Orchid supermarket A farm in Nakhon Pathom sets a precedent. Will others follow? It is like shopping in a supermarket. But the difference is that this time when you roam around with a trolley, you are in an open-air market that only sells orchids. Some 30,000 seedlings are showcased on neatly arranged shelves enabling buyers to take close look at the samples, establish their pedigree before deciding which specimen to buy and grow them at home. The supermarket spread over two rai in Salaya District of Nakhon Pathom is part of a sprawling 120-rai farm run by Air Orchids & Lab that's been in the orchid business for 45 years. The market attracts wholesalers as well as retailers who take their time inspecting the colour of leaves, flowers, and also the roots. Carefully, they select each specimen and gather them in the trolley. Only when they have had enough do they proceed to the payment counter. Prices start from 20 baht and can go all the way up to a few hundred for the rarer varieties, said the farm's owner, Phanthapat Khumvichian, who said that his family initially went into the orchid business targetting wholesalers. Later it decided to expand its customer base by attracting individual buyers and tourists. The orchid supermarket, the only one of its kind in Thailand, opened in August 2004 and with its innovative set-up has won the admiration of an increasing number of buyers.
The supermarket, built at a cost of three million baht, has helped facilitate the general public's access to some rare orchids for which Thailand is famous, added Phanthapat. Visitors walk neatly laid out paths and shelves showcasing different species of orchids grown in beautiful clay pots or black plastic holders that in itself are a joy to watch. They need no staff to assist them because everything is right in front of them. Care is taken to ensure that each plant comes with flowers so that it is easier for customers to differentiate or make the purchase decision. "We can offer wholesale prices because we grow them on our farm. There are some species that we breed in the nursery to improve the strain and ensure they are available in sufficient quantity without compromising quality," said Phanthapat. "Customers buying from us get to learn how much sunlight each orchid species needs for optimum growth," he added. His farm cultivates some 40 species of orchids spread over seven families, including the Dendrobium, Catteleya, Oncidium, Vanda and Rhyncho. Among the new breeds the farm is credited for are the Kratingdaeng, red orchid whose petals have white rims; the Son Ngeun, white petals and red lips; the Tanida Mini Brown and Airy Gold Catteleya are sweet smelling and if grown and nourished properly yield beautiful yellow blooms all year round. Half the farm's output is slated for export. The main markets are the United States, Japan, the Netherlands, Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and India. Phanthapat also revealed the three secrets of successful orchid-breeding, viz, sufficient sunlight, watering the plants only in the morning, and efficient use of fertilisers. The supermarket is also an ideal stop for those looking to improve the fertility of soil or yield in gardens back home. On sale are plant nutrients, a choice of beautifully crafted clay pots and decorative boxes used for window dressing. The farm serves customers free coffee and other hot drinks. The farm is open daily 7am-5:30 pm. |