Cut flowers boost Dutch flower and plant exports

Figures published by the Dutch Association of Wholesalers (VGB) and market analyst Floridata highlight how Dutch flower and plant exports grew by 3.5 per cent to €5.5bn in the first three quarters of 2024. Flowers fared significantly better than plants.

In terms of the total value of exports, cut flowers performed better than plants. Cut flower exports rose by 7 per cent to €3.4bn.  Adverse weather in top flower-producing countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Colombia, Ecuador and the Netherlands led to lower crop production. VGB cited continued demand for cut flowers from global markets, pushing up purchase prices.

By contrast, the export of plants contracted by 1 per cent to €2.1bn. One of the wettest springs on record made it impossible to get out on the ground, and the constant downpour dampened enthusiasm for doing anything outside.

“Not only is there a huge discrepancy in cut flower and plant turnover, but export markets and market segments equally evolved differently. For example, exports to the UK increased by eight per cent while exports to France were down by seven per cent,” said VGB director Matthijs Mesken, adding that  “The mass market segment continues to grow.”

A growth in export value says nothing about the profitability of trading companies, stressed Meskens. He is worried about rising costs, including those for plant health inspections for exports to third countries, including the UK, transport, energy and labour. “Considering the trade unions’ demands, we anticipate the collective labour agreement negociations to be very tough. The current Dutch government, the impact of EU decisions, and the Netherlands’ limited influence in Brussels are all given due attention.  The work as an industry advocate becomes increasingly difficult. Despite these challenges, traders are looking forward to the fourth quarter in good spirits.”

Mesken also commented on the news about an ex-French florist who has won a wrongful death lawsuit after her 11-year-old daughter died from – what her lawyers sustain – pesticides on the flowers she worked with.

Watch the FloraFlits video for more information on the performance of Dutch flower and plant exporters over the first three quarters of 2024. FloraFlits is a production of VGB and Floridata.