UK: 'Domestically grown plants preferred over imported'

"While plants have a long way to go to exceed flowers' turnover, there is a definite feel that the perception is changing", says Daniel Pass of Double H Nurseries, one of UK’s largest British indoor plant growers. According to him, consumers have been seeing the value and longevity benefits of pot plants versus cut flowers over the last few years, but it is really building since Brexit was announced.

Decrease imported products
Since the UK decided to get out of Europe, the value of the British pound dropped against the euro, and this affects the demand for imported flowers and plants. According to Pass, the flower bouquets are getting smaller and plant buyers that used to import plants are now searching for plants at UK growers. "In this way, they can combat the 20 percent drop against the euro, and since there is such an array of plants grown here in the UK there is no shortage of alternatives."

Pass also notices an increase in demand for plants. "We have certainly seen more inquiries off the back of Brexit from buyers across the UK that traditionally take solely from Holland", he says. "Even though the Dutch growers are working hard with their customers to minimize the impact of Brexit, they can only do so much to counter the currency slide, but this is not sustainable long term. So, in my opinion, UK horticulture as a whole has certainly got a bright future no matter what plants you're growing."

Prices
How is Brexit affecting the prices of plants? "With all the talk around inflation it's inevitable companies will be passing on increases sooner or later, but generally prices have remained static for the UK customer over the last months. Innovation, packaging changes and redesign have been key to this."

Popular plants
According to Pass, the orchids are the most popular house plant and are the main driver for growth in the house plant segment. The succulents are making a surprisingly strong resurgence. "They, like Orchids, are long-lasting easy-care plants making both a popular choice with customers, perfect for those with hectic lives we all seem to live."

UK Mother's Day
UK Mother's Day is around the corner. On Sunday March 26, many mothers in the UK will be surprised with a present, and pink flowering plants are popular gift items. This year, Double H Nurseries is noticing an increase in their potted roses and chrysanthemum. "They have seen year on year growth, and this Mother’s Day will be the biggest yet." And due to this continuous increasing demand, they are expanding their rose block. "It will be 3 times the size of the current block and will produce over 800,000 plants per year. On top of that, it will provide us with a new central packing area and additional storage." It will be completed at the end of March 2017.

For more information

Double H Nurseries
Daniel Pass
Email: Daniel.Pass@doubleh.co.uk
www.doubleh.co.uk