The flower industry sold a total of 6 percent fewer cut flowers abroad in the first six months of this year, the export of plants rose slightly by 1 percent. The total value of flower and plant exports has risen, by 2.7 percent to almost 4.2 billion euros.
“The tulip volumes in particular are lagging behind those of last year,” explains VGB director Matthijs Mesken. There were much fewer tulips, which he believes has to do with the bad harvest of tulip bulbs last year.
In recent weeks, the sales of plants’ more difficult due to the warm weather in Europe, so that plants remain in the garden center for longer, “he adds.
Here the famous tulip route runs, but be quick: ‘What more a person wants’
The sector also has various challenges, according to the director. According to the VGB, the political situation in the Netherlands remains ‘unstable and indecisive’ and entrepreneurs are frustrated by the uncertainty surrounding energy policy and labor migration.
According to the industry, the imminent American import duties mainly affect specialized companies. Only 3 percent of flower and plant exports go to the United States. In addition, according to the organization, there are concerns about the image of the sector because of the use of crop protection products. “We know that we have to make it more sustainable and we are working hard on it,” said Mesken.