The greenhouse at Janity Flowers in Bruchem, Netherlands, is full of white chrysanthemums. Kennedy, introduced to the market by Dekker Exclusive about seven years ago, remains one of the most popular chrysanthemum varieties. Eight growers in the Netherlands cultivate this variety, but at Janity Flowers, a proud member of Decorum Flowers & Plants, Kennedy is the sole variety in the greenhouse. The Cream variety is marketed as 'Decorum Only.'
Erik van Wijk, sales manager at Janity Flowers
Top pressure
The current period is one of peak demand for Janity Flowers, though the busiest rush is now behind them, with the peak occurring between February 13 and 19. In just 10 days, nearly a million stems were harvested and shipped. "Demand for white chrysanthemums is extremely high during this period, especially with the surge around International Women's Day," explains Erik van Wijk, sales manager at Janity Flowers. "Countries like Kazakhstan, Poland, Ukraine, and Romania have the highest demand, but the bulk of sales go to Eastern Europe."
Logistics
Erik adds that the logistics of exporting these flowers can sometimes be challenging. "The chrysanthemums are sold to wholesalers through Dutch exporters, who then send them by truck to Eastern Europe. This journey can take up to two weeks, mainly due to long queues at border controls. Last year, in some cases, delivery took up to four days longer than expected. Fortunately, the chrysanthemums are robust, which is why they're so popular in Eastern Europe."
Erik van Wijk and Warja Abrosimova
Dye
"Besides their long shelf life, the ability to dye the flowers is another key feature of Kennedy chrysanthemums," says Warja Abrosimova as we walk through the greenhouse. "In Poland, for example, they are often dyed in various colors, a process that takes about two hours." This flexibility allows Janity Flowers to meet demand for different colors when the need for white chrysanthemums decreases.
In Eastern Europe, heavier, sturdier chrysanthemums are preferred, while in the UK, lighter varieties are favored. As a result, the flowers at Janity Flowers are carefully sorted according to weight and quality. To optimize growing conditions, the greenhouse uses LED lighting and advanced humidity control systems.
For more information:
Janity Flowers 
Viaductweg 10
5314 LK Bruchem
+31 (0)6 31 97 29 79
[email protected]
www.janityflowers.nl