Flower export packaging from Ethiopia: boxes, sheets and the cold chain

How are Ethiopian flowers packed for export?

After harvest, flowers are graded, bunched and wrapped in bunching sheets that protect the heads and hold each bunch in shape. The bunches are laid in a corrugated box, usually a telescopic box with a separate lid, cooled, and kept cold until they reach the aircraft. Ethiopia is one of the largest flower exporters in Africa. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, flowers earned 412 million US dollars in the 2025/26 fiscal year, out of 490 million from all horticulture.

Size the box to the bunch, not the other way round

A flower box is sized from the inside: the stem length of the bunch sets the length, and the number of bunches per box and how they are laid sets the width and height. A box that is too long lets bunches slide; one that is too tight crushes the heads. Farms usually have one box size per product line and stem length, so list them before you order.

Why vents and board strength matter in the cold chain

Vents let cold air reach the flowers when boxes are pre-cooled and stored, so the flowers cool quickly and evenly. The cold is hard on the box: corrugated board absorbs moisture in cold, humid rooms and loses compression strength, and flower boxes are stacked high in cold stores and on air cargo pallets. The board has to be chosen for those conditions, not for a dry warehouse.

Plan ahead of the peak seasons

Demand for flowers peaks before Valentine’s Day and before Mother’s Day in the export markets, and every farm needs its boxes at the same time. Agree box sizes and print with your supplier early, approve a sample, and schedule deliveries ahead of each peak.

1. List every box size you need: stem length, bunches per box and how they are laid.
2. Send your print: farm name, logo, variety and grade fields, and handling marks.
3. Approve a sample box, packed and tested in your own cold store.
4. Agree quantities and delivery dates ahead of each peak season.