South Africa exported 3.4 million proteas last year
This is according to Cape Flora SA, a non-profit company that monitors and promotes sustainable exporting of proteas from South Africa. Cape Flora estimates that South Africa’s total fynbos market is estimated at R130 million (10.6 million USD), with some 4,200 tons of SA flowers exported last year.
Recent floral consumption trends show that younger consumers are purchasing fewer flowers than two decades ago. But fynbos sales have remained strong because of a rising demand for sustainably harvested bouquets, and also because of their longevity, affordable price, size and striking colour.
This has contributed to the popularity of proteas in the European wedding market.
Read more at Business Insider (Jay Caboz)