NZ blooms flying to world

By LIAM DANN

New Zealand flower growers are expecting a boost in export returns after local blooms were shown in the US and Europe.

In the past month New Zealand exhibits at two of the worlds biggest flower shows have been a huge success.

In October three flower producers showcased premium fresh calla lilies, orchids, peonies and hydrangeas at the US Floral Expo in Atlanta. Last week New Zealand companies exhibited cut flowers, bulbs and tubers at the world's leading floriculture event, the Horti Fair in Amsterdam.

The New Zealand pavilion at Horti Fair won a gold medal for flower quality and a silver medal for stand design.

The trade events were likely to bring in new export orders and enhance our reputation as a supplier of high value and unusual flowers, said Trade and Enterprise floriculture client manager Jim Tait.

"New Zealand growers have worked hard to breed quality traits in our flowers and bulbs and to ensure they are unaffected by chilling during transport and storage," he said. "This is paying dividends with overseas buyers sitting up and taking notice of what we can deliver."

New Zealand floriculture exports are already worth more than $60 million a year. Japan is the most significant market worth $32 million a year, followed by the United States at $12 million.

The US market offered fantastic potential for growth, said David Easton, president of Auckland Flowers Exports.

His company has already achieved significant success in the US, winning new clients this year with an innovative offer to handle customs clearance and offer buyers a price for flowers landed at their door.

New Zealand supplied just 0.1 per cent of the wholesale trade in the US, he said.

"This show was a chance to show them the best of what we had to offer, and our best stacks up well."

Stephen Arnet, managing director of flower exporter Flying Fresh, attended Horti Fair for the seventh time.

The challenge was to catch the eye of discerning buyers from all over the world, he said.

"We always look for showstoppers. At an event this size you have to make your mark by offering exclusive products that stand out from the crowd. Last year I created an all-red, rich arrangement of peonies, waratahs and callas that was probably the most photographed display at the show."

New Zealand peony blooms are flown to New York every day during the Northern Hemisphere winter.