Higher prices
Rus is pleased with this year's Mother's Day results. "This year 2,600,000 stems were sold. This is almost the same as last year, but the prices are higher; 21 percent", he says. Interestingly, there is no fixed reason for this price increase. "The demand for mother's day flowers is also almost the same as last year. However, this year's quality of the flowers might be one reason. The peonies for example. This year, the amount of peonies on the market for Mother's Day increased sharply. And these flowers are known for their quality. Another reason, might be the the fact that these products also receiving higher prices on other European auctions", he says.
French Peonies
This year, 72 percent more French peonies were offered on the Sica Flower Market during the Mother's Day period. "Usually, the season runs from mid March till the end of May. So, during the French Mother's Day period, there are often a lot less French peonies on the market. This year, however, the French peony season was longer. Due to the cold temperatures at night the growers were able to extend their peony season", says Rus. However, when looking at the entire peony season, the volumes were lower than last year, around 13 percent. "Due to the weather conditions, the production decreased. However, not only the French growers had to deal with this challenge, also the peony growers in Holland and Italy." So, as the supply decreases and the demand remains the same, the prices increase. "Over the entire peony season, the prices were 27 percent higher compared to last year."
Change French floriculture market
Over the last few years, the floriculture market in France has changed. "The production of flowers, like gerberas and roses, that are being produced in a greenhouse and require heating decreased drastically. Due to the high competition from South American and African countries, the growers gradually shifted to another crop and started to grow specialty crops like anemones, ranoncules and peonies", says Rus. And the production of these crops increases every year. "Around 15 years ago, only 5 to 10 growers cultivated peonies on 20ha. Now, around 130 growers are producing these flowers on 130 ha." And this is reflected in the offer and turnover at the auction. Currently, 50 percent of the turnover is made between the middle of February till the middle of May. In the past, the majority of the turnover was realized by roses. Now by peonies", says Rus.
The SICA Flower Market
Sica Marché aux fleurs
The Sica Marché aux fleurs was established in 1984 and is located in the main production area of cut flowers in France. Around 450 growers supply their flowers to the auction and 30 wholesalers are located on the auction. "These wholesalers represent 50 percent of Sica's turnover. The other 50% of the turnover is realised by 300 clients, wholesalers and florists. 14% of the turnover of SICA is exported to the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, USA and UK, mainly with anemones, renonculas, tulips, greens, snapdragon and peonies."