Guangxi floods hit jasmine sector hard

Hengzhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, the country's largest jasmine production hub, has been hit by severe flooding, disrupting flower markets and raising concerns over supplies for the booming tea and coffee beverage sector in the country.

Hengzhou is home to more than 12,000 hectares of jasmine plantations, producing more than 150,000 metric tons of fresh jasmine flowers annually and accounting for more than 80 percent of the country's total output.

The floods submerged large areas of farmland, disrupting harvesting and sending jasmine prices on sharp swings.

The jasmine market price fluctuations have been like a roller-coaster ride. Data showed that the average jasmine price stood at 15.89 yuan ($2.33) per 500 grams on July 4. On July 5, prices dropped to 7.78 yuan but by July 12, prices had surged to about 50 yuan.

Major beverage companies with supply chain ties to Hengzhou have begun supporting disaster relief efforts.

Molly Tea, a Shenzhen, Guangdong province-based milk tea company, was among the first tea brands to announce a donation of 1 million yuan, followed by Mixue Group with a 10 million yuan pledge.

The rise of China's new-style tea industry has strengthened demand for jasmine, whose floral aroma is created through a traditional scenting process that infuses tea leaves with fresh flower fragrances. A 2026 China beverage industry report by Kamen said jasmine-infused tea bases accounted for 86 percent of green tea products launched by tracked brands in 2025.

Hengzhou's jasmine industry has become a major pillar of the local economy. The city recorded a GDP of 42.34 billion yuan in 2025, while the jasmine sector alone generated more than 19 billion yuan in annual comprehensive output value and supported about 340,000 flower farmers.

Jasmine flowers typically bloom from April through October, with summer being the peak harvest period. The small white blossoms are highly sensitive to prolonged rainfall and flooding.

Excess water can weaken fragrance quality, heavy rain can damage flower buds and severe flooding can destroy root systems.

An investigation found that on July 6, flower markets across many towns in Hengzhou effectively stopped operating. The following day was focused largely on rescue operations, while efforts to save damaged flowers began on July 8.

Although major tea brands generally maintain raw material reserves and the jasmine flowering season extends for months, growers face significant losses. Many flowers that were close to blooming have already missed their peak commercial harvest window. Industry officials estimate that Hengzhou's jasmine production may require about two months to gradually recover to pre-flood levels.