Cymbidium Exports to the US Continue to show Strong Growth

July 2006
New Zealand exports of cymbidiums have grown dramatically over the last three years.  Between the 2002 season and the 2005 season exports have more than tripled. 
The growth has been driven by an increasing popularity in the use of cymbidiums in arrangements in the US.  In the past they had been predominantly used for corsages, but as this market has declined floral designers have found that cymbidiums on a stem make a wonderful contribution to arrangements.

The New Zealand industry has also made great strides in producing the type of cymbidiums that are desired in the US market.  Green makes up about half of total demand so growers have had to increase their green production.  Cymbidium plants take a long time mature so such changes take years to achieve.  There are many more developments underway, including increasing the production of novelty colors such as browns and bronzes. 2006 is also shaping up to be a very strong season, already showing strong growth over 2005.

Japan is still the largest market for New Zealand cymbidiums, still receiving over half of the crop.  However the economic weakness in Japan over recent years has reduced demand, freeing up product to be sold the US.  Now that the Japanese economy is growing again, demand is building, which will give the industry confidence to move forward and increase production.