Chinese delegates visited the farm to see how it runs.
By Mara Pattison-Sowden
WARRATINA Lavender Farm has been teaching big business to Chinese investors.
A group of 50 delegates from China visited the farm on Sunday 21 November to see how it had evolved from an orchard to floor business.
Warratina Lavender Farm owner Annemarie Manders said she conducted a seminar for the group that was entirely translated as none of the group spoke English.
“They had a translator, and I spoke in blocks, slowly clearly and simply,” she said.
“For them it was a new experience, I don’t think they had a lot of knowledge about the garden, they just looked and appreciated it but I don’t think they understand the work involved.”
Ms Manders said the group was particularly interested in the boutique-type business,
“Their interest was that we have been able to incorporate the growing, manufacturing of product, tourism, hospitality and seminars within the business,” she said.
“We have a massive number of people who come from Malaysia and Indonesia – over there it’s so crowded, and here we have so many open spaces where we can diversify,” she said.
Ms Manders said the group was interested in buying the body care products and essential oils made from lavender.
“We had to set a shop up in the drying shed to present the products because everyone couldn’t fit in the show room,” she said.
“You have to give people a reason to come, linger and come back.”
