Spring flowers, such as hyacinths, primroses, and daffodils, play a key role in the Latvian floral industry.
There are Sedumi, Kliģeni, and Grobiņas ziedi are among the major producers, primarily cultivating potted plants, with only a portion dedicated to cut flowers. According to Alexander Raubiško, owner of Kliģeni, the season is just gaining momentum.
When asked about rising demand, Raubiško remains cautiously optimistic, citing economic considerations. Local producers like Grobiņas ziedi are gearing up for the season, focusing on summer blooms. However, they've scaled back winter flower production due to high costs.
Inta Rudenko from Grobiņas ziedi acknowledges the patience of loyal customers eagerly awaiting local blooms. Despite rising prices, demand for their products remains steady.
Official statistics show a growing import of flowers into Latvia, with the Netherlands being a major supplier. According to the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB), last year saw the highest import of fresh, dried, or otherwise processed flowers for bouquets or decorations in the past twenty years, reaching 31 million euros.
At the same time, flower exports reached 30 million euros last year, primarily consisting of exports to the Russian Federation, totaling almost 20 million euros. Since 2011, Russia has consistently held the top spot in the list of countries where Latvia exports cut flowers for bouquets.
In most cases, these are flowers imported from other countries, effectively passing through Latvia in transit. Commenting on these data, Andrey Vitoliņš, Chairman of the Latvian Horticultural Society, highlighted that a significant portion of the imports constituted re-export.
Andrey Vitoliņš, Chairman of the Latvian Horticultural Society, emphasizes the need for local growers to unite and compete with imports.
Source: rus.lsm.lv