Local fynbos bagged South African gold at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, which opened in London on Tuesday (21 May).
The display was also named the “Best Exhibit in the Great Pavilion” as well as “The Best New Design”.
Following a partnership between Cape Flora SA (CFSA) and the provincial government, CFSA board member Jacky Goliath, managing director of De Fynne Nursery outside Paarl, flew the flag for both upcoming and commercial cut-flower producers at the Chelsea Flower Show. The international flower show, hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society, attracts thousands of international visitors annually, who take in each participating country’s national horticultural display. South African fynbos displays have won 37 gold medals since 1976, when it participated for the first time, and is the favourite of many flower enthusiasts.
“The South African team and our products have been well received,” said Goliath, a resident of Kylemore.
“Being part of the team and working with our national plants is just so exciting. Everyone is excited to see SA back at the show. Our products stand out so nicely. It is an honour to represent SA.”
The country’s exhibit at Chelsea showcased the diversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Fynbos cut flowers are one of the Western Cape’s income-generating export products. Cape flora accounts for 90% of SA’s cut flower exports and provides income to many communities in rural areas.
Last year, freshly cut flowers performed better than dried flowers on the global export market, valued at R85 billion compared to R10 billion.
In SA fresh-cut flowers also performed better than dried flowers on the export market, valued at R932 million compared to R98 million for dried flowers in 2023.
According to the manager of Cape Flora, Karien Bezuidenhout, the growth of the export market has triggered modernisation and innovation in the industry. “This has led to higher product quality, which has benefited sales in domestic and international markets.”
Dr Ivan Meyer, provincial agriculture minister, is happy about SA’s participation, as showcasing the unique fynbos is set to increase exports of fynbos cut flowers, so more jobs will be created, and both commercial and new farmers will benefit.
