Zimbabwean Flowers to China: 22% Growth on Our Second Successful Export
Zimbabwean flowers have long been admired for their vibrant colour, strong stems and exceptional character. Yet their presence in the Chinese market has always been limited. That is now changing. We at Plus0 are proud to announce that the second shipment of flowers from Zimbabwe to China, carried by Cathay Pacific, has been completed with superb quality. Orders for this second export increased by 22 percent compared with the first shipment. This confirms that the supply chain we have built is not only functioning but growing rapidly.
The increase in orders shows a clear shift in the global flower market. Buyers in China are beginning to recognise the quality coming out of Zimbabwe and the dependability of the logistics route that we have created. What began as a pioneering first shipment has already developed into a repeatable and scalable supply chain. The confidence shown by buyers demonstrates that Zimbabwean flowers are no longer an emerging concept. They are becoming a dependable choice for Chinese wholesalers, florists and distributors.
Trusted Producers Behind the Success
The foundation of this achievement lies with our Zimbabwean partners. Tsanga Flora, Claremont 21 and Sunshine Flowers are established producers known for exceptional growing standards. Their dedication has ensured that every stem meets the high expectations of international buyers. This second shipment also included the striking blue agapanthus variety. This flower, with its distinctive colour and bold structure, is now available to the Chinese market for the very first time.
Consolidation and Preparation at Hortico
Once harvested, the flowers from each farm are taken to Hortico, a leading facility for cooling and preparation. At this stage, quality checks are carried out, flowers are screened and blooms are stabilised at the correct temperatures before transportation. Hortico’s expertise in pre-export preparation ensures that the flowers are preserved at the ideal temperature from the very beginning of the journey.
Cold Chain Transportation from Zimbabwe to Johannesburg
We then take responsibility for the full logistics chain. The flowers are transported from Zimbabwe to Johannesburg using our refrigerated trucking network. Maintaining a continuous cold chain is essential for preserving freshness and vase life. Using strict temperature control, we ensure that the flowers maintain their structure, colour and moisture content throughout the journey. Cold chain transportation is one of the cornerstones of our export model and a major reason for the success of these shipments.
Cold Storage, Screening and Export Clearance
On arrival in Johannesburg, the flowers are placed in our temperature controlled cold rooms. Here they remain in optimal conditions while export procedures are completed. We work closely with a certified canine unit to conduct export screening. This method is efficient, compliant and significantly more cost effective than mechanical screening. It allows us to keep expenses lower for our clients while maintaining strict adherence to international export requirements.
Airfreight with Cathay Pacific
After screening and preparation, the flowers are flown to Asia on Cathay Pacific. The airline offers highly reliable airfreight handling for perishables and maintains the temperature controlled environment that flowers require. Once the shipment arrives in Asia, it is imported and distributed by Marginpar, a world leading floral brand. Marginpar works with more than 300 million stems a year and is connected to farms across Africa. Their farm partnership information can be found here:
https://www.marginpar.com/about-us/farms
With Marginpar’s distribution network in China, Zimbabwean flowers are now reaching the market quickly and efficiently.
A New Opportunity for Chinese Buyers
For flower buyers in China, this second shipment proves that sourcing from Zimbabwe is not only possible but commercially viable. With the arrival of the blue agapanthus variety, buyers now have access to a unique range that is not commonly available in their existing supply markets. The increased order volume shows confidence in the consistency, reliability and freshness of Zimbabwean flowers.
This achievement is a result of close collaboration between growers, processors, logistics providers and global distributors. With an integrated model and the right partners, even the most ambitious trade routes can be established. We believe the continued growth of orders will open doors for additional varieties and increased production volumes.
The second successful export from Zimbabwe to China marks an inspiring step forward for African agriculture and international floral trade. We are excited for what comes next and look forward to expanding this route, supporting more growers and continuing to bring exceptional Zimbabwean flowers into the Chinese market.