Business in bloom early for flower traders
Business in bloom early for flower traders
JAKARTA (JP): As the rest of the economy is still struggling
to recover, the flower industry in the capital is blossoming with
sales reaching the precrisis level of 1997.
"We have seen signs of increasing demands for the commodity
and we plan to intensify promotional activities," Bambang
Wisanggeni, head of the Flower and Decorative Plant Promotion
Center in Rawa Belong, West Jakarta, told The Jakarta Post on
Saturday.
Sales were expected to reach Rp 10 billion (US$1.05 million)
between July and August, about the same recorded in the same
period in 1997, Bambang said.
July and August have traditionally seen the highest sales
during the year because of strong demands in connection with
lengthy celebrations of Jakarta's anniversary on June 22 and
National Independence Day on Aug. 17.
"Traders are vying to supply flowers to various events held
during these two months," he said, adding that many government
office buildings would also be placing their orders.
The center said that total flower sales in Jakarta reached Rp
13 billion in 1997. Sales dropped to Rp 10.5 billion in 1998 and
remained stagnant last year.
Bambang said the center planned to set up its own website to
help promote sales.
He also hoped that the center would stage two flower
exhibitions a year, instead of one in the past, to increase
public awareness about the flower business.
"By doing so, we can market flowers more effectively and make
them more popular," he added.
"Hopefully, the efforts will encourage more people to make
flowers a part of their daily life, and not only during special
occasions," he said.
Hotels, restaurants, wedding organizers and offices are among
the largest flower buyers in the capital all year round. Sales
pick up during special events such as Idul Fitri, Christmas and
New Year.
The promotional center, which accommodates some 250 small
traders and floriculturalists, receives flowers mainly from
Cipanas, Bandung, Sukabumi and Garut in West Java.
It creates jobs for more than 1,000 people in the area.
Commenting on a better marketing approach, Een Supandi, head
of the Puspa Pesona cooperative of flower traders, proposed that
bulk sales be conducted through auctioning.
"It is a method that protects buyers because we would aim at
selling good quality flowers at reasonable prices," Een said.
The method would also boost the professionalism of
floriculturalists and traders as they would have to learn to
maintain certain standards, he said. (06)