Consumption of flowers goes diverse in Yunnan

Consumers buy flowers in Dounan flower market. (Photo by Yunnan Daily)

Once people bought flowers on festivals like Chinese New Year and International Women’s day, but in this spring, the consumption of flowers in Yunnan has become the usual. Consumers now also want more types of flowers. What’s more, the consumption method is diversified as well.

Now, consumers can participate in more activities related to flowers. For example, they can experience floral decoration in the florist’s. They can buy flowers from fresh food stores and can also enjoy the beautiful flowers in scenic spots. New ways of consuming flowers are constantly created as the consumers are demanding for high-quality products.

“In the past, flowers were used as gifts, but now they are an integral part of our life,” said Miss. Xu, a flower lover in Kunming. “We used to buy flowers as birthday gifts. Now, we’ll buy some even we are in markets or hanging out. “Flowers can be seen in Xu’s house every season.

“Compared to flowers for gifting, flowers for family’s daily use become a new consumption trend,” said Fei Xuemei, deputy director of the Retail Trade Branch of China Flower Association. It is observed that consumers’ demand for high-quality flowers is rising each year. They have more requirements on the type, fragrance and color of flowers.

A deliveryman loads flowers. (Photo by Yunnan Daily)

Wang Yang, the deputy manager of Kunming International Flora Auction Center, noticed that the consumption is experiencing changes. The consumers used to consider more about the price, but now they care more about the quality. The flower producers, therefore, are focusing on innovation and quality.

“The florist’s sells more than just flowers,” said Xu Siyuan and her friends on Mar. 26 after visiting the Jishi flower shop.

In that shop, Xu bought what she want, tried flower high tea and took lessons of flower decoration. She also noticed that salons and small parties can be held here. “Flower shops these days are beautiful and are much fun,” added Xu.

YOYO, owner of the Mushihua flower shop, has been running her business for 4 years. She said that as more customers preferred flowers that remain good-looking for some longer time, she was planning to raise more preserved flowers and pot plants. To provide consumers with better experience, she is trying to hold salons and training programs, too.

According to data from Meituan Selected, an online supermarket mini program, ordering flowers via community-level c-commerce platforms is also a new trend.

Dounan flower market is crowded. ( Photo by Yunnan Daily)

Compared with the same period last year, sales of flowers and pot plants on Meituan Selected in Yunnan have increased by more than 50%, with female users accounting for about 70% of the consumers. With growth of the special economy, the number of flower shops in Yunnan province online has risen 43% year-on-year. There are over 1,200 online flower stores in Kunming.

Nowadays, tourists prefer to go to Dounan flower market as their leg to visit in Yunnan. To buy flowers, to watch the auction and to know more about new varieties have become a new tour spot for tourist. When asked about the combination of flowers and tourism, Wang Yang hoped that Dounan can find its targeted consumers in the future.

 “It could be a good combination that enjoys a bright future,” said Wang. Once the flower industry is integrated into holiday tour and cultural experience, this place will be a site for ecological agriculture, holiday touring, and cultural experience.

Source: Yunnan Daily; Trans-editing by Wang Yunya