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.
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".