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R. Balaji

Companies aiming at higher growth thru tie-ups with leading retailers

Tuticorin March 19 To most, dried flowers would mean shrivelled, withering plant material destined to the dustbin, but not in Tuticorin. Here dried flowers mean glossy, shining, perfumed arrangements of plants and agriculture waste meant to be a showpiece at home.

The coming year is expected to be a good one for dried flowers exporters based in Tuticorin.

Over the years they have moved from bulk and commodity exports to direct exports.

According to Mr Amit Lodha, Director, Ramesh Flowers Pvt Ltd, which is in its 25th year of business, the company expects to close the year with a turnover of Rs 60 crore, and is confident of at least a 10 per cent growth in the coming year. The trend is expected to hold for sometime.

According to Mr Lodha, Ramesh Flowers caters to leading retailers such as Ikea and Wal-Mart. Designers are now coming in to develop new product ranges, he said.

Earlier, exporters had to deal with third-party importers. The dried plant materials were exported as `loose botanicals' and the arrangements would be made in China, Thailand or Sri Lanka. But the companies have shifted to direct exports over the years, Mr Lodha said.

Mr Russell Motha, President, Hogewoning, another leading exporter of dried flowers, says the company is coming into its own after a decade in the business.

With the marketing tie up with leading retailers in Europe and the US, the company is on growth path.

About investments in the business, he says it is not about money but the wealth of a decade-long experience.

Earlier the industry was subjected to seasonal cycles - all buying from the West is based around the Christmas season. That would mean a July-August shipping peak.

But Hogewoning, a Dutch joint venture, has built a customer base around the world and caters to various markets. This would be the first year for the company without the seasonal pressures.

It has sufficient marketing arrangements with leading retailers who build up inventories throughout the year. Also, the company depends on its partner for just 10 per cent of its marketing, Mr Motha said.

More Stories on : Floriculture | Exports & Imports | Tamil Nadu

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