The crash of the $8.5 billion global trade in cut flowers shows how quickly and distinctively the new coronavirus is disrupting supply chains, even in places where it isn’t yet pervasive.
First, watch this video. Andrew Verity reports on the challenges facing tulip producers in the Netherlands. A good example of the micro impact of lockdown.
Furthermore, read this Bloomberg Businessweek article.
Now, read this Supply chain Sparrow atricle ‘Where Have All the Flowers Gone’.
1.1 What details do you remember most about the video & article?
1.2 Describe what happens when the airports shut down.
1.3 Can you list three steps in the flower supply chain?
1.4 How did Royal Flora Holland attempt to stabilize flower prices at first?
1.5 Which three EU countries imposed Covid-19 regulations causing the collapse of the flower market?
1.6 Holland produces and auctions flowers, but roses in particular come from which other countries?
1.7 Describe three different kinds of people who were affected by the collapse of the flower market
1.8 Describe how these people were affected by the collapse of the flower market.
1.9 How has the Port of Rotterdam been affected by the slowdown in industry?
1.10 What are “Reefer Containers”?
1.11 Which two ports in Europe and which two ports in the USA are suffering the most from reduced container volumes?
2.1 How would you explain / describe the importance of a smoothly running supply chain?
2.2 Since people cannot eat flowers, do you think that the flower market is maybe a waste of energy and money?
2.3 How can you validate the use of refrigerated warehouses, trucks and airplanes in transporting flowers?
2.4 Do you trust the sources of this articles to be objective and factual?
2.5 What resources could you use to research alternatives to the existing supply chain?
3.1 What would happen if Schiphol shuts down again because of a second winter wave of Covid-19?
3.2 How could you generate a plan to keep the flower supply chain open safely in the midst of a pandemic?
3.3 How could you change/improve the flower market to avoid the downfalls of a disrupted supply chain?
3.4 How could you change/improve the flower market to make the supply chain more environmentally friendly?
3.5 Devise a way to market local flowers as an alternative to internationally sourced flowers.
Discover whether you master the essence of this case by completing the corresponding core assignments. If necessary, you can share your answers with your teacher or supervisor.
