Staff Writer

Air Orchid was established in Nakhon Pathom province's Bang Len district 28 years ago by the Khumvichian family. Having focused largely on the retail and export sides of its business, the company decided four years ago to establish a retail outlet, which serves as a form of 'orchid supermarket'.

Located 16 kilometers to the west of Bangkok, the supermarket has become a magnet for orchid lovers, who can stroll around the two-rai (0.32-hectare) site at their leisure to take in all the different varieties before deciding on what to buy.

“The retail space was originally set up to showcase products from our farm for wholesale buyers. However, we thought there should also be a chance for visitors to buy something, too,” said Chaiyapan Khumvichian, Air Orchid's assistant general manager.

Located in front of the nursery's main office and laboratory, the supermarket features many of the things you would find in a regular supermarket, such as aisles, shopping carts, cash registers, as well as packaging service counters. In the yard area, there are also some props for those seeking a photo opportunity, as well as water and free carbonated drinks for customers.

Carefully cultivated within Air Orchid's nearby nurseries, visitors to the supermarket can choose from a huge range of orchids. Among the varieties available on sale are: Cattleya, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Oncidium and Mokara. Smaller plants cost just 20 baht (US$0.59), while fully-grown flowering plants can cost from 80-200 baht each. It also sells gardening accessories, such as nice plant pots, bamboo and rattan plant holders, as well as fertilizers and other nutrients.

Chaiyapan explained that while there is a large number of orchid nurseries located in the district, most owners don't offer a fully-fledged retail service since it involves additional costs in terms of labor and management.

Chaiyapan says key factors in the success of the venture have been the huge variety of breeds available through Air Orchid's nurseries, as well as a good deal of credibility, which the company has built up over the years, resulting in a regular base of loyal customers.

As well as satisfying amateur growers and gardeners, Chaiyapan said that other farmers living nearby also pay a visit to look out for small plants that they can nurture and then resell when mature.

Sales generated by the supermarket now account for up to 30% of all Air Orchid's sales. Exports still account for the lion's share (50%), while domestic sales account for the remainder.

Looking ahead, Chaiyapan said the company plans to increase the number of varieties on offer, while trying to maintain Bang Len district's unique local flavor.

“As well as offering a delightful shopping experience, we'd also like to demonstrate how our community has a long history in orchid farming through this [supermarket] showcase,” he said.

For further information, visit http://www.thaiorchidintergroup.com/index.php.

Transport connections:

Car: From western Bangkok, take Highway No 4 to Nakhon Pathom. A more detailed map of the site of Air Orchid's nurseries can be downloaded here.

Bus: Buses for Nakhon Pathom leave Bangkok's southern bus terminal from about 4 am until 9.30 pm.

Trains: You can get a train to Nakhon Pathom from either Bangkok's central station Hualampong or from Thonburi. For further details on train departure and arrival times, call the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) on Tel: +66 (0)2 220 4444.