The "Month of Family" Fades... Domestic Carnation Transactions Decrease by 30%

During the 'Family Month' when carnation consumption increases, the trade of domestically produced carnations has decreased by more than 30% compared to a year ago.

According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) flower auction market on the 6th, the number of domestically produced cut carnations traded from the 28th of last month to the 4th of this month was 35,528 bundles, a 37.0% decrease compared to the same period last year (56,366 bundles). A bundle is the basic unit of cut flower trade, and for carnations, 20 flowers make one bundle.

On the 8th, Parents' Day, carnations are displayed at Yangjae Flower Complex in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang aymsdream@

Compared to the trading volume of 75,937 bundles during the same period in 2022, right after the COVID-19 social distancing measures were lifted, it is a 53.2% decrease.

The average trading price per bundle from the 28th of last month to the 4th of this month was 8,411 won, which is 13.1% higher than 7,438 won during the same period last year, but 4.5% lower than 8,806 won in the same period of 2022.

Compared to other varieties, the decrease in domestic carnation trade volume is more pronounced.

For cut roses, the auction volume from the 28th of last month to the 4th of this month was 69,856 bundles (one bundle of roses consists of 10 flowers), which is a 4.0% increase from 67,169 bundles last year, and a 2.7% decrease compared to 71,772 bundles in the same period of 2022.

One of the reasons for the decline in domestic carnation trade is attributed to losing price competition against imported carnations.

According to the Korea Customs Service export-import trade statistics, the import volume of cut carnations from January to March this year was 410 tons, an 18.3% increase from 346.5 tons during the same period last year, and a 54.6% increase compared to 265.2 tons in 2022.

Of the imported volume from January to March this year, 92.4% (379 tons) was from Colombia.

Additionally, there is a perspective that the consumption of cut carnations used in bouquets and flower arrangements has decreased due to economic downturns and changes in consumer trends.