Although some of you might prefer to leave 2020 behind, we're looking back one last time. As COVID-19 had a significant impact on the industry, it may not come as a surprise that our top 10 is nearly completely filled with COVID-19 related articles. The figures clearly show that the industry has been desperately seeking for information on rules and the impact internationally. Also a lot of interest has been showed for the many promotional activities that have been organized.
So - are you ready? Here we go. Below are the best read articles of 2020*.
1. Floral Industry, considered as essential or non-essential?
Being an essential or non-essential sector. Last year, and particularly in the beginning of the pandemic, it has been one of the major questions in the industry. Not only between, but also within countries, it was not always clear if the floral industry was considered “non-essential”.
2. Thai orchids conquering the world
It all started with exporting all kinds of orchid plants and flowers supplied by several growers in Thailand. Then, in addition, he started to grow the most popular varieties in his own greenhouse in Thailand and now, 2 years later, he grows almost all orchid species in this greenhouse, and the beginning of 2020, he established import companies in the US and the Netherlands. This is the story Nicolas, who established Thai exporting company The Amazing Flowers of Victoria in 2017. This is the second most read article of last year and actually the one of the few in our top 10 that is not COVID-19 related.
(Source picture: Royal FloraHolland)
3. Ornamental industry trying to survive COVID-19 frenzy
Monday March 16, 2020 is for many in the industry considered as Black Monday. Demand and prices at the auction plummeted and chaos was created. This article was published on March 16 and gives an impression of the chaos that was created by the, at that time, still quite unknown virus.
4. Coronavirus impacts international flower trade
The next most read article is the one published on February 5. At that time, the first affects of the coronavirus were becoming visible in the Flower Trade. In this article, we talked with several growers and other members in the industry.
Pictures sent to us by KF Bioplants.
5. Indian floriculture industry crumbles due to COVID-19
Also in India, the floral industry is affected by the pandemic. This article was published on April 14, 2020 and shows the impact of the pandemic. At that time, it was the wedding season in India and the most crucial period for flowers sales. However, due to COVID-19, all these big fat events were cancelled. This resulted in a dark and bleak future for the flower growers and the florists. Already we were fighting against the rampant use of artificial flowers and now it’s corona, KF Bioplants told us. "The grower’s backbone is completely gone... how can we survive and sustain? The situation is so grave that flowers are being harvested and fed to animals or in some places; due to no labor to harvest, cattle are allowed in greenhouses for grazing."
6. Rules about florists opening during lockdown in England
The industry is desperately seeking to answers. Therefore, this article, published by Cambridge news.co.uk on the rules about florists opening during the second lockdown in England belongs in the top 10.
7. Impact COVID-19 per exporting country
On March 24, the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture published an update on the impact of the pandemic on several exporting countries. This article was shared on the Royal FloraHolland webpage and again shows that the industry was desperately looking for a clear view of the situation all over the world.
8. Industry unites to boost sales of flowers and plants
This article was published on March 16 and at that time. worldwide, the demand for flowers is historically low, affecting the producing countries. As a result of the high throughput percentages and the poor price formation on the clocks, Dutch flower auction Royal FloraHolland tightened the supply regulations, all Kenyan farms reduced their volumes to below 70 percent (according to the Kenya Flower Council) and the demand for flowers in Ecuador was down by almost 60 percent (Expoflores reported).
Despite the challenging situation the industry is in, it's not stopping them from spreading the joy of flowers. Bunches are being donated and initiatives arise to stimulate flower sales. The Netherlands is probably a forerunner in this, but also in other countries, the sector is doing their utmost to keep flowers and plants in the minds of the consumers by also pointing out the (mental) health benefits of flowers and plants.
9. Mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on Kenya’s Floriculture Industry
This article was published on March 23 The world is experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting world economies in unprecedented ways. It may be too early to determine the actual long-term impact on supply chains and the Kenyan economy, but what’s evident is that the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak has begun taking hold in Kenya, with businesses and their employees suddenly confronting a harsh new reality of what lies ahead. This is much more defined in agriculture, particularly the fresh produce industry.
10. Fred C. Gloeckner & Co. transfers open orders to Ball Seed
The other non-COVID article that belongs in this top 10 as the article about Fred C. Gloeckner & Co. transfers open orders to Ball Seed. It was announced on December 1, 2020. That month, owner, President and CEO of Fred C. Gloeckner & Company Inc., Joseph A. Simone, has made definite his plans for retirement from the distribution industry and announced an agreement with Ball Horticultural Company to transfer its open orders to Ball Seed, the leading horticultural distributor in North America.
Other articles that are part of the top 50 are:
11. World Floral Expo postponed to 2021
12. Photo report: IPM Essen 2020
13. China's flower industry is picking up
14. In memoriam Harry Kloppenburg
15. The journey of dracaena marginata
16. US: Supermarkets back in the market for flowers
17. "UK horticultural sector could be wiped out by shut down in just weeks"
18. Mexico: Fresh rose in a globe going global
19. Innovative technique extends vase life increasing consumer interest in roses
20. Kenya: Flowers of Hope to save thousands of farm jobs
21. "Flower industry is picking up quite quickly with peak in online sales"
22. Sunshine Bouquet acquires Esmeralda Group
23. "It will take 4 to 5 years before the industry is back at the 2019-level"
24. Costa Farms’ Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’ chosen as favorite new foliage plant at TPIE 2020
25. Kenya: Sian introduces summer flowers from new farm
26. UK garden centres expected to reopen from 13 May
27. The impact of COVID-19 on Kenyan flower industry
28. Beekenkamp Plants grows in North America
29. American flower industry suffering staggering losses
30. Ethiopian farms shut down amid unrest following murder
31. How to sell flowers during the coronavirus
32. "A rose every lady deserves"
33. Kenya: "We even gained more direct clients"
34. China's largest high-tech rose project to be completed by Spring 2021
35. Coronavirus continues to disrupt flower business
36. Growers worldwide hope for better times
37. Royal FloraHolland tightens supply regulation
38. Colombian rose farm hit by a hail storm
39. India: "Success is all about growing together with others"
40. Online B2B flower platform thrives in the midst of COVID-19
41. US (PA): Grower bounces back after last-minute cancellations
42. Survey on impact COVID-19 on floriculture industry
43. How the coronavirus has impacted the rose industry in Ecuador
44. How is COVID-19 affecting Kenya?
45. Kenya: Van Den Berg Roses' dealing with floods due to heavy rainfall
46. "No evidence that COVID-19 can infect a plant"
47. Costa Farms supplies thousands of commercially rare plants in new collection
48. Kenyan growers looking to broaden transportation horizons
49. COVID-19 updates from around the world
50. 84% of flower shops in US plan to open for Mother's Day
*Our list contains only articles that were published in 2020, not articles that were clicked on in 2020.