Flower Prices Rise by Up to 25pc

TDT | Manama

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Flower prices in Bahrain have risen by as much as 25 pc after higher air freight bills pushed up the cost of imports from Africa.

Traders said the rise had been driven by dearer aviation fuel and changes in cargo charges, although some wholesale prices have begun to fall as flight routes return to normal.

Hassan Attiya, a flower importer, said most bouquets were now selling for between BD7 and BD10, compared with BD3 to BD5 before the rise.

He said a batch of 25 roses that once cost BD4.5 at source had climbed to BD8.5 before falling back to about BD5.

All imported flowers arrive by air, he said, with Bahrain and other Gulf markets buying each week from Kenya, Ethiopia, Colombia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands and Ecuador. Some Gulf buyers also route certain varieties through airports in Riyadh.

African growers remain the main source for the trade, while flowers from the Netherlands and Ecuador cost about 40 pc more.

Attiya said packaging costs had also soared. Polystyrene boxes used by florists had risen from BD4 to BD22 after disruption linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The boxes had first climbed to BD11 before doubling again.

The cheapest rose now sells for about 350 fils, including tax, up from 200 fils. Some high-end shops charge between 500 fils and BD1 for a single stem, depending on the wrapping and presentation.

Prices are based mainly on the number of flowers, stem length and size rather than colour. Roses dyed blue or black can cost more because of the added treatment.

Attiya said rose prices in producing countries ranged from 12 to 36 fils a stem.

Imported flowers are checked by the veterinary authorities before they are released for sale to ensure they are free from disease, bacteria and viruses.