LuLu Group Transports Over 10,000 Tonnes of Flowers from India for GCC Onam Celebrations

Retail major LuLu Group handled a major seasonal logistics operation this Onam season, bringing more than 10,000 tonnes of flowers from India to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets. The volume marks an increase of approximately 20 per cent compared to last year, driven by stronger festive demand from the region's population of over two million Malayalis.

Sourced primarily from farming regions in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, the flowers—including marigolds traditionally used for festive pookalams—were consolidated at LuLu’s sourcing hubs. From there, the produce was transported to Kochi before being dispatched to GCC destinations.

To navigate potential supply chain bottlenecks amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, the group deployed a combination of transport modes. This included two dedicated chartered cargo flights operated directly from Kochi to Abu Dhabi, alongside regular air cargo and sea shipments to supply other GCC countries.

Despite wider concerns over regional air and sea logistics disruptions, LuLu stated that its supply chain experienced no significant challenges. The company attributed this operational resilience to its established sourcing network across India and diversified logistics arrangements, which ensured uninterrupted availability and maintained product freshness.

For agricultural producers in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the seasonal export demand provides a vital international market beyond domestic boundaries. For consumers in the Gulf, the dependable supply chain ensured that traditional celebrations could proceed without disruption.

"The efficient handling of perishable goods during regional geopolitical tensions highlights the critical role of robust supply chain management and diversified logistics. For businesses operating across borders, establishing strong local sourcing hubs combined with flexible transport options—such as a mix of chartered flights and regular cargo—is essential to mitigate risk and meet seasonal demand reliably." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes