Taiwan’s floral industry garnered US$194.5 million in total exports during 2012, in which Phalaenopsis exports exceeded the US$100-million mark for the first time; Council of Agriculture (COA) statistics show a 16% increase in export value in comparison to numbers from the previous year. With Taiwanese orchids and fresh flowers being showcased in heavyweight exhibitions such as Tokyo’s International Orchid Festival and London’s Chelsea Flower Show, Taiwan’s floral industry has well proved its worth on the international stage.

Taiwan’s floral exports jump by 10% in 2012

According to the Council, Taiwan’s floral exports totaled a stunning US$194.5 million in 2012, a figure representing a 10% growth in comparison to 2011 numbers. Apart from the US$114-million-selling Phalaenopsis (“moth orchids”) that broke the US$100-million mark, Onchidium (“spray orchids”) totaled US$18.44 million (a 25% increase), Eustoma russellianum (“Texan bluebells”) brought in US$5.79 million (a 16% increase) and Anthurium (“flamingo flowers”) fetched US$5.99 million (a 3% increase) in export value during 2012. These numbers reveal that the superiority of Taiwan’s floral industry cannot be dampened by the global economic downturn.

The Council stated that Taiwan has a considerable edge in the breeding, cultivation and long-distance maritime transportation of the moth orchid. Moreover, the United States, Canada, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand have all agreed to allow Taiwan to export live moth orchids potted in wet seaweed. Since the U.S. lifted the potting seaweed ban in 2005, it has now surpassed Japan to become the top consumer of Taiwan-bred Phalaenopsis; the total value of its purchase in 2012 was valued at US$42.32 million, representing a 430% increase in comparison to 2006 numbers.

Taiwan devoted 731 hectares of its farmland to the production of orchids in 2012, in which production was primarily distributed among Tainan City, Chiayi County, Taichung City, Nantou County and Pingtung County. The Council has also identified moth and spray orchids as Taiwan’s most promising floral exports, due to the production scale and cutting-edge technology developed by its producers.

Taiwan’s award-winning flowers gain export potential

Years of research and development has considerably boosted Taiwan’s floral industry, giving rise to its extensive experience in cultivation and exportation. Orchids and other freshly cut flowers are all a tribute to the nation’s agricultural prowess and substantial soft power. Among the industry’s recent achievements are capturing the gold medal twice in a row in the 2011 and 2012 Chelsea Flower Show, earning high praise from the lips of Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and being awarded top honors for best indoor display in the 2012 Floriade World Horticultural Expo. Similar honors were awarded by recent flower shows in Japan, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Singapore.

The 2013 International Orchid Festival at the Tokyo Dome was no exception. The Taiwanese team captured two medals (gold & bronze) in the Cattleya Category, three medals (2 silver & 1 bronze) in the Moth Orchid Category and 11 trophies (including 3 for exceptional & 3 for best overseas producer) in the Landscape Category. The total haul of 16 honors is a faithful reflection of Taiwan’s flower power in the international community.

Strengthening marketing channels for international expansion

To strengthen the international image and presence of Taiwan-bred flowers, the Council has been implementing global marketing programs and assisting domestic agricultural producers in attending overseas floral exhibitions since 2004. By setting up a floral display at these high-profile international events, the COA believes that the quality and creativity embodied by the Taiwan Pavilion will speak for itself. The Council has currently identified 10 crucial flower shows, including the Tokyo Dome Show and the Chelsea Flower Show, that will help promote Taiwan’s quality image and boost demand for Taiwan’s elegant flowers.

The Council pledged to maintain Taiwan’s competitive edge by funding research and development, expanding marketing and sales channels, protecting intellectual property and developing different business models. Taiwan’s floral knowledge has become one of the nation’s most developed skills; with proper support and guidance, tapping into the international flowers market is only the natural next step.