Exports of flowers and plants decreased slightly in the first quarter of 2023 compared to last year. The export value of flowers and plants was about 694 million euros in February 2023, down 10% from the same month in 2022. In March 2023, the export value was 751 million euros (+1%). This was the first time export value grew again since April 2022. This is according to export figures published by Floridata, commissioned by the Association of Wholesalers in Floricultural Products (VGB).
Auction sales of cut flowers that are grown in the Netherlands declined (-4%) in the first quarter of 2023 compared to a year earlier. February 2023, in particular, saw a particularly sharp drop in sales (-15%) for flowers grown in the Netherlands at Royal Floraholland. March 2023 sales increased (+9%), partly due to strong demand and an increase in average cut flower prices.
Sales of Dutch-grown potted plants at the Royal Floraholland auction also decreased (-2%) in the first quarter of 2023. Through February 2023, auction sales were still 5.5% lower compared to last year. Houseplant sales had not increased since February 2022. The sales increase (+5%) in March 2023 thus seems to be the beginning of a recovery. The increase in sales in March was driven by both a higher average price and an increase in supply.
Sales of garden plants grown in the Netherlands at the auction Royal FloraHolland declined (-8%) in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the year before. The relatively mild winter resulted in an increase in numbers sold (+2%) and a slight increase in average prices in February 2023; consequently, sales in this month increased slightly (+3%). However, auction sales for garden plants in March 2023 were much lower (-12%) than a year earlier. The poor results in March weighed heavily on total auction sales in the first quarter.
Source: Agrimate