Today’s floral industry is global, diverse, and rapidly evolving. These flower industry statistics will help you better understand this business sector and its practices both in the US and worldwide.
So, if you are ready to find out more about them, keep on reading.
Top 10 Floral Industry Statistics
- Kenyan flowers are exported to over 60 countries.
- It’s estimated the floral industry in the US is worth $5 billion.
- The US online flower shop industry grew by 8.5% between 2015–2020.
- Canada’s flower industry is worth $602 million.
- Australia’s flower market size is valued at $864 million.
- Thailand earns $81 million a year from exotic orchid export.
- Floral designers in the US earn an estimated $13.48 per hour.
- Colombia supplies 70% of the flowers sold in the US.
- 69% of all Mother’s Day gifts in 2018 were flowers.
- 32% of mothers want flowers for Mother’s Day.
Flower Industry Statistics for 2022
The flower industry is blooming worldwide, with Ecuador at the top of the list of the biggest producers of roses.
It doesn’t seem that the industry growth will slow down soon, so let’s see some of the most impressive global cut flower industry statistics.
1. The global ornamental plants and flower market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 6.3% in the 2021–2025 period.
(The Bisouv Network)
By 2024, the global floral market will reach an estimated $57,400 million based on the latest floriculture statistics. This represents a significant increase from the 2019 figures when the market was worth $42,400.
The research mainly focused on Europe, North America, the Middle East, South America, and Africa.
(The Bisouv Network)
It’s no secret that the flower industry is a global, multi-billion enterprise.
When it comes to the export market’s size, flower industry statistics reveal that the Netherlands comes first, followed by Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
On the flip side, the United States, Europe, and Japan are the biggest importers.
3. Between 2020 and 2025, the floriculture market in the Netherlands is expected to develop at a CAGR of 6.3%.
(Mordor Intelligence)
Interestingly, between 2006 and 2016, around 320 flower-growing companies were closed, affecting the balance in the Netherlands’ market.
Moreover, the emergence of big flower growers among the developed countries posed a great challenge for flower growers in the Netherlands — both in foreign and domestic markets.
These same horticulture industry statistics also reveal that, in 2019, roses accounted for a substantial share of 31.3%.
4. The UK’s freshly cut flowers and indoor plants market is worth £2.2 billion (over $3 billion).
(Flowers and Plants Association)
On average, flower sales statistics reveal that this figure equates to a £36 (around $50) annual average spending per individual (£8 on plants and £28 on flowers, that is $11 and $38.56, respectively).
5. UK citizens buying flowers and plants for private purposes account for approximately 60% of the total £2.2 billion spent.
(Flowers and Plants Association)
UK flower industry statistics reveal that more and more people buy flowers and plants for themselves, and often for decorating purposes.
Five years ago, most UK citizens only splurged on flowers for anniversaries, weddings, and other special occasions.
6. Australian flower industry statistics reveal the country’s flower market size is valued at $864 million.
(IBISWorld)
Moreover, there are also 2,386 flower retailing businesses in Australia, with around 5,512 employees altogether.
Due to challenging conditions over the last five years, the country’s flower retailing industry has only been growing at a 0.5% rate between 2015 and 2020.
7. Floral industry statistics for Canada report that its industry is worth $602 million.
(IBISWorld)
According to data, there are 2,822 flower retailing companies in Canada, which together include around 5,054 employees.
Unfortunately, the country’s cut flower industry is declining at a steady pace, with a -5.1% median industry growth rate from 2015 to 2020.
8. The world’s largest producer of roses is Ecuador, based on floral industry statistics.
(The Washington Post)
However, the Ecuadorian Flower Growers and Exporters Association claims that demand for flowers in the South American country has failed to recover since plummeting in early 2020.
In August 2020, it was only 70% of the average. In fact, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, more than 10,000 jobs and over $130 million in sales have been lost.
9. Kenyan flowers are exported to over 60 countries.
(Government of Kenya)
More than 500,000 Kenyans depend on the floriculture industry, based on floriculture industry statistics. This number also includes more than 100,000 flower farm workers.
Mt. Kenya, Lake Naivasha, Thika, Kitale, Nairobi, and Uasin Gishu are some of the central production areas.
(Government of Kenya)
The latest floriculture industry statistics on the market reveal that about half of all exported flowers are sold through the Dutch auction system. Still, the percentage of direct sales is growing.
Facts also show that Kenya’s primary flowers are Alstroemeria, roses, carnations, hypericum, Lilies Eryngiums, and Gypsophila.
11. Thailand earns $81 million a year from exotic orchid export.
(The Government Public Relations Department)
Thailand is the world’s biggest tropical orchid exporter. As the orchid industry statistics from 2018 show, those exports bring an estimated 2.5 billion baht (or over $81 million) to Thailand per year.
While an estimated 40% of orchid production in Thailand is exported, the remaining 60% is used domestically. Interestingly enough, Thailand is home to over 1,000 types of orchids.
Flower Industry Statistics for the US
It’s a well-known fact that Americans are the global leaders in consumer spending. Consumerism has led to many industries’ growth, and the flower industry is no exception.
No matter if we’re importing or exporting when it comes to decorative or cut flower industry statistics, the numbers are enormous.
12. It’s estimated the floral industry in the US is worth $5 billion.
(IBISWorld)
Based on the floral industry statistics from 2020, there are 31,663 floral businesses in the country, with an estimated 65,339 workers.
Unfortunately, the US’s average industry growth for the 2015-2020 period decreased by 6.3%.
13. However, the US online flower shop industry grew by 8.5% between 2015–2020.
(IBISWorld)
Based on flower shop statistics, these shops’ market size in the US is valued at $5 billion (with 1,045 businesses and around 3,432 workers).
Online shopping has increased in all industries since the COVID-19 outbreak. Keeping this in mind, we can expect the online flower shop industry trends to continue growing.
14. Floral designers earn an estimated $13.48 per hour in the US.
(BLS)
According to the BLS’ 2019 floriculture industry statistics in the US, there were 51,800 jobs available in the floral designer sector that year.
Unfortunately, the job outlook is not favorable, with estimates showing a 20% decline for the 2019–2029 period.
15. Colombia supplies 70% of the flowers sold in the US, as floriculture statistics reveal.
(SmartAsset)
Interestingly, Colombian flowers are duty-free imports, and the State Department invests millions in the country’s agriculture industry.
As it turns out, flower growers in California have initiated a “Buy Local” campaign in the hopes of matching the success of locavore food movements.
16. Tulips and lilies accounted for 15% and 17% of the US’s total cut flower market in 2015.
(Mordor Intelligence)
Horticulture industry statistics show that tulips and lilies were followed by snapdragons, gerbera, roses, and gladioli.
Whereas, when it comes to plants in general, echeveria and cactus combined made up 26% of the country’s total indoor plant market.
17. 69% of all Mother’s Day gifts in 2018 were flowers.
(Mordor Intelligence)
People love expressing their feelings with gifts, and this is especially true for Americans and flowers.
As statistics on the flower industry reveal, 65% of American customers like getting flowers. Moreover, 60% of people believe a floral gift has a deeper meaning.
Some of the most popular flowers in the United States include lilies, tulips, roses, and pansies.
Floral Industry Trends
No matter if the occasion is happy or sad, you can always express your feelings with flowers.
Everyone knows that red roses are the symbol of passion and love, but different occasions call for different types of flowers, setting some interesting trends in the floral industry.
18. The most popular flowers for special occasions in 2020 were peonies and garden roses.
(Flower Trends Forecast)
Based on floral industry trends for 2020, these flowers were the most popular at special occasions such as weddings or the so-called Black Tie+Barefoot events.
Experts claim that lavender, pink, green, and blue were the primary color palettes that year.
Additionally, Ranunculus, Butterfly Ranunculus, Dahlias, and Hydrangea were also very popular.
19. 32% of mothers want flowers for Mother’s Day.
(Retail Me Not)
Based on a 2020 survey that asked mothers what they wanted to receive as a gift for Mother’s Day, 40% answered “dinner,” while 33% said they’d prefer a gift card.
Horticulture industry trends also note that flowers followed with 32%, compared to only 19% in 2020.
20. Roses, lilies, and carnations were the most popular flowers for funeral arrangements in 2015.
(Funeral One)
Did you know that different rose colors carry specific symbolism? Namely, white roses represent innocence and purity, while red roses convey love, passion, respect, and intimacy.
On the other hand, purple roses display success and dignity, while yellow roses are a symbol of compassion.
FAQ
How much is the flower industry worth?
Despite the Coronavirus pandemic, the global demand for cut flowers, which was estimated to be worth $29.2 billion in 2020, is expected to grow to $41.1 billion by 2027.
Interestingly, in 2020, the demand for cut flowers in the US was estimated to be worth $7.9 billion.
As for the world’s second-largest economy, China, the stats show that, by 2027, the country’s cut flowers market is expected to have a market value of $8.5 million.
Is the floral industry growing?
Yes! As noted, the latest research study has shown that the global market for ornamental plants and flowers is expected to increase at an estimated 6.3% CAGR by 2025.
Keep in mind that this mentioned report focused on the global market, mainly Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.
How big is the floral industry?
The flower industry is a gigantic, global, multi-billion dollar industry.
The Netherlands reigns supreme in the export market, followed by Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Whereas, when it comes to importers, the leading players are the United States, Japan, and Europe.
How much does a florist make a year?
Based on the Society of American Florists’ data from 2020, a retail flower shop’s total annual turnover is $362,318. However, most florists earn $200,000 or less in annual revenue.
Which country is the largest exporter of flowers?
The Netherlands is the largest exporter of flowers, exporting a total worth of $4.6 billion in flower bouquets in 2019.
Colombia comes in second place with $1.4 billion in exports, followed by Ecuador with $879.8 million and Kenya with $709.4 million.
Conclusion
The flower industry statistics featured on our list show that even though the coronavirus pandemic took retailers by storm, the global market for flowers and ornamental plants will grow steadily over the years to come.
Floristry and floriculture are developing rapidly, like many other industries, so we hope these stats and facts can help you understand the industry better.
Sources
- BLS
- Flowers and Plants Association
- Flower Trends Forecast
- Funeral One
- Globe Newswire
- Government of Kenya
- IBISWorld
- IBISWorld
- IBISWorld
- IBISWorld
- Mordor Intelligence
- Mordor Intelligence
- NerdWallet
- Retail Me Not
- SmartAsset
- The Bisouv Network
- The Conversation
- The Government Public Relations Department
- The Washington Post
- World’s Top Exports
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Hermina Drah
Hermina believes that every day is a chance to learn something new about the obscure world around us. The driving force behind her writing is her passion for sharing knowledge with others all around the world. After attaining her master’s degree in English language and literature, she has decided to join the team of creative writers dedicated to delivering the hottest content on the web. So what are Hermina’s favorite topics to cover? Animals, good books, health, fitness, self-care—you name it.
