Dry flower export set to rise

Dry flower exports for the spring season had been fully sold out and expects to grow by 20 per cent in 2004. The latest dry flower products include red chilles and sea shells.

The dry flower industry exports over 500 varieties of flowers to 20 countries, US and UK are the major markets.

Manju Singwi, director, Ramesh Flowers Ltd, said," Indian dry flower exports saw a dry spell, in the wake of 9 /11 and the recession in US." Dry flower exports accounts for about two third of the Indian flower exports.

Sunil Seth, CEO, Kolkata-based SB Enterprise, said that things started looking up in 2003. The current year is expected to be good as seen from the orders coming in for the fall season.

Fall is considered the biggest season for dry flower exports. It accounts for 60 per cent of the total exports. Spring accounts for the 30 per cent of the demand and the remaining 10 per cent is contributed by the other two seasons.

Vipul Jain, managing partner of Tuticorin-based Fauna International said to compete in international dry flower market companies must often innovate designs and colours. The dry flower industry needs planning of designs of pot-pourri and flower arrangement a year ahead.

Mahendra Raj Singhwi, managing director, Ramesh Flowers, Indian exports of dry flowers has been estimated at Rs 150 crore.

Singhwi added, "The climatic conditions of a place plays a very important role in dry flower exports. Tuticorin having a dry climate and proximity to the port is an ideal location for setting-up of dry flower export units.

Tuticorin has three major players like Ramesh Flowers, Fauna International and W.Hogewoning while Kolkata comprises of Minex one of the largest player and remaining are all small players.