Remote buying continues to grow on Veiling Rhein-Maas

Overall, Veiling Rhein-Maas looks back on a satisfactory first six months of 2017. “At Veiling Rhein-Maas two records were set in the second quarter of 2017,” according to Uwe Bedenbecker, Managing Director of Veiling Rhein-Maas. “With in excess of 100,000 euros, Clock pre sales recorded its highest ever daily trading on two days in May. In the first half of the year Veiling Rhein-Maas generated more than 200 million euros in total sales for the first time since it was established.” In April and June, highly fluctuating weather conditions, late night-time frosts and several weeks with very high temperatures resulted in a decline in quantities, affecting both cut flowers and potted plants. The month of May proved very satisfactory and saw a very strong Mother's Day week.

Clock pre sales, Remote Buying and Clock Service remain very successful
The digital sales channels, namely Clock pre sales and Remote Buying as well as the Clock Service department are becoming increasingly popular amongst the auction’s customers. Clock pre sales (cut flowers and potted plants) achieved a very strong volume increase and sales growth in the second quarter of 2017 in comparison with the previous year. Customer interest in the digital sales channel Remote Buying continued to rise, along with the number of customers taking part daily in the online auction via remote buying software, up by around 5% on average compared with the previous year, with the daily percentage of remote buyers on average 36.3%. In the second quarter of 2017, the average percentage of remote buyers in total auction sales was 28.2%. Furthermore, the Clock Service department, which achieved major increases in sales and volumes for cut flowers and higher average prices for potted plants in the second quarter, again contributed significantly to the overall results of Veiling Rhein-Maas.

High quality and unusual products increasingly popular
The trend for premium and unusual products continues for potted plants and cut flowers alike. In the case of potted plants, more and more premium products are being auctioned in larger pots. Auction customers are particularly interested in unusual products, niche products and high quality products when it comes to cut flowers.

"Together active” summer and international interest
A highlight for the auction’s customers and suppliers was June's “Together active” event in the foyer in Straelen-Herongen during which a total of 17 suppliers presented their current products and were available to respond to questions and ideas in person. As part of the event the contents of the recent new edition of the customer magazine “Rhein-Maas Temperamente” were showcased in the lobby. Attendance at IFTEX in Kenya and participation in the Salon du Végétal trade fair in France also produced valuable discussions and international interest.

For more information:
Veiling Rhein-Maas
[email protected]
www.veilingrheinmaas.com