Abstract

This case explores the challenges and opportunities facing Jean Davidson and her rose farm. The authors begin with a brief discussion of Jean's personal struggle as a black woman entrepreneur in South Africa. Next, the authors offer a review of the cut flower industry, both generally and with respect to South Africa. The case also focuses on both supply chain economics and recent trends. Caroza Farm's history, its current operations, and its strengths and weaknesses are discussed. Finally, the case explores the possibility of Jean entering the U.S. market (as she currently she sells mainly in the domestic market) and briefly discuss the considerations relevant to this goal.

The Managers in International Development Initiative (MIDI) helped coordinate the research trip which produced a series of cases.

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Citation

Rothert, Mark, David Zehner, and Suzanne Bellet. "A Rose Enterprise Blooms in South Africa: Jean Davidson and Caroza Farm." Chazen Web Journal of International Business (Fall 2002). http://www2.gsb.columbia.edu/journals/files/chazen/SouthAfrica_Caroza.pdf.

Each author name for a Columbia Business School faculty member is linked to a faculty research page, which lists additional publications by that faculty member.

Each topic is linked to an index of publications on that topic.