Despite the low rose prices, the atmosphere was good at the meeting. "The growers remain hopeful. Currently, the prices per rose stem are around 15 euro cents. Last year the price was around 25 euro cents. Moreover, they also have to deal with negative exchange rates, which costs them around 15 percent. Nobody knows the reason," says Rinus Bouwman, father of Martijn and the inventor and driving force behind this initiative.
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At the meeting, the Ethiopian growers and buyers from FloraHolland were able to meet each other. The supply of flowers from Ethiopia becomes increasingly important and the quality of the roses increasingly higher. Twelve Ethiopian growers presented their products. Also eight international rose breeders presented their newest varieties. The traders assessed these varieties and the Ethiopian growers were able to benefit from this.
The meeting is part of a three-day event for which BSI invited their Ethiopian growers to the Netherlands. Next to this meeting they also learned more about the different distribution channels; through the auction as well as direct. Today, September 4th, the Ethiopian growers will meet more buyers and will visit Van Den Berg Roses. This rose grower owns three farms; in the Netherlands, China, and Kenya.
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For more information
Rinus Bouwman
Bouwman Snijder Importservice
Legmeerdijk 313
1431 GB Aalsmeer
M +31(0)6 51 205 619
+31(0)6 51 205 619T +31(0)297 230 555
+31(0)297 230 555F +31(0)297 230 568
E: rinus.bouwman@bsibv.com