Pot orchids are still very popular in the Netherlands and in Europe, especially the phalaenopsis. That's why the turnover at the Royal FloraHolland auction is so high. In 2020, the total turnover of pot- orchids was 445 million euro (120 million pieces), of which 400 million euro (119 pieces) was generated by the phalaenopsis only. The total turnover is -6.2% lower compared to last year, however, the total amount of plants sold were even lower, -11%, showing that the average price per plant was higher.
This is explained by Cor Middelkoop, Product Manager pot- orchids at Royal FloraHolland during a presentation at the 2021 Taiwan International Orchid Expo Forum/Symposium in the Convention Center in Tainan on March 8th. At this symposium, 200 industry members attended. In this article, more information on the market development of pot orchids and in the video below, the entire recording of the Forum/Symposium.
For the presentation of Cor Middelkoop, see 7:49 min till 19.25 min
Share in houseplant group is decreasing
At FloraHolland, the houseplants have the highest turnover of all. Pot orchids are popular, but not as popular as the green plants. These are increasing year by year and the demand for orchids is rather stable. Therefore, the share of pot orchids in the group of houseplants decreased.
Impact COVID-19 - less pieces
Also the amount of orchids is decreasing and this downward trend that started in 2019 continued in 2020. Last year, there were 13.4 million phalaenopsis pieces less traded by Royal FloraHolland. However, this is not only caused by less production, Middelkoop explains. "The corona pandemic started in week 12. From week 12 till week 17 there were no sales possible in Europe. All the lockdowns in this continent resulted in that a lot of production of all kind of plants and flowers had to be thrown a way. When looking at the phalaenopsis, we are missing 4-5 million pieces of phalaenopsis and this is because of two reasons; the major reason is the many batches that have been thrown away and the other is that growers cut back the spikes."
Higher prices
However, the benefit of lower production or the lower amount of pieces traded is the increase in price. In 2020, the average prices overall was 3,65 (+6%). "The scarcity of phalaenopsis made the price go up. Traders were buying a lot of phalaenopsis in the following weeks, also in summer, which is not always a good period for selling." Scarcity also caused that there was less supply in front of the clock; 7,5 million pieces less (-30%). As a result, the prices increased by 17.5 percent.
Phalaenopsis: 12 cm is most popular size, 3 spike plants is up in popularity
When looking at the pot sizes in which the phalaenopsis is produced, the most important size is still the 12 cm. Last year, the amount of plants produced in this or the other sizes decreased. When looking at the number flower spikes, more than 60 percent of the plants in the Netherlands are grown with two spikes, However, the Dutch growers want to go to a higher quality plant and therefore, one can see an increase in 3 spike plant of 4%. This type of phalaenopsis is becoming more popular in Europe and in the Netherlands, Middelkoop explains.
The in-person Forum/Symposium in the Convention Center in Tainan on March 8th
Other pot-orchid varieties
9 out of the 10 pot orchids sold in Europe are phaleanopsis., but this does not make the other pot-orchid varieties less important. In 2020, the average price overall was 4.27 euro (+0.5%). Other pot orchid growers prefer directly to sell to the buyer because of difference at the clock and by direct, selling is too big. Supply at the clock by other pot orchids decreased as well (by -14%). When looking at the other pot-orchids traded at FloraHolland in general, there were 1.3 million pieces less traded (-10.7%).
In group of other orchid varieties, the largest share is by dendrobium noble;30%. In 2020, there was more production of cymbidium, cambria and ocydium. and less production of dendrobium nobile, cattlaya, plaptopia and ludicia.
Expectation 2021
When looking at 2021 and the expectations for this year, Middelkoop will base the expectations on a normal year, so that it won't be too much influenced by COVID-19. So, when looking to 2021, they compare with 2019. So, what to expect for 2021? "Further reduction in production of phalaenopsis (-7%) as this is important for a better price. Also, we expect the amount of 3 spikes to increase and sustainable production is becoming even more important for the European consumer. Moreover, new varieties and new flower colors remain very important and price and production of other pot orchids will remain the same.
Eager to see some orchids from Taiwanese growers?
At the 2021 Taiwan Orchid Commercial Varieties Online Display, there will be over 300 orchid varieties from various growers on display. These orchids are filmed in a 3-D fashion to establish a virtual trading platform for growers and buyers to conduct business online.
For more details about 2021 Taiwan Orchid Commercial Varieties Online Display, please visit https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=HfGYjiiSqPy
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