by Tyler Durden
Saturday, May 08, 2021 - 09:55 AM
Senior Biden economic officials are being peppered by complaints of supply chain disruptions, soaring inflation, and shortages. They seemingly have no solution in the short run as the ripple effects of COVID-19 continue wreaking havoc on global supply chains. The latest shortage is one that could break your mum s heart this upcoming Mother s Day as there appears to be a short supply of flowers.
CBS News spoke with florists who warn national strikes in Colombia and trucker shortages across the US have resulted in delayed or canceled shipments of hyacinths and other flowers from South America, Holland, Ireland, and Israel.
Shortage of flowers sends floral prices up ahead of Mother s Day
Shutterstock
and last updated 2021-05-06 14:28:10-04
Like many goods during the pandemic, there appears to be a shortage of flowers and it has sent prices up in the U.S. as we approach Motherâs Day.
A number of other factors have contributed to the apparent shortage, including trucking issues, protests in Columbia, inclement weather, and coronavirus-related problems in growing areas, like in South America, where much of the floral supply is grown.
Larry Gramith, the owner the Chicago Flower Exchange, told CBS News that flowers are available, but consumers should be ready to pay as much as 25% more than last year. For example, he said a bouquet of roses that cost $35 last year might run for $45 to $50 now.
With flowers in short supply, Mother s Day bouquets are pricier this year By Kate Gibson Florists warn of Mother s Day flower shortage
Those planning to celebrate Mother s Day with flowers will find their options costlier and more limited this year.
The ripple effects of COVID-19 through the global economy and the airline industry recently coupled with national strikes in Colombia and trucker shortages in the U.S. have resulted in delayed and canceled shipments of cut hyacinths and other flowers from South America, Holland, Ireland and Israel, according to florists.
Growers had nowhere to ship flowers when the public health crisis first hit, causing some to go out of business and others to plant far less, not knowing what was ahead. As with other industries, the coronavirus also led to shortages of workers not only needed to grow and harvest flowers but to sell them.
A shortage of flowers could have some Mother’s Day gift-givers scrambling for holiday bouquets.
Uncertainty during the early days of the pandemic and lingering supply chain issues have left some varieties of flowers in short supply and raised prices on others, florists said. That could have buyers paying more for their Mother’s Day bouquets or leave them unable to find specific varieties for holiday or wedding arrangements.
At Kennicott Brothers, a wholesaling business in Chicago, roses and carnations have become more expensive. Baby blue eucalyptus has been in short supply recently, and the company has at various times had trouble stocking varieties of white garden roses, burgundy and cafe au lait dahlias, and a type of rose known as quicksand, which is popular for weddings, Chairman Red Kennicott said.