With Mother’s Day approaching, filial sons and daughters might need to pay extra to demonstrate their gratitude to their mothers this year, as flower prices have seen a dramatic increase, in particular that of carnations, after a series of rainy days last week.
The wholesale price of carnations rose from NT$34.1 per bouquet last week to NT$52.2 on Monday, according to the Council of Agriculture statistics. However, in a matter of one day, a larger increase of 22 percent was seen yesterday, to NT$63.7 a bouquet, a 67 percent increase from the same period last year.
The wholesale rates for flowers also went up 15 percent to NT$51.7 a bunch over the past week, with prices for caspias soaring 1.27 times to NT$54.7, roses and sunflowers climbing by 50 percent to NT$116 and NT$90 respectively, and oriental lilies and longflower lilies both increasing by 10 percent.
Taiwan Florists’ Transworld Delivery Association director Chen Ching-yu (陳清鈺) said flower prices had remained stable as consumption diminished following the government’s recent decisions to increase petroleum-based fuel and electricity prices.
However, the downpours seen over the past three days have taken a toll on the output of carnations, prompting severe flower shortages in the market and hence raising prices, Chen said.
In related news, hotel excutives said yesterday that customers who want to have a meal with their mother on Mother’s Day, but have not yet made reservations, might have trouble finding a restaurant with available space.
Restaurants, especially at five-star hotels, are all fully booked.
Winona Hsieh, public relations manager at Taipei’s Westin Hotel, said a growing number of people have chosen to celebrate the occasion at top-end restaurants.
She suggested reservations should be made early every year to avoid disappointment.
Meanwhile, sales in the retail sector have been on the rise in conjunction with Mother’s Day promotional campaigns.
Sales have risen despite concerns over higher prices, retailers said.
Additional reporting by CNA
Translated by Stacy Hsu, Staff Writer
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