How You Can Optimize Your Flower Supply Chain: Using Kenya as a Case Study
July 5, 2024
Kenya, a global leader in flower exports, boasts vibrant blooms that grace homes and celebrations worldwide. But the journey from a Kenyan field to a vase across the globe is a delicate one especially because they are temperature-sensitive. Even minor fluctuations can significantly impact flower quality and lifespan.
Did you know that improper temperature monitoring is responsible for an estimated 50% of flower spoilage during the supply chain? This translates to millions of lost dollars for the flower farmers and exporters.
This article explores the challenges of the flower supply chain and how real-time temperature monitoring with Figorr's technology can ensure the freshness and longevity of roses, lilies, and other beautiful blooms.
The Risky Journey of Flowers:
Flowers embark on a long journey, often traveling by air for days to reach their final destinations. Here's a breakdown of the key stages and their temperature monitoring challenges:
On the Farm: Maintaining optimal temperatures during harvesting, packing, and pre-cooling is crucial. Overheating can accelerate flower senescence (aging) and reduce vase life.
Cold Storage and Transportation: Flowers are typically stored in refrigerated facilities before shipping. Inconsistent temperatures during storage or fluctuations during airfreight can cause chilling injuries or trigger premature blooming.
Wholesale and Retail: Maintaining proper cool chain management at wholesale markets and retail stores is vital to prevent wilting and ensure customer satisfaction.
The Cost of Spoilage in the Kenyan Flower Industry:
Temperature mismanagement throughout the supply chain takes a significant financial toll on Kenyan flower businesses. Here's a closer look at the impact:
Lost Revenue: Spoiled flowers translate to lost sales and reduced profits for farmers and exporters.
Reputational Damage: Inconsistent flower quality can damage a company's reputation and lead to lost customer trust.
Operational Inefficiencies: Managing spoilage requires additional resources for disposal and replacement, impacting overall efficiency.
Figorr offers a suite of innovative solutions to empower Kenyan flower businesses with real-time temperature monitoring throughout the supply chain. Here's how Figorr can make a difference:
LoRa & Gateways: Continuously monitor temperature and humidity in greenhouses, cold storage facilities, and packing areas, ensuring optimal conditions.
GSM MOTE: Track the temperature and location of flower shipments in real-time during airfreight, allowing for prompt intervention if temperature fluctuations occur.
Data-Driven Insights: Gain valuable insights into temperature variations throughout the journey, enabling proactive adjustments and improved decision-making.
Minimize Spoilage: Real-time data allows for swift corrective actions, significantly reducing flower loss.
Optimize Logistics: Gain insights into temperature fluctuations during transportation and adjust storage or handling procedures accordingly.
Maximize Profits: Reduced spoilage translates to increased revenue and improved profitability for all stakeholders in the supply chain.
Flowers are a symbol of beauty and celebration worldwide. By embracing real-time monitoring with Figorr, Flower businesses can ensure the freshness and longevity of their blooms, minimizing spoilage, maximizing profits, and solidifying their position in the industry.
