ඩිජිටල්කරණය හරහා ඉදිරියටම යන බෙයිජිං මල් කර්මාන්තය

Beijing's flower industry blooms through digital revolution

Beijing's flower industry is undergoing a digital transformation, using technology to become a major distribution hub and auction house, aligning with China's push for innovative consumption models.

The Beijing Flower Trading Center, nestled in southern Beijing's Fengtai District that boasts an 800-year horticultural history, is spearheading this change. A new big-data driven platform in the center provides a one-stop shop for trading, research, and consumption, boosting grower profits and informing the public of government policy.

At the center, traders can participate in live auctions for flowers sourced from Kunming City in Yunnan Province, renowned as the main supplier of fresh flowers in southwest China, located over 2,000 kilometers from Beijing.

"A traditional grower might only have 10 buyers, but once they join the digital platform, they can reach hundreds. Low-price protection ensures growers' profits. The platform also offers valuable data about consumer preferences, such as popular colors and species, helping both growers and sellers make smart decisions. These insights can even publicize government policy,” said Lin Qiaoling, chairman of the Board, Beijing Green Garden Group.

China is the world's largest flower producer, with 1.5 million hectares dedicated to flower cultivation. The industry has seen a surge in demand, with more than half of sales now happening online, according to the China Flower Association.

Yao Yexuan, who runs an online shop in the market's e-commerce section, described the frenetic pace of her business

"Every day from 2 to 5 pm, we bid on flowers based on information on the big screen. Customers place orders through our online shop, we pick up the flowers from the cold storage next door, and then package them. On busy days like Valentine's Day, I'm packing flowers from 5 am until midnight," said Yao, owner of Xuancao Flower Art.

By 2035, China's annual flower sales are expected to reach 700 billion yuan (about 100 billion U.S. dollars), more than doubling the current figures, according to a guideline jointly issued by China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs earlier this year.

The growth in China's flower industry is attributed to rising disposable incomes and a growing desire for a greener, more beautiful lifestyle. In Beijing, the flower night market in Fengtai District attracts thousands of visitors daily, seeking fresh bouquets and a vibrant atmosphere.

"As the weather gets colder, the flower night market is a good place to walk around. I shop for flowers once a month. They brighten my home and my mood. We usually spend under 200 yuan for a few bouquets and some plants – it's a small investment in happiness," said Li Sujie, a Beijing resident.

To further support the industry's development, Fengtai District has announced 10 new measures, including up to 10 million yuan (around 1.4 million U.S. dollars) in financial incentives for new businesses, R and D, and promoting international sales - a move that is expected to particularly benefit small and medium-sized enterprises. These investments signal Beijing's commitment to cultivating an innovative ecosystem and transforming the city into a true "garden city," as the flower market continues to blossom into a national hub for the industry.

• Tags:
• feature