Carnation sales decline as practical gifts gain popularity

[Photo by Yonhap]

Carnations, traditionally given as tokens of gratitude to parents and teachers in May, are gradually falling out of favor as practical gifts become more preferred among consumers in South Korea.

According to sources on Thursday, the total quantity of carnations auctioned at Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation’s flower market in Yangjae-dong, southern Seoul, amounted to 27,305 units (1 unit equals 20 stems) from April 25 to May 2, down 34.6 percent compared to the same period last year (41,756 units).

The average price per unit also fell by 4.1 percent to 8,085 won from last year’s 8,434 won.

The decline is more significant compared to 2022. During the same period in 2022, the total quantity auctioned was 70,788 units, with an average price of 9,243 won per unit.

The trend is attributed to the continued preference for more practical gifts.

Cash and gift vouchers remain popular choices, and health supplements such as vitamins and red ginseng, as well as massage devices, are gaining popularity as gifts.

The fact that wholesale prices of carnations are decreasing while retail prices remain unchanged also contributes to consumers reducing their demand for carnations.