Lulu Group brought more than 10,000 tonnes of flowers from India to GCC markets specifically for this Onam season.
Sukruti, a college student in Abu Dhabi, was sceptical about marigolds reaching her home in time to make a Pookalam for Onam celebrations this year amid the continuing West Asia crisis. But a combination of chartered flights hired by LuLu Group and regular air cargo ensured that flowers sourced from farms in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka reached Gulf markets in time for the festival.Two dedicated chartered cargo flights have been operated from Kochi to Abu Dhabi, while regular air cargo has been used to supply other GCC countries as well, LuLu Group told businessline.With more than two million Malayalis living across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, the availability of flowers for Onam has become an important seasonal logistics operation.The group brought more than 10,000 tonnes of flowers from India to GCC markets specifically for this Onam season. The volume is around 20 per cent higher than last year, driven by stronger festive demand.The flowers, including marigolds and other varieties traditionally used for Onam celebrations and pookalams, have been sourced mainly from Bengaluru in Karnataka and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu through LuLu’s sourcing hubs.The produce is consolidated at these hubs before being transported to Kochi. From there, it is moved to the GCC markets through a combination of dedicated chartered cargo flights, regular air cargo and sea shipments.LuLu said its extensive sourcing network across India and logistics infrastructure had enabled it to move fresh produce and festive essentials to the GCC at scale, maintaining quality and freshness and ensuring uninterrupted availability.Despite concerns over the impact of the West Asia crisis on air and sea logistics, LuLu said there had been no significant challenges or disruptions to its Onam supply chain.The company said its diversified logistics arrangements and established sourcing network had allowed it to continue bringing flowers to the GCC without interruption.The higher volumes this year also reflect the importance of the Onam season for the Gulf’s Malayali population, with flowers being a key part of celebrations and the traditional pookalam.For farmers in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the seasonal demand provides an important market beyond India, while the use of multiple transport modes allows the supply chain to remain resilient despite disruptions in the region’s logistics network.Published on August 26, 2026
