A lot of flowers sold in Moscow are imported from countries like Ecuador, Colombia and The Netherlands. But there is a high potential for local growers, according to Damien Cabaret of Meilland. At this year’s FlowerExpo the French breeder showed only scented garden type cut roses. “These are challenging to ship, but therefore offer an opportunity for local growers to diversify themselves from the imported flowers.”
Damien Cabaret at the FlowersExpo in Moscow, Russia.
Princess Charlene is one of the roses on display at the booth of Meilland. It won a prize at the FlowersExpo two years ago and is currently doing very well in Russia. “Scented garden type roses might not be so productive as other non-scented rose varieties, but with the scent and different look, it is a niche product and makes growers stand out with it.”
“For the Russian market, we as a breeder try to develop roses that do well in cold weather, do require less pesticide. And not to forget, colors are important too.” At the FlowersExpo 2018, the reactions to the scented rose varieties of Meilland were very positive. “We see that the garden type and scented varieties are increasing in popularity. On top of that, Russian growers are looking to expand their assortment with different types of flowers and as our varieties can be grown well in the Russian climate, the interest is high. “
Meilland is already active in Russia since 1993 and next to cut flowers, they also produce garden roses and potted roses. More than 1 million of their landscape roses are planted in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Tomsk and Voronej. In 2015, they started delivering rose cuttings for nurseries.
For more information
Meilland
Damien Cabaret
Email: d.cabaret@meilland.com
www.meilland.com