Due to the crisis, Ukrainian people do not have that much money to spend. Interestingly, they are still buying flowers, although a bit less, and cheaper ones. Imported flowers are more expensive and therefore there's a shift in demand towards locally grown flowers. The increase of the Ukrainian production was an important topic of conversation at the Flower Expo in Kiev this week.
Market demand
A Dutch young plant grower mentions that this year's orders are higher compared to last year's. A Ukrainian rose grower also sees a demand for Russian roses. "Our roses are more affordable and have a high quality." However, roses in general are still quite expensive, so the cheaper flowers, the tulips for example, are in higher demand at the moment. Compared to last year, many Dutch bulb exporters are experiencing better times. "The demand for locally grown tulips increases. They are larger and cheaper than the imported ones. Last Women's Day, on March 8, the local tulip growers had relatively good sales", says a Dutch bulb exporter.
A Ukrainian supplier of coco peat noticed good interest in this product. "Growers are looking for solutions to increase their yield in an affordable way. And they are not familiar with growing flowers on coco peat."
Even though we hear these positive reactions at the exhibition, we have to take into account that Ukraine is still suffering from the crisis. Compared to last year, the situation seems to have improved, but they still have a long way to go.
Tamara Elsgeest of Beekenkamp with one of her clients. They've been participating at the exhibition for three or four years. According to Elsgeest, the demand for begonia and cyclamen young plants is increasing as imported plants are expensive, due to the currency rate. And this year seems to be better than last year.
Willem Boon of Boon Export with his translator Irina Meged. Boon supplies flower bulbs and plant material to Ukraine and the former Soviet nations. According to Boon, the local production in Ukraine is increasing. "The tulip is a relatively cheap flower and due to the low Hryvnia demand for this flower is higher than usual. This year has been a better year than last year, so we are moderately positive", he says.
Andrey of Camellia. This Ukrainian company produces 12 varieties of single head and 9 varieties of spray roses in a 7ha sized, and as he calls it, Dutch-like greenhouse. They also import roses from Holland. According to Andrey, the Ukrainians like the Ukraine grown roses as they have a high quality and are a bit cheaper. The spray roses are upcoming. "They are very popular at the moment", he says. Every year Camellia introduces 2 or 3 new varieties in the market. "And in order to guarantee high quality flowers, we have close lines with Dutch growers and we test all varieties extensively before we put them on the market", he says.
Tetyana Lesina of Grand Meester. Grand Meester is a new brand that promotes coco peat. According to Lesina, the visitors are very interested in growing flowers on coco peat. "These growers are looking for affordable ways to increase their yield", she says.
Dick Haakman and Ivan Mishko of Haakman Flowerbulbs. They export flower bulbs from the Netherlands to Ukraine. "We have a lot of small clients. These clients are very eager to learn and want to move forward. Due to the crisis, the demand decreased, especially last year. This year is better, more is sold this year. The local production guarantees better and fresher flowers that are sometimes twice as heavy as the Dutch ones. Especially on March 8, the Tulip was a very popular flower. It is affordable and has clear colors, which are very much in demand among Ukrainian consumers", says Haakman.
On Monday April 18, we will publish the full photo report.