Cut flowers are traded in three quality groups: A1, A2 and B1. A1 roses must meet all freshness. Any fault result in downgrading to A2 or B1. Over 20% of the flowers shipped by growers never reach the final consumer in the export market because they are lost or damaged during the various stages of the distribution chain. Losses can be reduced by ensuring more careful Bunching and Packing Images for Roses

Bunching and Packing Images for Roses

Quality groups: A1, A2 and B1 – Packing Images for Roses

Cut flowers are traded in three quality groups: A1, A2 and B1. A1 roses must meet all the minimum requirements for internal quality, freshness, freedom from parasites, damage, deficiencies, deviations, contamination, absence of leaves on the lower 10 cm of the stem, stems that are straight and sturdy enough to bear the flower, uniformity of colour, thickness, sturdiness and bouquet volume, and proper packaging. Any deviations from these requirements may result in downgrading from A1 to A2 or B1. Cut flowers that do not meet the minimum criteria for B1 are not traded.

The batch must be free of growth defects including flat buds, grass hearts and crooked necks.

Roses are graded according to:

• Length: all Roses must be bunched so that the stems in the bunch are even at the bottom;
• Ripeness;
• Number of bloomable buds;
• Height of flower bud: graded in 1-cm classes; the grade can be mentioned in the grade code by using characteristics code S19; the smallest height in the batch determines the code to be indicated;
  Number of stems per bunch.

Growers are responsible for the grading and the reliability of the information that they provide with their lot.

In general, a grower’s good reputation is often rewarded with a higher average price per stem.

Packaging – Packing Images for Roses

Imported roses are often traded in cardboard boxes. The quantity of roses in these boxes is increasing to reduce costs. Roses are often shipped without plastic sleeves to avoid the build-up of humidity. After arrival, the roses are often repackaged at the auction or by specialised importers.

Roses that are supplied must be:

• Supplied in bunches of 10 or 20 stems;
• Provided with separate foil packaging for each barrel unit
• Bunched with all flower buds at the same level or in two layers. With two layers, the separate layers may not touch each other;
• Supplied in clean water