Millions of orchids are being thrown away by the world's leading exporter in Thailand

Global tourism is collapsing, as is the orchid industry in Thailand, the leading exporting country, where flowers are considered a symbol of hospitality.

Global demand for cut flowers, from Thai orchids to Dutch tulips and Kenyan roses, has plummeted as businesses and hotels close their doors worldwide and consumers stay home.

Millions of orchids – used to decorate hotels and restaurants, and for parties and events – are cut and thrown away every day because they cannot find a buyer, according to Sompong Thaveesuk, vice president of the Thai Orchid Garden Business Association.

Destinations for orchids

Thailand sells more than a third of its exports to Europe and the United States.

"There are practically no buyers, and even if we wanted to export flowers, we couldn't because most of the passenger flights that usually carry them have been cancelled," said Mr. Sompong, who estimated that demand had fallen by 95%.

Thailand exports more than half of all the orchids it grows in a global industry worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

But it's not just exporters who are struggling.

Domestic buyer demand has also fallen because tourism, which normally contributes about one-fifth of the economy, is at a standstill.

Thai orchid producers and exporters, who employ some 50,000 people, are now focusing on continuing to operate the farms, while waiting for buyers to return.

As coronavirus cases and deaths continue to rise worldwide, and lockdowns appear likely to continue, it may still be a long way off.

Source: bloomberg.com – Photo: Timtimd