Floridata/VGB half-yearly figures confirm sluggish performance by Dutch flower and plant exporters

ZOETERMEER, Netherlands: Shipments of Dutch flowers and plants abroad had a difficult first half to the year, according to new figures released by the Dutch Association of Wholesalers in Floricultural Products (VGB) and market analyst Floridata.

The latest figures confirmed the sputtering exports of Dutch flowers and plant in the first half of the year, according to VGB director Matthijs Mesken, who said they showed that the industry was struggling to maintain exports in a very sluggish economy.

Overall export revenues remained steady with Dutch global flower and plant exports worth a record €4.1 billion to the Dutch economy, but showing a meager growth of 1 per cent.

In terms of total value of exports, cut flowers fared better than plants. After two years of postponed and cancelled weddings and events, this segment of the industry is now rebounding. In the first six months of 2022, flower exports continued to grow, rising 3 per cent to €2.5 billion. By contrast, the export of plants contracted by 3 per cent to €1.6 billion.

More country-specific data show that the total value of flower and plant exports to Poland in the first six months of 2022 amounted to €228 million, 6.1 per cent up on the same period last year.

Separate figures for the value of exports in June 2022 show that cut flowers were 5 per cent ahead of the same period last year to € 320 million. Meanwhile, plants realised a dramatic 21 per cent drop to €217 million.

Altogether, the Dutch global flower and plant exports contracted by 7 per cent in June 2022 to €537 million.

In a comment on the figures, VGB’s chief executive Matthijs Mesken said the industry’s performance over the past few months has been sluggish. “Shipments to France and Belgium are down on the same period in 2021. Exporters have worker shortages, while transport expenses are working their way through the floral supply chain. Inflation continues to impact consumer spending and the skyrocketing energy prices create a dark cloud for the industry.”

Inflation forces consumers to ask if they can live without flowers and plants. Mesken concludes, “Uncertainty will be shaping our future, which is why we have concerns about the second half of the year.”

Watch the FloraFlits video for more information on the performance by Dutch flower and plant exporters over the first six months of 2022. FloraFlits is a production of VGB and Floridata.