SME  /  E-COMMERCE

By FedEx | February 2, 2026

Flowers are among the most time- and temperature-sensitive cargo in global trade. Here’s a peek into the challenges that logistics teams tackle behind the scenes – and how shipping flowers intra-Asia can streamline the journey from farm to vase.

• International flower delivery requires precise temperature control, careful handling, and the right packaging to protect highly perishable cargo in transit.
• Peak seasons like Valentine’s Day and the Lunar New Year create intense demand spikes, making shorter intra-Asia routes essential for meeting tight delivery windows and preserving flower quality.
• APAC’s growing network of flower producers supports faster and more reliable regional trade, helping businesses reduce transit times, improve freshness, and align supply with demand cycles.

Across Asia, flowers play starring roles in everyday life – from Lunar New Year offerings and spring festivals, to wedding decorations, Valentine’s Day bouquets, and colorful hotel arrangements.

Behind the scenes, it takes meticulous planning, handling, and timing for these flowers to cross borders and arrive in perfect condition. Flower shipping demands precision – especially during peak seasons like Valentine’s Day, when millions of blooms must be shipped within days.

Asia Pacific (APAC) may not be the first region that comes to mind when thinking about global flower exports. But it’s home to a rich variety of producers – from large-scale exporters in China to orchid specialists and niche growers across Southeast Asia. As intra-Asia trade grows, regional businesses are finding that shipping flowers closer to home can be faster, more reliable, and better aligned with demand cycles.

Here’s a look at what makes the logistics of flower delivery so demanding, and how sourcing within APAC can give your business a competitive advantage.

APAC’s flower exports: More than just the usual suspects

For over two centuries, the Netherlands has been the beating heart of the global flower trade. But producers in APAC are increasingly emerging as major players on the international stage.

For example, China has become the world’s largest producer of fresh-cut carnations and lilies, and the second-largest producer of fresh-cut Chinese roses and chrysanthemums. Today, the country boasts a total planting area of 1.5 million hectares.

Other Asian markets have carved out specialized niches. Thailand, for instance, is one of the world’s leading orchid exporters. Prized for their longevity and vibrant colors, Thai orchids are especially popular in markets such as Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Meanwhile, Vietnam and Malaysia are building a growing reputation for orchids, roses, and chrysanthemums, which are widely used for decoration, gifting, and ancestor worship across Asia.

These markets may not always make headlines, but together, they form a dynamic and fast-growing trade lane within the region.

The thorny challenges of flower shipping

International flower shipping is no bed of roses. Fresh blooms are perishable, seasonal, and highly sensitive to time and temperature, making it risky to transport them over long distances. 

As APAC flower production grows, shipping nearer to home offers practical advantages. Shorter regional routes enable both importers and exporters to plan their inventory and meet peak-season surges without compromising quality.

Let’s look at three key challenges of flower delivery that logistics teams handle behind the scenes:

1. Keeping flowers alive is a precise science

Shipping flowers isn’t just about moving boxes. It’s about controlling a biological process.

• Temperature: Most cut flowers travel best between 0°C and 12°C. Above that temperature range, they age quickly, and when temperatures get too low, they risk cold shock.
• Humidity: Dry air causes dehydration, while excess moisture encourages mold.
• Ethylene exposure: Some flowers are sensitive to ethylene, a natural gas that accelerates plant aging. These must be kept away from certain fruits and vegetables, such as apples.
• Handling: Even slight crushing or vibration can bruise petals and affect their appearance.

These factors make cold-chain logistics essential. Controlled, consistent conditions from farm to aircraft to final delivery enable flowers to arrive looking like they were freshly plucked.

Cut flowers continue to respire after harvest, slowly using up stored sugars and moisture. Every extra hour in transit adds stress. In many cases, flowers grown in Southeast Asia can reach nearby markets in under 48 hours – and this speed helps keep blooms looking fresh and gift-ready for customers. 

2. Cultural calendars drive demand spikes

Flower sales fluctuate throughout the year. Demand follows cultural and emotional moments such as celebrations, seasonal festivals, memorial days, and more. 

In the APAC calendar, some key events that drive demand for flowers include: 

• Lunar New Year: One of Asia’s biggest celebrations, the Lunar New Year features flowers like orchids and plum blossoms, which symbolize prosperity, renewal, and good fortune. To meet massive demand, flower markets across China and beyond ramp up sales campaigns ahead of the festivities.
• Valentine’s Day: The day of love brings an annual surge in flower sales, with some florists seeing an average increase of 200% to 300% in orders compared to regular weeks. 
• White Day: White Day is usually celebrated in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, and Vietnam on March 14 – one month after Valentine’s Day. It’s when men reciprocate with gifts, such as flowers, in return for the presents they received on Valentine’s Day.
• Wedding seasons: From bridal bouquets to floral archways, flowers are the centerpiece of many weddings in APAC. While this may vary by country, APAC’s wedding flower market has the highest growth potential globally due to high marriage rates and evolving cultural norms.

For growers, exporters, and importers, these demand spikes create short and intense shipping windows. Miss the moment, and the flowers lose much of their value. Regional supply chains and strong logistics connectivity help businesses respond quickly, scaling up capacity during demand surges and scaling back just as quickly.

3. Proper packaging can make or break freshness

A strong cold chain can easily be compromised by weak packaging. International flower delivery usually requires:

• Sturdy outer cartons with ventilation
• Inner liners to manage moisture
• Absorbent materials at the stem bases
• Clear labeling to guide handling

The right packaging is essential for protection. It helps maintain airflow, stabilize temperature, and facilitate inspection during customs checks. Some exporters also opt for reusable packaging to minimize waste on return shipments, especially for high-volume, short-distance regional routes.

Regional supply chains offer the advantage of shorter transit times, reducing the need for handovers and heavy packaging to safeguard flowers over long journeys. This results in less packaging waste, simpler logistics, and fresher flowers.

How FedEx supports time- and temperature-sensitive flower shipping

Whether you’re shipping intra-Asia or beyond, international flower shipments demand precision, visibility, and speed.

FedEx meets these needs through a combination of regional air connectivity, expedited services, and cold-chain capabilities. Businesses importing or exporting flowers can benefit from:

• Time-definite international shipping that aligns with harvest and event schedules
• Cold-chain solutions, including temperature-controlled transport and facilities
• Near-real-time shipment monitoring to stay informed and respond quickly if conditions change
• Special handling expertise for time-critical and temperature-sensitive cargo

With extensive coverage across APAC, we can help your business move flowers swiftly and efficiently between regional markets.

Why the APAC flower trade is set to keep growing

Demand for fresh, high-quality flowers across APAC shows no signs of slowing. As regional trade lanes strengthen and more customers expect faster delivery, businesses are diversifying their supply chains, setting the stage for robust growth.

For growers and exporters, shipping flowers within APAC opens new markets without the challenges of long-haul transport. For buyers, it means fresher blooms that arrive on time, every time. At FedEx, this is another example of how reliable regional connectivity helps delicate goods travel safely.