris.
2.3 The French Market
The principal production zones for cut flowers in France are the Cbte
d'Azur province along the southern coast of France and the area around Paris.
Cut flower production in France is declining, a trend that has been attributed
to three factors: traditional producers are getting older and their families are
not taking over operations; obsolete facilities and equipment are costly to
replace; and urbanization and increased land values make the opportunity cost of
continued operations very high." The area in flower production declined from
3,250 hectares in 1981 to 2,030 hectares in 1988, or over 35 percent." Area
in roses declined from 430 hectares in 1981 to 390 hectares 1988, and area in all
major cut flowers also declined except for gladioli which increased from 360
hectares to 455 hectares, or almost one-fourth of total production area.
20 The ITC study presents for each of the seven major importing countries
(a)general market data, characteristics, and opportunities, (b)product studies,
and (c)selected addresses of importers and other organizations. In addition to
roses and carnations, the market study focused on chrysanthemums, for which
substantial information and data are provided (synthesized from national
sources).
21 ITC Study, p.209.
22 CNIH, L'Horticulture Francaise, Synthbse Economique, July 1990, p. 14.
23 Ibid., p. 19
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