When we think of the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, it can be quite easy to feel as though we are all very far away from the issue and therefore not affected by what is going on. However, as we know all know from the recent hike in fuel prices worldwide, this is something that is affecting everyone and the flower industry is definitely no exception. The entire global economy is feeling the effects of what is happening in Eastern Europe at the moment.

As we’re all aware from the history of the world, the ravages of conflict bring with it economic turmoil and this instance is no different.

How is this affecting the flower industry?

Not being able to ship to Eastern Europe at the moment closes out a whole (and very large) market for the flower industry. This means that there is a huge loss of revenue for flower farmers, flower exporters and florists. One market being temporarily unavailable means shifts and changes to the entire industry. Everyone has to adjust - from the flower farmers to the customer at the end of the supply chain. The timing of the conflict coincided with International Women’s Day and Russian Mother’s Day, two very big occasions for the flower industry, meaning that again, the whole industry has taken a huge hit.

Due to much of the Eastern European market not being available for import, there is a massive influx of supply but unfortunately not enough demand. Flower farmers have too many flowers and no one to sell them to.

The global hike in cost of oil has resulted in massive delays to the export industry and is affecting everything related to shipment. As an export company, this is of course affecting the way many exporters run their businesses and reverberates all the way down the chain to the customers.

So, although the conflict may be geographically far away from many of us -especially the Kenyan flower farms that we at Azalea work with, this very unfortunate ongoing event is having a ripple effect and affecting the lives of many people all over the world. As we are now a global community, when one country coughs, the whole world catches a cold. With the global flower industry still recuperating after the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, this is yet another major setback majorly affecting the supply chain.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the ongoing conflict.

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