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Australian native flower exports to Japan solid despite challenges

23 May 2013

Australia’s wildflower exports achieved solid sales results in Japan in 2012, despite numerous challenges to the industry, according to data from the North Asian nation’s largest wholesale flower auction.

Japan is the biggest export market for Australian banksias and other native flowers, which are used to create high-end bouquets for posh weddings, exhibitions and hotel lobbies, as well as ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement.

However, a strong Australian dollar and natural disasters in Japan have challenged the industry.

Despite the obstacles, Australia posted the second highest total sales of niche, ‘non-traditional’ cut flowers at the Ota Floriculture Auction, according to Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) Business Development Manager Kazuko Nishikawa.

Ota is the largest central wholesale floricultural market in Japan, and the world's third largest wholesale market.

Ms Nishikawa, based in Tokyo, has been assisting peak industry body Wildflowers Australia in their efforts to boost exports to Japan.

Expressions of interest from the Japan Floral Marketing Association signal a possible broadening of the market to include other types of Australian flowers. In response to the interest, Ms Nishikawa has been working with the state Government of Tasmania and growers there on possible export opportunities.

Tasmania’s state government has said their floriculture industry is strong and has been growing steadily for many years, Ms Nishikawa said.

“While their main export destination today is Europe, they are willing to study opportunities in other markets, including Japan,” she said.   

Austrade Japan features a series of articles on Australia’s wildflower industry.