About us

History

South Sea Orchids was first established in the 1970’s by the late Donald Burness and his wife Aileen, at their home in Suva. Don was a horticulturalist by profession, and orchids were always his passion which he exhibited in their home garden. After retiring from landscape work, Don and Aileen turned his hobby into a business, where they began offering home and garden tours through tour agencies. In 1984, the Burness’ moved their family to the West to revive and manage the “Garden of the Sleeping Giant” orchid farm in Sabeto Valley, Nadi. They then re-established the business in 1987, and have since been the driving force behind the development of Fiji’s commercial floriculture industry.

In 1995, Don and Aileen saw the potential for a cut flower industry as a source of income for Fijians, and after completing a feasibility study the following year, the ‘out grower’ project was established. Soon after, planting material bred by the University of Hawaii was imported from Hawaiian nurseries, while technical advice was provided by horticulture professor Dr. Yoneo Sagawa. SSO was the first to establish shade houses for commercial cut flower dendrobium orchids in 1996, and supplied orchid plants to others in the out grower program, creating and driving a market for upcoming floral businesses. In 1997, SSO also imported anthurium planting material from Anthura Inc. in Holland. During this time, the home and garden tours continued and expanded to include the working nurseries on the Burness property.

Over the years the floriculture industry and demand for cut flower orchids grew. SSO took on the role as the wholesaler for other growers, while also providing workshops and technical support to participants in the out grower program. In 2000, SSO eventually moved to a larger 9-acre property in Nasau, Nadi, to develop larger working nurseries. After the introduction of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) agreement, exporting of dendrobium orchids from Hawaii was discouraged. Alternative avenues were pursued, and SSO sourced new varieties of potted plants from Thailand. This created a new market of pot plant orchids to the general public which was previously unavailable, and sold directly from the Nasau farm.

Up until 2013, SSO managed the out growers for orchids and anthuriums, receiving the flowers from the growers, advising them when there were problems, sorting, packing and transporting the flowers to florists. To mitigate imbalanced orchid and anthurium sales between SSO and other growers, the Floriculture Support Association (FSA) was formed. This not-for-profit business guarantees the sale of all grower’s harvest evenly, and generates an income from the sale of fertilizers and handling the sale of cut flowers from its members.

To date, SSO continues to play a vital role in the floriculture industry in Fiji. In addition to the day-to-day on-farm activities, cut flower and pot plant sale and pre-booked home and garden tours, SSO now offers venue hire facilities for local events throughout the year.

• Floriculture Forums: SSO has played pivotal roles in organizing 4 Floriculture Forums in collaboration with the Floriculture Support Association (FSA) and the Farmers Organisation For Africa, Caribbean And The Pacific (FO4ACP) . This forum brought together stakeholders from across Fiji to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the floriculture industry. The event provided a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaborative efforts to enhance the industry’s growth, emphasizing sustainable practices and community involvement. SSO’s involvement in this forum underscores its commitment to driving the floriculture sector forward and fostering regional cooperation.

• Empowering Women: True to its roots, SSO has continued its mission to empower women in rural communities by offering them opportunities to engage in floriculture. Over the past few years, SSO has expanded its training and support programs thanks to the Business Partnership Platform (BPP) and FO4ACP, focusing on equipping women with the necessary skills to cultivate ornamental plants, manage small-scale nurseries, and create high-quality floral arrangements. These programs not only provide women with a source of income but also contribute to their personal development and financial independence. SSO’s efforts have impacted numerous families, helping to uplift communities and strengthen the local economy through floriculture.

• Expansion into Tonga: Recognizing the potential to replicate its success in other regions, SSO has been actively collaborating with MORDI Tonga to nurture the growth of the floriculture industry in Tonga. This partnership aims to establish a robust floriculture sector in Tonga by providing training, resources, and mentorship to local women and communities. SSO’s experience in Fiji serves as a valuable blueprint for this initiative, offering insights into best practices for developing a sustainable and profitable floriculture industry. This expansion not only benefits Tonga but also contributes to regional economic integration and the broader promotion of floriculture in the Pacific.

• Sustaining Business Operations: Despite global challenges such as supply chain disruptions and market fluctuations, SSO has successfully maintained its position as the largest cut flower business in the Pacific. The company has demonstrated resilience by adapting to changing market conditions, optimizing its operations, and continuing to meet customer demand for high-quality flowers and ornamental plants. The company’s sustainability is a testament to its commitment to excellence and its role as a key player in the regional floriculture industry.

• Hosting Events: Over the past few years, SSO has expanded its event-hosting capabilities, becoming a sought-after venue for a variety of occasions. SSO has successfully organized and hosted numerous workshops, providing participants with hands-on experience in floral design, horticulture, and sustainable gardening practices. In addition to educational workshops, SSO has hosted a wide range of private events, including birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations. These events have allowed SSO to showcase its floral artistry and expertise, creating unforgettable experiences for clients and guests alike. By offering tailored floral arrangements and decorations, SSO has become a trusted partner for those looking to celebrate life’s special moments in a beautifully crafted environment.

Through these initiatives, SSO has not only strengthened its business but also reinforced its commitment to community empowerment, regional collaboration, and the promotion of floriculture as a vital industry in the Pacific. As SSO continues to grow and evolve, it remains a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and social impact in the region.