Cut flowers capability overview

Australia has at least 10 geographic regions which are perfectly suited to producing a unique range of traditional and exotic native flowers and foliage.

Our varied climate gives many species an extended flowering season and this, combined with opposite selling seasons to the markets of the Northern hemisphere, means Australia is well placed to cater for the global demand for unusual and distinctive flowers.

Furthermore, the high standards and strict import requirements demanded by international markets mean Australian exporters are continually improving their quality and service standards in order to compete overseas.

Products
The majority of flowers produced for overseas markets are Australian natives, South African proteaceae and varieties of foliage.

Popular exports include waxflower, kangaroo paw, stirlingia, protea, banksia, leucadendron, koala fern, scholtzia and eucalyptus foliage.

Australia also produces a variety of dried and preserved flowers from a range of climatic and geographical regions throughout the country.

The majority of traditional flowers are currently grown in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania. Queensland and Northern Australia are focused on exotic flower production, whilst the majority of native flower production takes place in Western Australia.

Export markets
The exact value of Australia’s cut flower exports is not clearly defined, but is believed to be in excess of $50 million annually.

Around 95 per cent of flowers exported to overseas markets are Australian natives, South African proteaceae and varieties of foliage.

At least half of Australia’s total flower exports are destined for Japan and up to 30 per cent are exported to North America. Other major export markets include the Netherlands (11 per cent) and Germany (three per cent).

The dried and dyed flower sector is well established and exporters offer around 100 major products, predominantly Australian native flowers and foliage.

Key markets for Australian dried flowers include Japan, the US, Canada, Taiwan, Italy, Hong Kong, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore and China.

There is also potential for Australia to tap into the expanding consumer market in Asia, with China being the most significant Asian export market of the future.

Traditional flowers account for just five per cent of exports. Orchids are the highest value export product, the majority of which are produced in New South Wales.

Other traditional flower exports include Lilies, Tulips, Alstroemeria, Limonium and Statice which are produced in Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania.

Western Australia is the largest exporting state in terms of volume (53 per cent) and value (46 per cent), followed by Victoria and New South Wales.

(Sources: Flowers from Australia – Exporting to the World, The Flower Export Council of Australia, NSW Department of Primary Industries)

For more information please visit:
www.floracultureinternational.com – Flora Culture International
www.australianflowers.org – The Flower Export Council of Australia
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au – New South Wales Department of Primary Industrie