Jordi Caballeria general manager for Selecta cut flower with area managers Richard Buis, Shinya Ogata and Andre Lek.
Chinese Carnation market
Before talking about the varieties that Selecta is showcasing at the HortiflorExpo, a bit more information about the Chinese carnation market. The majority of the carnations are produced in the main crop area Kunming (Yunnan province), a mountainous area in the south of China at an altitude of around 1,900 to 2,000 meters. The surface of carnation cultivation in China is estimated at 1,800 ha, of which 1,450 ha is in the Kunming area, explains Buis.
Up to 85 percent of the carnation market consists of standard carnations and red is the most important color. "44 percent is red, followed by cherry (16%), bicolor (13%), pink (11%), green (7%) and purple (4%). White is not a key color as it is closely related to funerals." Spray carnations make up 15 percent of the total carnation market with pink as key color. 25 percent is pink, followed by red (15%), cherry or cherry/white (15%), yellow/red or cherry (10%) and other double colors (5%)."
Over the years, these varieties are more and more purchased from recognized companies. "Each year, the Chinese plant some 190 to 200 million plants, of which around 160 to 170 million are purchased from recognized companies. The rest are produced without any control over growers, but the figure of this ‘illegal’ production is getting lower thanks to the quality of cuttings from ‘legal’ production together with their contained prices. In the past, these figures were the complete opposite."
Selecta at the Hortiflorexpo Beijing
From May 10 till May 12, Selecta One is introducing carefully selected varieties to the growers at the IPM Hortiflorexpo Beijing (Hall W1 stand A61). "We are not only planning to earn market share by offering new carnation varieties, but we are also opening up new business opportunities and focusing our efforts in the introduction of more profitable and unexplored product lines", says Buis. "We have deeply analyzed the contexts of this growing markets and carefully selected the ideal varieties that fulfill the needs of the market", adds Jordi Caballeria, Selecta Cut Flowers General Manager.
According to Buis, their Pearls collection (gypsophila) and Kiwi collection (Dianthus Barbatus) are new and unknown among the Chinese growers and are therefore put in the center of attention at their booth at the IPM.
"The Gypsophila Ginga-way in the Pearls collection is our main highlight", says Caballeria. "It's rich inflorescence of fully round, pure white large, flowers concentrated as a multitude on the top creating a snow effect. "Ginga Way, is already known in many other markets for it's efficiency and proven superior vase life; showing resilience during shipping and making it a great option for tinting process."
Also on display new Kiwi Mellow, Barbatus, which does not have petals, but distinctive green hairs, and stands out due to its color, shape, texture, stem development and height. "As a main plus its genetics, diversification and processing offer a wide range of options in just one product."
Clockwise: Belle, Creola, Hurricane, Viper and Viper Wine
But more is on display, like their wide colorful carnation assortment with varieties like Creola, Viper, Viper Wine, Hurricane and Belle Epoque. Also Union and Magik from their Chrysanthemums program will exhibit, along with its pot carnation Pink Kisses and headliner series Petunia NightSky and Baby Doll.
More than products alone
And Selecta One finds it important to go beyond offering a product. "We understand the importance of service and support. We are introducing ourselves in a growing market with know-how and different information that will enrich the whole process; bringing the best result possible", says Caballeria.
For more information
Selecta One
www.selecta-one.com