MINIMUM ORDER FOR CARNATIONS

• Colombia: 1 Quattro Box = 1 QB = 0.25 FB
• Ecuador: 1 Quattro Box = 1 QB = 0.25 FB
• Kenya: 1 Small Jumbo Box = 1 SJB
• Ethiopia: 1 Small Zim Box = 1 SZB

PACKAGING

COLOMBIA

Standard bunch: 25 stems

Types of boxes used for packing Colombian carnations:

• QB (Quattro Box)

Average packing by grade:

select = 70 cm:

• QB: 400 stems

fancy = 60 cm:

• QB: 400 stems

standard = 50 cm:

• QB: 400-500 stems

ECUADOR

Standard bunch: 25 stems

Types of boxes used for packing Ecuadorian carnations:

• QB (Quattro Box)
• EB (Eighth Box) (rare)

Average packing by grade:

select = 70 cm:

• QB: 400 stems
• EB: 150 stems

fancy = 60 cm:

• QB: 400 stems

❗ Important:

Farms rarely pack carnations in EB boxes, as there is a high risk of damage during transportation..

KENYA

Standard bunch: 20 stems

Less common options: 10 stems per bunch

Types of boxes used for packing carnations from Kenya:

• SJB (Small Jumbo Box)

Average packing by grade:

select = 70 cm:

• SJB: 400-600 stems

fancy = 60 cm:

• SJB: 500-700 stems

standard = 50 cm:

• SJB: 500-700 stems

Kenyan products often have a simpler packaging design compared to those from Ecuador and Colombia.

ETHIOPIA

Standard bunch: 20 stems

Types of boxes for packing Ethiopian carnations:

• SZB (Small Zim Box)

Average packing by grade:

select = 70 cm:

• SZB: 400-500 stems

fancy = 60 cm:

• SZB: 400-500 stems

standard = 50 cm:

• SZB: 400-500 stems

Ethiopian carnations may also be packaged more simply compared to products from Ecuador and Colombia.

PACKAGING VARIATIONS

Factors affecting the number of stems per box:

• bud opening
• grade
• market conditions (high/low demand)
• availability of specific box types at the farm

Upon request:

• various packaging options can be selected
• the optimal number of stems per box can be chosen

It is recommended to coordinate this in advance with the manager.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHOOSING BOX TYPES

For Ecuador and Colombia, the QB (Quattro Box) is considered the optimal and most popular format among our customers for purchasing carnations. It has proven to be a convenient and practical solution both during handling and transportation, ensuring efficient use of space and better product preservation.

CHARACTERISTICS OF CARNATIONS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

Daoflowers offers carnations from growers in Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya, and Ethiopia.

COLOMBIA

World leader in carnation production (~40% of exports) All grades available Wide range of varieties and colors Strong and straight stems High quality consistency Strong position in dyed carnations Stable volumes are ensured through standing orders: the majority of production is sold through these orders Availability on the open market is often limited

ECUADOR

• A rapidly growing segment
• Primarily grown in the Select grade
• Rich colors, long and sturdy stems
• Strict classification standards
• Competitive quality
• Production of dyed carnations is on the rise: from non-standard shades to multicolored gradients
• A well-developed real-time purchasing system with instant confirmation: daily offers from farms and promotions

KENYA

• The second most popular flower after roses
• The buds are smaller, the stems may be thinner, but the flowers are quite durable
• Classification can be inconsistent; quality may vary by batch
• A varied range of colors, but availability is inconsistent; substitutions within color groups are possible

ETHIOPIA

• Characterized by small, more closed buds
• The price-quality ratio is currently inferior to that of products from Ecuador, Colombia, and Kenya
• The export system is developing, but is currently less stable than in Kenya.

GRADATION

Carnations are typically classified into grades based on stem length and bud size:

• standard (corresponds to a length of 50–55 cm, small bud)
• fancy (corresponds to a length of 60–65 cm, slightly larger bud)
• select (corresponds to a length of 70+ cm, largest bud)

❗Important:
Depending on the farm, the actual length in centimeters may vary slightly within each grade.

Grade availability by country of origin:

• Colombia: select, fancy, standard
• Ecuador: select, fancy (редко)
• Kenya: select, fancy, standard
• Ethiopia: select, fancy, standard

OPENING STAGE

The opening stage of a carnation is one of the key commercial parameters that determines its visual appeal and whether it meets customer expectations. The question of the optimal opening stage for carnations is quite controversial. Preferences can vary significantly depending on the consumer segment as well as the country:

• Some markets prefer fully or nearly fully closed buds that gradually open after delivery, ensuring a longer vase life.
• Other markets prioritize the most visually appealing decorative appearance and prefer buds that are almost fully open.

Thus, the opening stage of carnations represents a balance between practicality and decorative appeal, determined by the requirements of the specific market.

The professional classification system uses a bud-opening scale.

By default, Daoflowers purchases carnations primarily at opening stages 4–5 (half-open to fully open buds).

Why opening stages 4–5 are considered optimal:

• Semi-open to open bud: the flower already has its full visual volume and decorative appeal
• The most balanced appearance for retail sales and versatile use

Purchasing practices:

• Many farms standardize their cut flowers specifically for opening stages 4–5
• Opening stages 4–5 are the most in demand among our customers

Regional characteristics:

• Carnations from Kenya and Ethiopia are often supplied with a more closed buds that is considered the norm for African products

❗ Important:

• If you require a specific opening stage, be sure to coordinate with the manager when placing your order.
• Different opening stages may require special preparation at the farm.
• Common misconception: A more closed carnation bud will not open.
• In practice, a more closed bud does not mean the flower will remain unopened; rather, it is often used to increase the product’s logistical stability and extend its vase life.

PURCHASE FORMAT

Carnations are typically offered by color, variety, and grade.

Carnations can be ordered in several formats depending on the customer’s needs:

• by color (one color per box: this may consist of a single variety or different varieties within the same color group)
• by variety (one variety per box)
• mixed boxes (composed at the farm’s choice)
• mixed boxes upon the customer’s individual request (we can arrange and control for 2 chosen varieties to be packed in one box by the farm)

❗ Important:
The ability to compose mixed boxes upon the customer’s individual request:

• depends on the farm and availability
• requires prior approval
• is not always 100% guaranteed, but we do our best to support the process
• for complete certainty, we recommend placing a standing order: in this case, the agreed-upon farm will pack the same set of varieties for the customer every week. Please note that this standing order format may be more expensive than a regular mix selected at the farm’s choice.

PRICING POLICY

COLOMBIA

• On average, prices are higher than in Ecuador, especially under regular conditions.
• Special offers and promotions are less common

ECUADOR

• FOB prices are often more favorable, especially during periods of low market demand or high production
• Air freight per one kilogram of flower cargo is more expensive than from Colombia
• As a result the final cost to the buyer may be virtually comparable to that of Colombian products

KENYA AND ETHIOPIA

• These markets are generally positioned as more flexible and affordable.

ORDER PLACING GUIDELINES

• Place your order in advance - a few days before the date of departure from the farm.
• Please note: if your order includes popular or seasonal items, placing it in advance significantly increases the likelihood of confirmation.
• Dyed carnations - require several days to prepare. Orders are typically accepted 4–5 days before departure from the farm, depending on the complexity of the dyeing process, the season, and current market demand.

Also:

• Daily offers on our online trading platform.
• Up-to-date availability and special offers from over 80 carnation growers are always available, allowing you to quickly find the best purchasing options.

AVAILABILITY

Carnations from Ecuador, Colombia, Kenya, and Ethiopia are available year-round, eliminating the seasonal issues typical of other growing countries, such as Turkey.

Your choice depends on:

• required quality parameters
• grades
• packaging format
• price-quality ratio.

It is worth noting that peak and off-peak production periods for carnations often do not coincide across different countries. This allows customers to offset shortages in one country with high production in another.

The Daoflowers team is always ready to:

• find the best option
• suggest alternatives
• advise you on the opening stage, packaging, and quality