The total flower and plant export had a setback in April, with 2.3% to €562 million. The cumulative export turnover, which was at 1% after the first quarter, was reduced and stabilized at €2.2 billion. A disappointing month, according to Wesley van den Berg, Floridata, does not necessarily mean a turn around. "In March 2015 the setback in April was 3.3%, but the final growth ended up at 3.4%." He does think it is remarkable that for the first time since 2016 the turnover development for plants (+2% to € 800 million) is better than for flowers (-1% to € 1.4 billion). Wiebe van de Meer, Flower Trade, about the reduction in the flower segment: "In the spring of 2017 the price level of particularly cut flowers was at a much higher level. At that moment we were ahead of the forecasts, now we are running a little behind. An explanation besides the lower price level, is the early Easter this year.
Large influence weather
The turn around in the plant segment is, according to traders, to be attributed to the cold spring in North-West Europe, with a few exceptionally beautiful weeks in April. Arco van Duijvenvoorde, Van Duyvenvoorde Flowers & Plants. The wholesaler also experienced the disappointing weather conditions in Africa, which reduced the availability of roses. Mesken: "The importing and exporting Dutch flower wholesaler was able to prove its strong position again, so the consumer ultimately hardly notices anything, also during Mother's Day.
Remarkable differences
The differences of the setback are remarkable. The British flower market shrank by 18% in April, while in Denmark a growth of 13% was realized. East-European countries in general experienced growth, although Russia got no further than a stabilization. Van den Berg: "Particularly the retail segment in East-Europe shows a remarkable growth." According to Jan van Delft, Flamingo Flowers, the market in England recovered later that month. "It has been a temporary setback." He is more worried about the fluctuating rate of the British Pound than about the possible consequences of Brexit. Those consequences are not clear to Van Duijvenvoorde, "The choice for multiple export countries was a conscious one, which is why we, given the economical forecasts, are fairly positive about the future".
The differences of the setback are remarkable. The British flower market shrank by 18% in April, while in Denmark a growth of 13% was realized. East-European countries in general experienced growth, although Russia got no further than a stabilization. Van den Berg: "Particularly the retail segment in East-Europe shows a remarkable growth." According to Jan van Delft, Flamingo Flowers, the market in England recovered later that month. "It has been a temporary setback." He is more worried about the fluctuating rate of the British Pound than about the possible consequences of Brexit. Those consequences are not clear to Van Duijvenvoorde, "The choice for multiple export countries was a conscious one, which is why we, given the economical forecasts, are fairly positive about the future".