In a much drier year than usual, the production of Slipper Orchids fell well below demand. A particular blow to traders as these are a traditional Madeiran Christmas favourite.
By the end of this morning (23rd) only a couple of stalls in the Farmers’ Market still had Slipper Orchids for sale. As a result, prices end up increasing to as much as four euros per stem. A fact bemoaned by many still trying to purchase their traditional Christmas flowers.
“People are still trying to buy Slipper Orchids but there are none,” stated Idalina Caires, a trader with a business set up at the entrance of the Market, who explained that “many of the orchids didn’t come into flower and those that did have not bloomed until now.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
