At Fiore Arte, one of the most common questions we hear is:
"Why do flowers cost so much in Singapore?"
It’s a fair question. Unlike mass-market bouquets you might find at the supermarket, bespoke arrangements often carry a higher price tag. But behind every bouquet lies a global supply chain, delicate logistics, and skilled artistry.
Here’s a closer look at the factors that make flowers in Singapore more expensive — and why each stem you receive represents far more than meets the eye.
Japanese Ranunculus Thasos, source: https://www.hanadonya.com/product/an-0155b.html
Almost All Flowers Are Imported
Singapore does not have large-scale commercial flower farms. Nearly every stem is imported from countries like:
- The Netherlands (tulips, peonies, premium roses)
- Ecuador & Colombia (long-stem roses, carnations)
- Kenya (roses, summer flowers)
- Malaysia, Thailand & China (orchids, chrysanthemums, foliage)
- Japan (rare seasonal flowers such as sweet peas, ranunculus, delicate garden roses, enkianthus)
This means every flower comes with freight charges, customs clearance, and handling fees before it even reaches the florist.
Cold Chain Logistics
Fresh flowers are fragile. To maintain their condition, they must be kept within a strict cold chain — from the farm to the plane, to Singapore’s import centres, and finally to the florist’s cooler.
Every break in this chain shortens a flower’s life. Maintaining it requires:
- Specialised refrigeration systems
- Priority cargo flights
- Professional floral handling teams
All of these add to the cost, but ensure you receive flowers that last.
Seasonality and Rarity
Some flowers are only available during certain months. For example:
- Peonies peak for just a few weeks in spring
- Tulips are more expensive outside their natural season
- Rare varieties like Chrysanthemum Vienna Copper require advance sourcing and command a premium
When demand is high (Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Lunar New Year), prices increase globally, and Singapore — as an import-dependent market — feels the surge directly.
Skilled Labour and Artistry
A bouquet is not just stems in paper. It’s the work of:
- Florists who condition each bloom (trimming, hydrating, removing damaged petals)
- Designers who balance colour, texture, and proportion
- Stylists who handcraft each arrangement with precision
Just like couture fashion or fine dining, floral design is about artistry as much as raw materials. This expertise is factored into the cost of every arrangement.
Rent and Operating Costs in Singapore
Running a florist in Singapore means navigating high overheads:
- Shopfront rentals in premium locations
- Refrigeration and electricity costs
- Staffing and training
Unlike in countries with local farms and lower operational costs, florists in Singapore operate within one of the most expensive cities in the world.
Quality vs Mass-Market Bouquets
Finally, it’s important to distinguish between mass-market flowers and bespoke designs.
- Supermarket bouquets: Economical, but often have shorter lifespans, limited varieties, and simpler designs.
- Luxury florist arrangements: Premium flowers, longer vase life, intentional styling, and professional presentation.
The difference is in both quality and experience — much like comparing fast food to fine dining.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Flowers
When you buy a bouquet in Singapore, you’re not just paying for flowers. You’re supporting:
- International farmers
- Skilled floral artists
- A complex logistics system that brings fragile beauty across continents
At Fiore Arte, we believe in transparency. Every arrangement is carefully curated to ensure that what you’re investing in is not just blooms — but meaning, artistry, and longevity.
Discover more about our floral approach at https://fiorearte.com or contact us to learn how we can create arrangements that feel truly worth the investment.