Within the cultural context of China, flowers hold significant symbolic meaning, embodying numerous cherished aspirations. A floral gift during festivals conveys deep affection and enduring friendships. A thriving potted plant on a balcony or in a courtyard adds beauty, vibrancy, and vitality to homes. Flowers and plants become vessels for people's hopes and well-wishes, resulting in a sustained rise in the consumption of cut flowers, potted plants, and other floral products.

       According to Meituan data, online group purchasing orders for flowers and plants in Chengdu witnessed a 25% year-on-year increase in the first quarter. As we enter the second quarter, the arrival of important festivals and milestones such as May 20th, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and university graduation season stimulates the revival of floral consumption. These occasions unleash a crucial force that drives the recovery of consumer spending and fosters growth.

       Flourishing Flower Consumption

       Preference for High-end Bouquets

       "During holidays and weekends, the volume of bouquet orders surges. Since the beginning of spring, with the density of holiday periods, we have observed a surge in order volume and a notable increase in repeat customers," explains the owner of a flower shop in Jinniu District. On June 18th, before and after Father's Day, the shop received over 2,000 daily orders. Consequently, the owner has taken extra measures to ensure sufficient stock to meet customer demand.

       Simultaneously, with the continuous evolution of e-commerce, livestream sales, and community group buying, the fervor for flower consumption has expanded from offline to online platforms. "During festive occasions, ordering a bouquet of flowers through food delivery has become an essential choice for gifting among many individuals," states Meituan Delivery service.

       Meituan Delivery reveals that as a significant holiday for flower consumption, this year's Mother's Day and May 20th have ignited a fresh wave of consumer enthusiasm for flowers. During Mother's Day, flower orders in Sichuan Province witnessed a 48% year-on-year growth, while orders on May 20th increased by 10%. Chengdu emerged as the city with the highest nationwide flower purchases during the May 20th period.

       Moreover, in terms of growth patterns, consumers are increasingly favoring high-quality, aesthetically pleasing high-end bouquets. In the past, consumers often chose conventional flower bouquets, such as 11 red roses or 11 carnations, as festival gifts. However, this year, flower bouquets characterized by sophisticated designs and artistic elements have gained popularity among consumers.

       Recognizing this shifting trend, Meituan Delivery introduced the "You Huayang" project in 2022, focusing on high-quality flowers and emphasizing high-end bouquets. During this year's May 20th period, sales from the "You Huayang" project soared by 207% compared to Valentine's Day.

       From gifts to consumer goods, the floral economy is experiencing a sustained surge in popularity. The burgeoning consumer demand for flowers has given rise to new models throughout the entire industry chain. The "explosive" growth of the floral economy in the e-commerce era is underpinned by a significant transformation in the supply and sales chain of flowers.

       A cohort of devoted users has already been cultivated, and the online flower retail industry is increasingly maturing. However, amidst substantial market potential, platforms must confront the issue of homogeneity. In the future, upgrading the quality, diversity of varieties, and packaging design of flowers may unlock even greater consumer potential. 

       Home Gardening Soars

       Flowering Plants Capture Ongoing Attention

       "Beyond festive occasions, consumers have gradually embraced the new habit of purchasing potted plants online while shopping for groceries, thus bringing flowers into their homes with ease," explains Lu Shuyu, the head of Chengdu Maisuihuafei Floral Technology Co., Ltd. With the development of community e-commerce services, an increasing number of Chengdu residents are now buying potted flowers through these platforms.

       Lu Shuyu further emphasizes that within the realm of home consumption, there is a shift in the demand for flowers from purely ornamental to a combination of practicality and aesthetics. Cut flowers such as roses, lilies, and carnations, as well as potted plants like gardenias and spider plants, are high in repeat purchases. Notably, plants like mint, which serve both as ornamentals and edible herbs, have gained immense popularity among Chengdu users. Diversified consumer preferences have consequently propelled the demand for potted plants.

       According to Meituan data, online group purchasing orders for flowers and plants in Chengdu rose by 25% compared to the same period last year during the first quarter of this year. Among the most beloved flower and plant choices for Chengdu residents are gardenias, roses, epipremnum aureum, mint, lucky bamboo, carnations, potted roses, lilies, delphiniums, and water lilies. Additionally, sales of aloe vera, money trees, bambusa multiplex, and rhododendrons have witnessed a rapid upsurge, captivating the interest of residents.

       "Home gardening is flourishing in Chengdu, driven by the city's commitment to creating a beautiful living environment and a high-quality lifestyle through park city development. This emerging trend presents a new avenue for flower retail, and its future growth holds great promise," expresses industry insiders. As home flower scenes become increasingly prevalent and popular, the demand for high-quality flowers is projected to rise annually, thus fueling substantial growth in premium potted plants and other flowering plants.