Director Ronald Teerds: 'Physical clock will disappear in Aalsmeer, Naaldwijk '
FloraHolland to open virtual trading centre
Ronald Teerds: "The first big change we are working on,is a 24/7 online transaction platform. That will optimize the trade possibilities as well as the price development. We're also installing a national, virtual clock auction in Aalsmeer and Naaldwijk. The stands there will therefore become obsolete in due time. At other locations, some non-virtual clock auctions will, for a price, remain operative. We're heading for a world in which digital is the norm. Of course, we'll make sure all preconditions are met; the reliability of information is more important than ever."
Ever more fine-meshed
"The third change is to provide growers and clients with fine-meshed logistics. The traded amounts in the sector tend to get ever smaller, and so the logistics become more expensive and more complex. This goes for both the clock auction and direct trade. Our prediction is this trend will gain even more momentum. Therefore, we want to improve the efficiency of these fine-meshed logistics with the aid of robotics."
Marketplace in the virtual world
"And we'll try to adjust the volumes to keep the costs low. These three changes will help us to function as a marketplace in a virtual world. A place where a great many members and clients can go to ensure that flowers and plants will reach all corners of the world. And that is what it's about at the moment."
Ronald Teerds (image comes from this video)
Royal FloraHolland 2020
'Flowering the World Together, Planting Seeds of Opportunity for our Members'. This motto of the Royal FloraHolland cooperative reflects its vision for the horticultural sector in 2020. Two main aims will have been achieved by 2020: better margins for our members and their buyers, and more consumers spending more on flowers and plants.
source: Royal FloraHolland