BENGALURU: As love fills the air, millions of roses from Bengaluru are soaring across the globe to meet the Valentine’s Week demand. Karnataka’s capital, often called India’s ‘rose hub’, is witnessing a floral frenzy as growers and exporters rush to ship fresh blooms to markets worldwide.

According to International Flower Auction Bengaluru (IFAB), which brings sellers and buyers on to a common platform to facilitate the export of high-quality cut flowers every day, 6 lakh stemmed roses have been sold or auctioned daily on an average since Feb 1.
Bengaluru roses are being exported to all European countries, besides Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, the UAE, and Sri Lanka. But why are they so popular? The city’s roses are prized for their beautiful colours, long stems, and extended vase life, thanks to Bengaluru’s ideal climate and innovative floriculture techniques. M Vishwanath, MD of IFAB, explained: “Valentine’s season is a big driver, but weddings across the country are also fuelling the demand for roses.
Exports are another major factor. As we check with our growers, they’ve received strong enquiries from international buyers. Export shipments typically peak from Feb 7 or 8, and this year is no different. The bulk of shipments will go out on 8, 9, 10, and 11 this month. Growers are seeing good demand and prices are looking strong. It’s shaping up to be a great season.”
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the demand is expected to peak on Feb 11 and 12. “I’m expecting more than 11 lakh stems to move this week alone. Valentine’s demand always surges and this year looks even better.” The prices of single-stemmed roses have increased by 75%, Vishwanath told TOI. “Last year, a single-stemmed rose was priced at an average of Rs 8; now it has increased to Rs 14, which has boosted our export sales.”
Production up too
Florists and wholesalers are working round the clock to fulfil orders from destinations around the globe. Veena AM, assistant general manager, IFAB, said, “While the Netherlands and other countries of Europe are the highest consumers of Bengaluru’s roses, this year it has been Malaysia, followed by Singapore and Sri Lanka.”
Srikanth Bollapally, president of Global Flower Council of India, highlighted that there was a 20% increase in production of roses in the city this year. “Over the years, Bengaluru’s market has brought a diversity of colours in its production as well.”
However, Srikanth told TOI that compared to the international market, Bengaluru’s roses do well in domestic markets. “With export charges and GST, the international market hasn’t been so great. The domestic market, on the other hand, has both Valentine’s Day and wedding season happening at the same time. European countries are one of the biggest markets for us because Europe has a harsh winter during Valentine’s Day, which leads to a drop in production of their roses.”