Photograph by Nigel Cox
Colombia dominates the U.S. cut-flower market, sending us $500 million of blooms last year. By that measure, Japan, with just $200,000 in exports to the United States, is but a tiny bud. But thanks to its flowers' stunning quality and a marketing push by the company Bloom Japan, that's changing -- imports from the country have more than tripled over the past two years. "The product from Japan has really upped the ante," says Lauren Page of wholesaler G. Page in New York. "The flowers are 6 inches taller and last for weeks."
Take the Paphiopedilum Sato Green, a slipper orchid bred at Sato Orchid Farm on subtropical Shikoku. "Paph production elsewhere is systematic," says Bloom Japan CEO Yutaka Shirakawa. "There's no special care for each plant." On Shikoku, orchids like the Sato Green are grown on small family farms. The price of that Tlc? This specimen retails for up to $40 per bloom.
Colombia dominates the U.S. cut-flower market, sending us $500 million of blooms last year. By that measure, Japan, with just $200,000 in exports to the United States, is but a tiny bud. But thanks to its flowers' stunning quality and a marketing push by the company Bloom Japan, that's changing -- imports from the country have more than tripled over the past two years. "The product from Japan has really upped the ante," says Lauren Page of wholesaler G. Page in New York. "The flowers are 6 inches taller and last for weeks."
Take the Paphiopedilum Sato Green, a slipper orchid bred at Sato Orchid Farm on subtropical Shikoku. "Paph production elsewhere is systematic," says Bloom Japan CEO Yutaka Shirakawa. "There's no special care for each plant." On Shikoku, orchids like the Sato Green are grown on small family farms. The price of that Tlc? This specimen retails for up to $40 per bloom.
- 5/6/2010
- by Stephanie Schomer
- Fast Company
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.